Tahani Almutairi (MSOT ’23), who lives in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, shares her experience as a student who graduated from the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program, a two-term, 30-credit post-professional program designed for occupational therapists educated in the United States or internationally, who want to advance their knowledge and skills in a career they already love.
“We have internationally trained faculty who know what it is like to travel to a different country to pursue further education and the challenges that come with it. We have tailored our program to focus not only on academic development but also on the professional and personal growth of the student. Students often comment, even years later, how supported they felt while in the program.”
– Ketki Raina, associate professor and vice chair of Academic Affairs
Tahani, tell us about your current job. What do you find exciting and rewarding?
Currently, I work as a lecturer at King Saud University. Being a teacher is the most rewarding job ever. This job is helping me to achieve my goal, which is to advance occupational therapy practice in my country. Also, sharing my passion with new occupational therapists and investing in them to help our clients is an exciting thing about being a teacher.
Tell us about your background before coming to Pitt. What made you want to attend a graduate program? Why did you want to come to Pitt for this Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program?
I have always been interested in occupational therapy as a profession and how they serve the patients, deal with the patients, and intervene in all areas of their lives, even the smallest things. When I decided to study for higher degrees, I was looking for a program that would advance my expertise. The MS in OT program at Pitt provides its students with extremely beneficial courses in all aspects including clinical and research pathways. This is very important to practice evidence-based rehabilitation.
Did you feel supported by the faculty during your time in the program? If possible, can you name any faculty who supported you in this way?
During my study in the program, Professor Joanne Baird was and still is a great mentor and made a huge contribution to my experience in the program. She supported me in increasing my knowledge and passion for research. I believe this is what makes the MS in OT program so heterogeneous, as there is a great combination of expertise in both clinical and academic fields.
“I believe in the power of personal attention to nurture the aspirations of my students. Their journey to clinical and educational excellence is not just a solitary endeavor—it is a collective effort that brings immense joy, knowing that each step forward in their career goals is a step toward transforming lives. We take pride in ensuring that our students are supported within our program’s community, far beyond the classroom”
– Joanne Baird, professor
Continue reading our series on MSOT alumni with Mutrik Alajmi!
