Cabarrus College of Health Sciences was recently awarded a $23,997 grant from the NorthEast Foundation to purchase 3D printer technology for the Master of Occupational Therapy Program (MOT). Nancy Murphy, program chair of the MOT program, authored the grant after seeing first-hand the difference 3D technology can make when providing occupational therapy services to clients. In support of client centered, customized treatment, this technology is expected to become an essential tool for best-practice provision of occupational therapy services. “With this technology, students will have the ability to critically analyze client needs, design, and customize the creation of personalized adaptive equipment, orthotics, and prosthetics that will improve client function in performing daily living activities,” she said. Using 3D technology, a client’s hand for example, can be scanned and a customized splint created using the 3D printer. Not only can this technology promote a client-centered approach, but also support more cost-effective treatment.

Currently, the MOT program at Cabarrus College participates in a Student-Administered Occupational Therapy Clinic, located at the Community Free Clinic in Concord. With the addition of 3D technology, students will now be able to innovatively address the specific needs of the clients who visit the Clinic.