Pandemic Warriors: How WSU Applebaum is helping during COVID-19

From the earliest days of the pandemic through the vaccination rollout and beyond, WSU Applebaum faculty, students and alumni have rallied. Because much of our work takes place behind the scenes, here's a look at just a few of the ways every program in the college is involved with our community's coronavirus response.

Clinical Laboratory Science

  • Development of COVID-19 tests, including PCR, antigen and antibody.
  • Quality control and quality assurance for diagnostic testing.
  • Implementation and analysis of COVID-19 testing for diagnosis and treatment.
  • Mortuary Science

  • Safe, compassionate funeral services and innovative solutions to meet the needs of grieving families.
  • Proper transportation and care of remains to prevent the spread of disease.
  • Sanitary and secure sheltering of remains and arranging for final disposition.
  • Nurse Anesthesia

  • COVID-19 patient care during hospitalization.
  • Occupational Therapy

  • Train patients and their caregivers on positioning related to improving oxygenation, respiration and intake into the lungs.
  • Address post-COVID breathing and mobility.
  • COVID long-hauler rehabilitation to enjoy day-to-day activities and improve quality of life.
  • Provide education on COVID and health recommendations.
  • Provide education and guidance for completing essential activities of daily living complicated by the pandemic, ranging from food security to social connection.
  • Pathologists' Assistant

  • Identify and properly handle COVID-19 cases in hospital morgues and medical examiner's offices.
  • Provide autopsy data to inform state and local government response.
  • Implementation and analysis of COVID-19 testing for diagnosis and treatment.
  • Pharmacy Practitioners and Scientists

  • Provide education to patients and other health care professionals regarding treatment and prevention of COVID-19.
  • Provide education and evidence to vaccine-hesitant individuals and provide public health education regarding all aspects of the coronavirus.
  • Participate in all aspects of COVID-19 vaccine distribution: Rollout logistics, preparation, dispensing, administration and patient monitoring.
  • Volunteer at community vaccination clinics.
  • Provide pharmaceutical care to patients with COVID-19, including drug therapy selection, dosing adjustment, and patient monitoring for effectiveness and adverse effects.
  • Participate in treatment guideline development and management of limited resources at the local, regional and national level.
  • Conduct research on the development and effectiveness of COVID-19 treatments.
  • Conduct COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials.
  • Research contributions.
  • Physical Therapy

  • Provide support for respiratory issues and positioning patients on ventilators.
  • Address post-COVID breathing and mobility.
  • COVID long-hauler physical rehabilitation.
  • Research contributions.
  • Physician Assistant

  • Order and collect specimens for COVID-19 tests.
  • Administer COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Treat and diagnose patients in emergency room settings.
  • Treat COVID and post-COVID patients in clinics, offices and hospitals.
  • Radiation Therapy Technology

  • Ensure safety and accommodations for patients dealing with COVID-19 and its aftereffects while undergoing cancer treatment.
  • Community care.
  • Radiologic Technology

  • Perform X-rays, CT scans and MRI exams to help diagnose COVID-19 and its aftereffects.
  • Track the condition of lung tissue for COVID-positive patients, from outpatients to those in the ICU.
  • Maintain a safe environment for non-COVID diagnostics so care is not delayed.
  • Keep an eye on college news for ongoing examples of faculty, students and alumni helping our communities heal and keeping us safe through WSU Applebaum expertise and dedication.

    Updated 7-1-21

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