Julie Bezold, OTD, program director and professor of the occupational therapy assistant program, SCF.

Julie Bezold grew up in Pennsylvania and felt a strong purpose to improve people’s lives. She studied, trained and pursued gratifying careers in occupational therapy and higher education. She has over 28 years of practice experience and over 13 years of academic leadership and teaching experience.  

“I chose occupational therapy because it is a profession that works with individuals across the lifespan, helping them become as independent as possible after an injury, illness or condition,” said Bezold. “It is a creative field that focuses on functioning and activities of daily living.”

Dedicated to learning and leading in the health profession field, Bezold earned her associate of science degree in occupational therapy (OT) from Pennsylvania State University, her bachelor’s degree in OT from the University of Tennessee-Health Science Center College of Medicine and her clinical doctorate in OT degree from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Utah. She is active in a local breast cancer organization and professional groups, including the American Occupational Therapy Association, the Florida Occupational Therapy Association and the Occupational Therapy South Bay Forum. 

Bezold joined State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota in Bradenton in September 2021. She is the program director and professor of the occupational therapy assistant (OTA) program at SCF. Her roles include teaching first- and second-year OTA students about patient care and supporting accreditation requirements and program outcomes.

SCF’s OTA program prepares students for employment with health care teams that teach patients the skills needed to live independent, meaningful lives. Graduates earn an Associate in Science in OTA degree and are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Past graduates have consistently achieved a 100% pass rate on the NBCOT exam.

“It is rewarding to watch students work hard, achieve their goals and ultimately walk across the stage at graduation,” Bezold said.

Bezold admires SCF’s caring and supportive nature and its students’ determination. She encourages students to maintain a healthy balance between focusing on their studies and taking care of their mental health and wellness.

“SCF has a small, family-like environment that is welcoming and supportive,” she said. “I’ve seen students go through grief, abuse and not having a home. These students are not only working hard to get an education but also working harder to survive mentally and physically.”

During her free time, Bezold concentrates on her priorities, interests and self-care. She loves running half-marathons, fishing, kayaking, listening to music, hanging out with her dogs and watching her grown children pursue their dreams.

Bezold hopes to be remembered for her passion for living life to the fullest and contributing to society.

“Teaching is giving back to future occupational therapy assistants,” Bezold said.