After more than 20 years as an occupational therapy (OT) clinician working across school-based settings, Amanda Noble knew she wanted to take the next step into academia. Currently, Noble is a visiting assistant professor at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. However, the journey that got her there started with Pitt OT’s flexible and innovative Doctor of Clinical Science in Occupational Therapy (CScD) program.
Finding the Right Fit for a Working OT
Noble’s path to Pitt began during an interview.
“I interviewed someone who was starting the CScD program at Pitt,” she recalls. “It sounded like exactly what I needed to reach my career goals. The program was designed for working professionals that would deepen my knowledge and strengthen my clinical practice and help initiate my academic career.”
As a full-time therapist, program director and mom, flexibility was key. Pitt’s program offered online evening classes one-to-two times a week and built-in support for professionals balancing work, life and learning.
“It was a great balance for me,” Noble says. “I could continue my career while advancing it.”
Learning to Implement Change
Noble was drawn to the program’s focus on the implementation of science, which is the study of how to effectively bring ideas and evidence-based interventions into real-world practice.
“For years, I had great ideas that didn’t quite launch,” she explains. “The program helped me identify why and how to approach challenges differently.”
Courses in the CScD curriculum like Theories of Change, Evidence Interpretation for Implementation, and Advocacy for Implementationhelped her reframe how she thought about problem-solving, program development and professional leadership.
“It made me a stronger clinician and a better advocate for our field,” Noble notes.
Preparing for Academia
From the start, Noble was clear about her goal to teach occupational therapy courses. The Teaching Pedagogy Badge, an option in the CScD program, gave her practical preparation for university-level teaching including course design and learning about the interview process for academic positions.
“The interviews were unlike anything I’d experienced clinically. The CScD program prepared me for what to expect and helped me stand out.”
– Amanda Noble
The CScD degree program’s curriculum is designed so that students also earn the Advanced Certification in Implementation of Evidence in Clinical Practice. Noble states this additional certificate strengthened her CV and gave her a unique edge in the job market.
Capstone Spotlight: Building Collaboration in Schools
Noble’s capstone project focused on her school-based roots. Over the course of a school year, she developed and piloted an interdisciplinary group model within elementary school classrooms with autistic students.
“I wanted to understand teacher and speech therapy perspectives and how we could collaborate more effectively to support students while working towards all of our own goals for the student,” she explains.
The project not only led to meaningful outcomes in practice but also earned her the opportunity to present her findings at the American Occupational Therapy Association and the Occupational Therapy Association of California conferences.
Noble’s next goal is to publish her capstone findings.
Mentorship That Lasts Beyond Graduation
Noble credits much of her growth to her mentors, particularly Ketki Raina, vice chair for Academic Affairs, and Pamela Toto, director of the Doctor of Clinical Science in Occupational Therapy program, who supported her from her first meeting through graduation and beyond.
“They challenged my thinking in the best ways. Even now, I still reach out for advice as I work toward publishing. The mentorship and network you gain through Pitt are incredible.”
– Amanda Noble
Advice for Future Students
For those considering the program, Noble emphasizes the supportive cohort experience and manageable workload.
“Our cohort was small and close-knit,” she says. “We supported each other even across time zones and busy schedules.”
She also highlights the program’s dual focus on academic and clinical growth.
“Even after 20 years as a clinician, I learned to think more critically about evidence and research. It made me a stronger therapist and faculty candidate.”
Looking Ahead
Now at the University of Puget Sound, Noble is focused on establishing her academic career and continuing her research in school-based and feeding therapy. She’s also planning to get involved with the Washington Occupational Therapy Association to share her work locally.
“I’m just grateful to be where I am,” she says. “The CScD program helped me reach my goals and reignited my love for OT.”
Learn More
Interested in learning more about Pitt OT’s Doctor of Clinical Science (CScD) in Occupational Therapy? Connect with Pamela Toto, program director, at PET3@pitt.edu, to explore how the CScD can fit your professional and academic goals.
