April Cowan, OTD, OTR, CHT, FAOTA, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy (OT) in the School of Health Professions (SHP) at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), where she has been a full-time faculty member since 2012. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from UTMB in 1990 and her Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in 2012. As a Certified Hand Therapist and a licensed Occupational Therapist, Dr. Cowan brings extensive clinical expertise to her academic and service roles.
Dr. Cowan has demonstrated leadership skills in her time at UTMB, including serving as Program Director for the Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy program (2016-2024) and briefly as interim Chair of the OT Department (2022). Dr. Cowan currently chairs the OT department curriculum and scholarship committees. Dr. Cowan's clinical practice focuses on hand therapy and physical rehabilitation. She has spearheaded community initiatives, notably establishing specialized hand therapy services and a Level I Fieldwork program at St. Vincent's Clinic, an opportunity that recognized with a UTMB President's Cabinet Award.
Dr. Cowan teaches in the Entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (EOTD) program, covering specialized practice areas like ergonomics and orthotic design, alongside foundational skills in evidence-based practice, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, and professional identity. She mentors students extensively, providing fieldwork supervision, guiding Capstone projects, and acting as faculty advisor for the national occupational therapy honor society.
Dr. Cowan holds leadership positions as Grants Division Director for the American Hand Therapy Foundation and President of Access Care of Coastal Texas, Inc. For her outstanding contributions to her profession, Dr. Cowan received the SHP 2022 Excellence in Scholarship Award and the 2024 Alumni Association Distinguished Alumna Award. Most recently, Dr. Cowan became a member of the UTMB Academy of Master Teachers in 2025, and AOTA’s Roster of Fellows in 2026.
Teaching Interest
- Anatomy
- Capstone Project Development
- Ergonomics
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Kinesiology
- Mental Health Fieldwork
- Musculoskeletal Practice
- Professional Development
- Sexuality and Disability