Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Nbcot First-Time Pass Rates At A Hispanic-Serving Institution: The Role Of Academic Metrics And Primary Language, Timothy Tu

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

This retrospective study examined academic and demographic predictors of first-time success on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam among graduates (N = 82) from the classes of 2019 through 2022 at a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Despite demographic growth, Hispanic and linguistically diverse practitioners remain underrepresented in the profession. Analyzed variables included self-reported primary language, undergraduate GPA (UGPA), prerequisite GPA (PGPA), Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, and Occupational Therapy Knowledge Exam (OTKE) performance. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted using SPSS 31. Three factors significantly predicted first-time NBCOT pass status: UGPA (p = .010), OTKE scores …

Sustaining A High-Fidelity Simulation Assessment For Fieldwork Readiness: A Process Description And Quality Assurance Process, Mary K. Thelander, Sue Iliff, Geneva L. Nolan, Heidi M. Sanders

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Occupational therapy students often report feeling underprepared for the complex and integrative demands of Level II fieldwork, prompting increased use of simulation-based approaches to support clinical readiness. This process description outlines the design, implementation, and sustained quality assurance of the Occupational Therapy Student Performance Assessment (OTSPA), a multimodal, high-fidelity simulation required before fieldwork in a Southwestern occupational therapy graduate program. Grounded in a problem-based learning framework, the OTSPA integrates multiple levels of simulation fidelity and requires students to complete a full-cycle clinical experience, including referral review, interaction with a standardized patient, documentation, and intervention planning. Faculty evaluate performance using structured, …

Addressing Psychosocial Barriers To Participation In People Experiencing Homelessness: An Occupational Therapy Workshop, Preston Bender, Steven M. Gerardi, Lacey Spark

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Despite the occupational therapy (OT) profession's emphasis on holistic, person-centered care, many OT practitioners and students report feeling a lack of self-efficacy and preparedness to navigate the complex psychological, social, and systemic barriers that hinder occupational participation in people experiencing homelessness (PEH). This capstone project aimed to address the perceived unpreparedness among clinicians through the creation of an 8-hour interactive educational workshop aligned with Experiential Learning Theory. The content is grounded in the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and informed by the Bridging the Transition from Homelessness: A Social Justice Framework (BTTF), trauma-informed care (TIC), harm reduction, and diversity, equity, …

Occupational Therapy Educators’ Perceptions Of Preparedness To Teach Students Culturally Responsive Care For Diverse Patient Populations, Jack Ruelas

Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological investigation examined occupational therapy faculty preparedness for teaching culturally responsive care to entry-level doctorate students in Texas. Despite Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) mandates requiring cultural competence education, significant gaps persist between regulatory requirements and faculty readiness to deliver such instruction effectively. The study explored three interrelated dimensions: (1) faculty perceptions of their preparedness to teach cultural competence, (2) institutional training and support mechanisms, and (3) pedagogical integration strategies for culturally responsive content.

Employing interpretive phenomenology grounded in Freire's critical pedagogy and Iwama's Kawa Model, this investigation utilized a two-phase data collection methodology with eleven faculty …

Occupational Therapy Students’ Perceptions Of Using Chatgpt For An Academic Course Assignment, Diane Tom, Robyn Wu, Chi-Kwan Shea

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT), a natural language based artificial intelligence (AI), has been either welcomed or maligned by academia. This project aimed to: (a) provide a structured opportunity for students to use ChatGPT and critique its responses and (b) investigate student perceptions before and after using ChatGPT for a class assignment. Forty graduate occupational therapy students used ChatGPT to complete two written assignments. Pre- and post-ChatGPT assignment surveys completed by students were analyzed. After using ChatGPT to complete course assignments, students were significantly more likely to agree that: (a) ChatGPT is helpful for completing assignments, (b) ChatGPT provides accurate …

Enhancing Therapeutic Use Of Self: The Value Of Unfolding Case Studies In Occupational Therapy Education, Janel Marie Gozum

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: This capstone project evaluated the effectiveness of using unfolding case studies (UCS) as a supplemental instructional method to enhance occupational therapy (OT) students’ self-efficacy (SE) in applying therapeutic use of self (TUOS), a core competency in OT education.Methods: Four workshop modules were delivered to and completed by OT students (n=3) enrolled in the occupational therapy doctorate program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The sessions included instructional content, guided discussions, unfolding case study activities, and a TUOS competency. The Self-Efficacy for Therapeutic Use of Self (SETUS) Questionnaire was administered at four points throughout to monitor perceived self-efficacy over …

Improving Self-Regulated Learning Among Occupational Therapy Students, Pola Ham

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Many occupational therapy students, particularly first-generation students, face significant academic and social challenges in higher education that affect their self-regulated learning (SRL). SRL involves goal setting, self-monitoring, strategy implementation, and reflection. The rigorous academic demands, combined with the unique challenges experienced by many first-generation students, exacerbate these difficulties, particularly in developing SRL skills, which are essential for academic and professional success. While first-generation students often lack these skills due to a variety of factors, many occupational therapy students also struggle to develop these skills, regardless of background. This narrative review examines the role of SRL in occupational therapy education and …

Evidence-Informed Teaching Practices Across Faculty Terminal Degree Categories, Steven D. Taff, Meredith Gronski, Yejin Lee, Ashley Stoffel, Theresa Carlson Carroll, Jenica Lee, Carolyn M. Baum

