Beth O’Rourke
Dr. Beth O’Rourke OTD, OTR/L, BCPR
Trine University – Brooks College of Health Professions
BS, Bowling Green State University; OTD, Belmont University
260-702-3595| orourkeb@trine.edu
In 2011, I graduated with my entry-level doctorate from Belmont University. The connections made during my Doctoral Capstone Experience led to a career in skilled nursing care with a focus on treating disorders of the nervous system. As my passion grew, I started working as a PRN OT in the acute care and inpatient rehabilitation facility setting. I had an incredible opportunity to help start a specialty program focusing on the needs of clients with Parkinson’s disease. Other clinical pursuits lead to working with experts in intensive care units and outpatient neurorehabilitation settings.
This passion for serving those with degenerative diseases and nervous system disorders led to several publications. As a clinician and educator, I am drawn to research and helping provide evidence to support approaches to care that yield positive patient outcomes.
I began my career in academia in 2014 as the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for a developing doctoral occupational therapy program. I served as the Doctoral Capstone Coordinator and Assistant Director of Academics during my six years in higher education. As the program director for Trine University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program, I am driven to build a robust, transparent team that implements effective communication with all stakeholders. Trine is privileged to offer several healthcare education programs shaping future healthcare providers. I am excited to work with students who will impact the lives of others.