Microcredentials: Rural Health in Occupational Therapy

MICROCREDENTIAL PROGRAMMING

Presented by Erin Bales, OTD, OTR/L, ASDCS and Logan Fields, OTD, OTR/L

1 contact hour

Description:

This course explores occupational therapy practice in rural settings, with an emphasis on how geography, labor patterns, and historical factors shape access to services and participation in meaningful occupations. Participants will reflect on their own professional roles and identities when working within rural communities and develop culturally responsive, client-centered approaches. The course also focuses on designing sustainable interventions and building interdisciplinary resource networks that align with rural values, needs, and lived realities.

Objectives:

• Analyze how rural geography, labor patterns, historical mistrust, and living conditions within rural communities contribute to occupational deprivation, marginalization, and client outcomes.
• Evaluate how personal social identities, communication style, and professional roles influence rapport, engagement, and effectiveness when working with rural communities.
• Apply culturally responsive and client-centered strategies, including shared decision-making, to design interventions that honor rural clients’ lived experiences and values.
• Create sustainable, interdisciplinary resource networks and context-informed interventions to support meaningful occupational participation in rural settings.

Presenter Bios:

Erin Bales earned her entry-level occupational therapy degree from The Ohio State University in 2002 and her post-professional doctorate degree from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, Utah in 2015. Erin is a former instructor at The Ohio State University at School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences in the Division of Occupational Therapy, and at Kettering College of Medical Arts having taught courses related to pediatric and school-age interventions, advocacy and occupational justice, and professional behavior/healthcare ethics. She currently serves at the Program Director in the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program at Wilmington College. Erin enjoys developing new community-based programs such as the Wilmington College Therapeutic Riding Camp. Leisure occupations Erin enjoys are hobby farming, beekeeping, hiking, reading, and flower gardening.

Logan Fields is a board certified and licensed occupational therapist, specializing in adult outpatient and acute care settings. Logan earned his Bachelor of Science in natural science from Shawnee State University. Logan continued his studies at Shawnee State University to earn his Master of Occupational Therapy degree and Post-Professional Doctorate degree. Logan has served the rural population, practicing occupational therapy at Highland District hospital before transitioning to Wilmington College. Logan’s professional interests include researching and implementing occupational therapy strategies to better serve rural and underserved populations. Logan’s leisure occupations include reading, obstacle course races/mud runs, and spending time with friends and family.