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Jim Dennis

Jim Dennis

Multiple Companies

Career Roadmap

Jim's work combines: Education, Science, and Helping People

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Day In The Life

Occupational Therapist

Home Health Care: improving independence for adults who are recovering from various illnesses and diseases.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

    Westmoor High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Occupational Therapy

    Skyline College

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Occupational Therapy

    College of San Mateo

  • Graduate Degree

    Occupational Therapy

    San Jose State University

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Occupational Therapist:

Bachelor's Degree: Occupational Therapy

Bachelor's Degree: Occupational Therapy

Graduate Degree: Occupational Therapy

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life took a while to figure out

  • 1.

    I had to move away from home to go to the university that had the degree I was seeking.

  • 2.

    I was married and then had a child during my college years.

  • 3.

    I had to work for free for 6 months during my internship and then had to work at night and the weekends to pay for living expenses.

  • 4.

    I injured my knee in college and had to search for a non-invasive way to heal it.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Teachers:

    You might not be suited for this profession.

  • How I responded:

    I heard that there were a few professors and Occupational Therapy preceptors who felt that I might not be suited for this profession. I kept my eye on the prize and didn't let any naysayers get in my way. I was determined to become an OT.

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • I had to take out a student loan to pay for my education.

  • I did not have anyone in my family circle who went to college, or even encouraged me to go to college.