Maddie Turner (’20) Serves Others Through Occupational Therapy
June 18, 2026 | 3 min read
For Maddie Turner (’20), attending Florida College meant traveling more than 2,500 miles from her home in Washington state. After spending years attending FC Oregon Camp, she was drawn to the opportunity to be surrounded by fellow Christians and build lasting friendships rooted in faith. Though moving across the country was intimidating, she determined to make Florida College her next step after high school.
At Florida College, Turner pursued a degree in liberal studies while exploring her long-term career goals. Although she had considered occupational therapy (OT) for several years, she did not fully commit to the profession until the end of her sophomore year. Once she made that decision, she worked closely with advisors and sought guidance from alumni already working in the field, allowing her to complete the prerequisite coursework needed for admission to an occupational therapy program.
Turner credits Florida College with helping her develop the independence and self-discipline that prepared her for the demands of graduate school.
“I felt very prepared going into my master’s program,” Turner said. “There’s a lot of support at FC, but students still have to stay self-motivated. The rigor of some of the upper-division classes was definitely comparable to the work I did in grad school.”
After graduating from Florida College, Turner enrolled at Milligan University in Tennessee, where she earned a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2023. She then returned to Washington and began working at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital, helping patients regain independence after major illnesses, injuries, and other life-altering medical events.
For Turner, one of the most rewarding aspects of the profession was the opportunity to walk alongside patients throughout their recovery journeys and celebrate their progress.
“My job was challenging at times, but extremely rewarding,” Turner said. “I was able to work with individuals every day for weeks at a time, build relationships with them, and watch them progress and meet goals that ultimately helped them return home safely.”
Since then, Turner has transitioned into travel occupational therapy, taking short-term assignments in healthcare settings across the country. Her first contract brought her to Waco, Texas, where she worked in acute care and inpatient rehabilitation. She now serves patients in North Carolina at a skilled nursing facility, helping individuals regain and maintain the daily skills needed for greater quality of life.
Reflecting on her experiences, Turner believes her Florida College experience shaped more than her academic and professional paths, but als how she approaches her faith in her everyday life. By observing classmates, professors, and mentors, she gained a deeper understanding of what it means to live out Christian principles through work, relationships, and service to others.
That impact inspired her to remain involved with Florida College after graduation. During the early years of the Young Alumni Council, Turner helped strengthen connections between alumni and current students, particularly by encouraging mentorship opportunities for students exploring future careers, a cause she remains passionate about today.
As she continues serving patients in healthcare settings across the country, Turner remains committed to helping others, building meaningful relationships, and reflecting the attitude of Christ wherever her work takes her.