The vast majority of Adventist University graduates answered “very much so” or “yes” to the question “does your work make the world a better place?”

As soon as the patient tripped, a hard fall was inevitable. Her walker was of no help, and for someone already injured, such a hard fall could be very damaging.

That’s where Alisha Clements, graduate from the Occupational Therapy Assistant program, came in. It was in the middle of a therapy session and Clements caught the patient before she fell and hit her head on the wall or floor.

“She said 'you saved me, you’re my angel,'” Clements recalled of the patient’s reaction. “It was a really fulfilling experience.”

Clements isn’t the only graduate of Adventist University of Health Sciences that has experienced this kind of fulfillment in the workplace.

According to PayScale’s 2012-13 College Salary Report, 97 percent of Adventist University graduates experience “high job meaning.” In other words, 97 percent of Adventist University graduates answered “very much so” or “yes” to the question “does your work make the world a better place?”

This is the highest percentage of any of the 1,058 schools in the study, which represents 77 percent of all schools in the U.S. with more than 2,000 students.

Once students become healthcare professionals, they have a daily opportunity to interact with and help patients. In every class at Adventist University, students learn the responsibility attached to this opportunity, which for many is the difference between just doing a job and truly making an impact.

“In my program the teachers instilled a passion in us,” Clements said. “We’re there as God’s servants to the patients and we’re there to make a difference.”

-by Sarah Crowder