Alumni Spotlight: Nathan Bageant
Although Nathan Bageant began his career in construction as a general contractor, he soon sought a different path to better balance work and family life. He explored health science options and, through a friend, discovered the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Cape Fear Community College. With his background in residential building and a passion for helping those with disabilities, Nathan found a natural fit in the OTA field.
Since his 2013 graduation, Nathan and his wife Kim have built and developed Coastline Therapy Group into a thriving practice. Recently, the group celebrated the opening of its fifth location in Leland, NC, a significant milestone for Nathan’s business development.
Nathan attributes much of his success to the comprehensive training provided by CFCC’s OTA program, which equipped him to work across a broad spectrum of patient needs, from pediatrics to adults. His firsthand experience at CFCC solidified his belief that CFCC OTA graduates are versatile professionals whose diversified skill set makes them highly sought-after employees.
This recognition of value and potential has led Nathan to hire several CFCC graduates for his practice who share his dedication to quality care and patient support.
Building on his success and the diverse skills honed during his time in the OTA program, Nathan is dedicated to expanding his practice and sharing his journey and insights. With this in mind, he happily made time to answer questions about his experience at CFCC, hoping to inspire and guide future professionals in the field.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE CFCC? WHY DID IT MAKE SENSE FOR YOU?
At the time, my wife was teaching math at CFCC, and I was a general contractor. I wanted to change careers because we were ready to grow our family. I wanted a career that would allow me to be home for dinner and watch my kids play soccer on the weekends. Ironically, I now use my GC license to build our new clinics as we grow.
My wife and I were blessed with two children while I was in this program. She taught math full-time for CFCC and part-time for UNCW and North Carolina Wesleyan, so I could go to school full-time and care for the babies while she brought home the bacon!
WHAT PROGRAM WERE YOU IN?
I graduated from the Occupational Therapy Assistant program in 2013. I received the Jocelyn Carrasquillo Award of Honor, which was extremely surprising to my family and me because they had never given that award. I was so proud to be the first to receive it!
SPECIAL MEMORIES ABOUT CLASS AND/OR INSTRUCTORS?
Being a part of the class that transitioned to having Jennifer Renshaw as the new director was very exciting. My favorite memory from this program was “Lunch Club.” Every Wednesday, a different “Lunch Club” member would cook lunch for everyone using the training kitchen in class. I looked forward to this every week!
IF YOU TRANSFERRED TO A 4-YEAR COLLEGE, WHERE DID YOU GO, AND WHAT IS /WAS YOUR MAJOR?
I didn’t need to transfer to a four-year institution because I was fortunate enough to excel in my career as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). I worked as a COTA for Davis Rehab for three years and then transitioned to the Laurels of Pender as a Director of Rehab. I stayed with the latter for six years, even after opening my own private practice in Wilmington and Burgaw in 2018. I finally left the Laurels of Burgaw in Dec 2019 and devoted my full-time attention to Coastline Therapy Group beginning in January 2020.
HOW DID CFCC PREPARE YOU FOR EITHER OF THOSE TRANSITIONS?
They literally taught me everything I know about Occupational Therapy. Ha – Not trying to be funny, but this is true.
ONE ADDITIONAL FUN FACT
We currently employ six COTAs who graduated from CFCC’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program: Marco Peschiera, Kendall Bush, Brittney Rader, Elliott Rodgers, Katie French, and Sarah Ramsey.
Learn more about the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at CFCC.
