ATSU’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program provides tools for success
Posted: February 7, 2025
A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) student Shaunna Erickson, ’26, aspires to become a great occupational therapist. ATSU-ASHS’ Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program is preparing her to achieve her goal.
“The Occupational Therapy department faculty and professors are tremendously wonderful and provide so many resources for students to grow academically and clinically,” Erickson said. “It’s apparent they truly want us to succeed. While I’m still early in my education, the ATSU professors have been helpful in their personal clinical experiences and discussing scenarios in labs and lectures.”
Erickson is from Cresco, Iowa, and has an exercise science degree from University of Iowa. She became impressed with ATSU-ASHS during her application process, as the program was willing to hold her accepted seat for a year.
“I quickly learned how devoted their faculty is to its students and soon fell in love with the master’s program and the idea of moving to Arizona for my occupational therapy degree,” she said.
Erickson is an executive board member with the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) and a student ambassador.
“I really enjoyed having another Iowa student ambassador reach out to me throughout my onboarding process,” Erickson said. “I quickly learned I was not the only one moving from the midwest to Arizona, which is nice knowing you’re not alone when moving across the country!”
In her spare time, Erickson enjoys high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts, hiking, rollerblading, disc golf, cooking, being with friends, and playing with her cat, Oscar.
On campus, she enjoys opportunities afforded to ATSU students to broaden their experiences and prepare them to serve their future communities.
“I enjoy the many volunteer opportunities and resources ATSU provides for students to engage more in the Arizona community, while ensuring our mental and physical well-being are well maintained and supported,” she said. “I also loved the many student life activities such as flag football and meeting new friends from different program cohorts!”
