Davenport University OT graduates find their calling at Mary Free Bed Hospital

This is one of a series of articles published during April, Occupational Therapy Month.

For Rachel Atwater and Rachel Lanser, becoming occupational therapists wasn't just a career move, it was a calling shaped by the distinctive, hands-on training they received through Davenport University's Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program. Today, both are living out that mission at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, one of the most prestigious rehabilitation systems in the country.

Mary Free Bed is the nation's most comprehensive rehabilitation provider in the United States. Ranked among the top 10 rehabilitation hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, it serves 100,000 patients each year. For both Rachel Atwater and Rachel Lanser, it's where preparation from Davenport met purpose.

Atwater, a 2022 MSOT graduate, currently works with older adults recovering from surgeries, heart attacks and strokes. She credits the MSOT program's clinical lab and real-world approach for giving her a strong foundation.

"We learned a lot about the conditions elderly individuals are most likely to face," Atwater said. "That coursework gave me such a solid understanding of the challenges my current patients are dealing with. It directly connects to the work I do every day."

Lanser, who graduated in December 2016 as part of Davenport's inaugural MSOT class. She has primarily worked in inpatient rehab with adults recovering from spinal cord injuries and recently transitioned into a new role supporting home and community-based therapy. She said Davenport's approach to anatomy and fieldwork gave her a unique advantage early in her career.

"One thing that was unique to Davenport at the time was the anatomy coursework," Lanser said. "We had two anatomy and science classes - one covering the whole body and another focused specifically on the brain. Most programs treat anatomy as a prerequisite and don't go into it again. But Davenport went in-depth, and that gave me such a solid foundation going into my job."

That foundation proved critical as she stepped into a highly specialized role. "When I went to work on the spinal cord team, having that knowledge really helped me get off on the right foot," she said.

Lanser also highlighted the program's fieldwork structure as a standout feature. "We did three different Level I fieldwork rotations, and one of them was a one-month full-time immersion," she said. "That was incredibly helpful. You really got a feel for the setting you were in. It was more impactful than a few hours a week. It felt like a real preview of what to expect in the field."

Both alumnae praised Davenport's small class sizes and close-knit culture, which they say encouraged deeper learning and stronger connections.

"At Davenport, you're not just a number," Atwater said. "You really get to connect with your professors and receive meaningful feedback. That makes a huge difference."

Lanser echoed that sentiment, recalling that her cohort was fewer than 30 students. "It made a big difference in our learning experience. We all had the same schedule and got to know each other well. It enhanced the entire program."

Atwater also credited Davenport's faculty mentorship model for supporting her growth. "Students are paired with faculty mentors to talk through academics and career goals," she said. "My mentor was so knowledgeable and supportive. It really helped me stay grounded throughout the program."

Now working in one of the country's top rehabilitation hospitals, both women see a direct connection between their education at Davenport and their current success.

"Davenport set me up for success, and Mary Free Bed is continuing that success for me," Atwater said. "They provide such an encouraging and comforting environment.. I've really found my home here."

The mission of Davenport's MSOT program is to graduate skilled, compassionate therapists prepared to meet patient needs with empathy and clinical excellence. Stories like Lanser's and Atwater's demonstrate the university's commitment to training professionals who are ready to lead and to care.

For more information about Davenport University's Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program, visit davenport.edu/msot.