Allie Turner, OTD, OTR/L, CKTP, CEIM

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language, Minor in Biology, East Tennessee State University
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, Milligan University
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), Eastern Kentucky University

Summary

Dr. Turner is an Assistant Professor and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator in the Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) Program at Presbyterian College. She brings more than 14 years of clinical experience as a licensed occupational therapist and extensive expertise in clinical education, fieldwork development, and student mentorship.

In addition to her academic role, Dr. Turner continues to practice in acute care, providing her with valuable insight into contemporary healthcare delivery and evidence-based occupational therapy practice. Her clinical background spans acute care, neurological rehabilitation, pediatrics, discharge planning, and interdisciplinary team-based care. She is recognized for her collaborative teaching approach, commitment to student success, and innovative educational initiatives, including interdisciplinary learning experiences, international fieldwork opportunities, and the development of clinical competency escape rooms to enhance student readiness for fieldwork. She is a Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner®, Certified Educator of Infant Massage, and an active contributor to occupational therapy education and professional development.

As Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, Dr. Turner has cultivated numerous clinical partnerships and developed innovative fieldwork initiatives that support student success and professional readiness. She played a key role in the development of fieldwork systems and documentation that contributed to the OTD program’s successful accreditation. Known for her collaborative and student-centered approach, she is dedicated to creating meaningful experiential learning opportunities that bridge classroom knowledge with clinical application.

Dr. Turner is an active contributor to the profession through scholarship, professional presentations, peer review activities, and community engagement. Her commitment to service, innovation, and excellence in education was recognized through Presbyterian College’s Class of 1969 Service Excellence Award.

Research or Areas of Specialty

Dr. Turner’s scholarly interests focus on clinical education, fieldwork preparation, experiential learning, neurodiversity, and interprofessional collaboration. Her current work explores strategies to support neurodivergent learners in academic and workplace environments, innovative approaches to clinical competency development, and the role of interdisciplinary partnerships in enhancing educational and healthcare outcomes.

Her areas of clinical expertise include acute care occupational therapy, neurological rehabilitation, pediatric practice, caregiver education, adaptive equipment, clinical reasoning, and professional preparation for fieldwork and entry-level practice. Through both teaching and research, Dr. Turner is committed to preparing future occupational therapists to deliver evidence-based, client-centered care in diverse practice settings.