Professor Named First Idaho Occupational Therapist to Earn Board Certification in Geriatrics

The Master of Occupational Therapy Program is proud to announce that Dr. Amanda Henscheid, assistant professor and associate chair, is the first and only occupational therapist in the state of Idaho to earn Board Certification in Gerontology. This certification is offered by the American Occupational Therapy Association to demonstrate excellence in the practice area of gerontology. The process to earn this certification includes demonstrating eligibility based on licensure and experience providing occupational therapy services to older adults as well as a rigorous certification exam.

Dr. Henscheid states she was motivated to earn this certification because she is passionate about providing high quality occupational therapy services, particularly services to address cognition and mental health, to older adults to enable them to live life to the fullest.

“Too often older adults experience declines in their ability to engage in the activities that are meaningful to them, whether that is caring for themselves in their homes or participating in preferred activities in the community, due to acute and chronic illnesses," Henscheid explains. "This is true despite there being many evidence-based interventions occupational therapists can provide to remediate or compensate for the effects of these health conditions. I’m excited to share my passion for serving this population with our occupational therapy students at ISU, and for the opportunities this certification will provide for me to advocate for and work with the older adults in our community.“

Please consider joining Dr. Henscheid to learn more about her specialty practice area at the ISU Thomas Geriatric Symposium this fall.