Step into a career that restores independence and purpose. In this episode of The SHIFT Podcast, Saxton sits down with OTA Director Piper and 2nd year OTA student Ryan Wilson to explore the Occupational Therapy Assistant pathway. From hands-on learning and fieldwork to real student advice and career insight, discover what it takes to succeed in this impactful healthcare field. Small shifts, big impact.

Episode 1 — Host Saxton Keitt and Dean Donna Whitehouse introduce The SHIFT Podcast: a hub for clear, accessible info about Nashville State’s School of Health Sciences. They outline available programs (Nursing, OTA, Central Sterile, Surgical Tech, Healthcare Management, Medical Coding, plus new EMS and Surgical Tech certificates), explain the podcast’s goals—clarity, transparency, and student support—and invite listener engagement (questions for future episodes, peer mentoring, clubs, and a “Why I Chose My Program” voice memo campaign). Follow for season previews and interviews with faculty, students, alumni, and healthcare professionals.