From the moment Yakima-based occupational therapist and entrepreneur Jonathon Harrison learned that Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences was developing a School of Occupational Therapy (SOT), he knew he wanted to help somehow. Quickly, he reached out to Dr. Heather Fritz, founding director of the developing health sciences program, to see how he could assist development efforts.
Soon after, Harrison’s company Northwest Work Options — a local skilled therapy service — became the first organization to sign a letter of intent to host future PNWU occupational therapy students.
“Occupational therapy degree programs all require students to complete a total of six months of full-time clinical learning experiences across a range of settings,” explained Dr. Fritz. “Programs simply cannot deliver high-quality curricula without the generous support of clinical partners. At the same time, we need to ensure we are partnering with organizations that share our values and standards for quality. Our partnership with Northwest Work Options is a win-win. Jon and his team provide high-quality services that complement our curriculum and address a significant need in the valley.”
“The first clinical agreement is a major milestone,” added PNWU-SOT Director of Clinical Education Jami Flick. “Jon’s commitment to future OT students will help us build the healthcare workforce in the Yakima Valley and surrounding communities.”
As part of the program’s development process, program leaders must show the accrediting body that PNWU has secured agreements with a minimum of 80 clinical partners to host our students in 2025, Flick explained. “It’s a daunting task to develop that many relationships when many organizations are just trying to make it day to day during this pandemic,” she added, “so committing to students that far out is a big ask.”
“I have discovered that some people cannot participate in the activities that they want to, whether it be work, hobbies, or even the basic daily activities that we sometimes take for granted like getting dressed or driving,” Harrison said of his decision to support PNWU’s developing program. “I have been looking for a way to give back to and do more in the community where I live, and partnering with an industry-leading educational organization such as PNWU is an amazing opportunity for us to give back to the community through practical, hands-on experiences for their students.”
If interested in helping the School of Occupational Therapy secure clinical placements for their candidacy application, please contact Jami Flick, MS, OTR/L at jflick@pnwu.edu for more information.