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Many faculty spend a considerable proportion of their time and effort in teaching, yet intentional preparation for this important responsibility is rare. Currently, there exists no standard guidance for which content areas or competencies are necessary for quality educator development as they perform the various faculty roles. In this descriptive study, we surveyed 334 occupational therapy/ occupational therapy assistant (OT/OTA) faculty from across the United States using a 53-item instrument that explored to what degree do OT/OTA faculty use and document evidence-informed teaching practices and if the use of evidence-informed teaching practices differs across faculty terminal degree category (entry-level occupational …

Evaluating Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Education And Practice: A Qualitative Swot Study In The Philippines, Paolo Miguel P. Bulan, Janice A. Rojas, John Ray O. Suerte, Nikki Y. Pestaño, Maria Menierva G. Lagria, Cristito P. Dimitiman Jr., April Grace A. Chiongbian, Frances Vince E. Dimitiman, Martina Nicole A. Ligutom, Debbie Rose D. Cabañero, Jay Arr M. Sale

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Occupational therapy education plays a pivotal role in equipping professionals to meet the dynamic demands of healthcare systems. This study evaluated the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy (BSOT) program at Velez College in the Philippines, utilizing a qualitative analysis framework to explore its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) as perceived by educators, students, alumni, and practitioners. Findings highlight the program’s robust generalist curriculum, strong community-based partnerships, and interprofessional collaboration opportunities. However, challenges such as limited access to standardized assessment tools, high educator turnover, and insufficient specialization opportunities were identified. Notably, emerging demands in mental health and holistic care …

Barriers And Facilitators Of A Sense Of Belonging Among Occupational Therapy Students And Faculty: A Qualitative Study Using The Ecology Of Human Performance Framework, Sabina Khan, Elizabeth Deluca-Berg, Kersten Laughlin, Jacqueline Achon, Khalil Mrabe, Christianah Edema

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

A sense of belonging significantly influences both student engagement and faculty motivation. The objective of this study was to identify the barriers and facilitators of a sense of belonging among students and faculty of an occupational therapy department. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted with fifty-one students and ten faculty recruited via non-random purposeful sampling. Data were collected through focus group discussions with students and semi-structured interviews with faculty. Both the focus group discussions and interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed by a professional transcription service. Inductive coding was used to identify initial themes, which were then deductively mapped to the …

Navigating The Future Of Ot Education: Student Insights On Integrating Course-Specific Ai Chatbots, Laura E. Landon, Nicole Grames, Maggie Gannon, Addison Jarus, Annie Trezza

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education has garnered much attention, prompting educators to thoughtfully examine its implementation within their curricula. This study explores the perceptions of occupational therapy (OT) students regarding the future integration of a novel, course-specific Anatomy AI chatbot: an innovative tool uniquely developed by our internal team to provi¬¬¬de personalized support and resources tailored specifically to the anatomy curriculum. The researchers sought to understand the desired features of a course-specific Anatomy AI chatbot and the factors that influenced student willingness to adopt this technology in their learning experience. Findings revealed that 79% of participants …

Impact Of A Virtual Support Program On Student Success In Neuroscience And Neuroanatomy Courses: Opportunities And Challenges, Abbigail Kubiak, Sue A. Sisto, Janice Tona

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

We investigated the outcomes of a novel neuroscience and neuroanatomy support program (NSP) developed and implemented in the pre-professional phase of an accredited Bachelor of Science/ Master of Science occupational therapy (OT) program. This research demonstrates the potential of targeted small group tutoring as an effective means to promote student success and retention. Modeled after Response to Intervention programs, we used a three-tiered approach to support student success. All students received standard lecture content (Tier 1). Students who desired extra help attended an optional recitation (Tier 2) and students who received a score of 70% or lower on one or …

Exploring Occupational Therapy Students’ Coping Strategies And Styles, Ashley E. Stroud, Amanda J. Mohler, Amanda M. Carpenter

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

This study aimed to determine occupational therapy students’ coping strategies and styles to manage stress. The final sample included 160 students, with 39 master of occupational therapy (MOT) students and 121 occupational therapy doctoral (OTD) students who were currently enrolled in an MOT or OTD program. This study used a cross-sectional, descriptive survey. The survey included both closed-ended and open-ended items to provide a greater insight into occupational therapy graduate students’ stressors, coping strategies, and coping styles. Results of the survey showed the most frequently reported coping strategies for both programs were emotional support, instrumental support, self-blame, and religion. The …

Financial Literacy Among Occupational Therapy Students: A Survey Study, Joanne Gallagher Worthley, Sarah Dimeo, Tanya Trudell

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Occupational therapy students face professional and personal financial literacy challenges. Professionally, financial management has been identified as an instrumental activity of daily living, and recent research has examined how occupational therapy has helped clients with these skills. Personally, occupational therapy students may face higher debt levels due to degree escalation and economic changes. The study aimed to determine the level of understanding of financial literacy among matriculating occupational therapy students in a combined baccalaureate and entry-level master’s program. Nineteen occupational therapy students completed a virtual survey distributed through Google Forms. The survey included demographic questions, the Financial Self-Efficacy Scale (FSES), …

Demographic Factors As Predictors Of Academic Performance In First- And Second-Year Occupational Therapy Students, Eileen Du Plooy, Daleen Casteleijn, Denise Franzsen, Gopika Ramkilawon

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Significant disparities in academic performance that may be associated with specific demographics can be utilized for supporting diverse student cohorts. Strategies can be developed for students to enhance equity and inclusivity in undergraduate occupational therapy education to ensure student success. This study aimed to determine the predictive demographic factors influencing academic performance among first- and second-year undergraduate occupational therapy students at a university in South Africa. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was utilized, and the sample included 129 first- and second-year students. Data were collected retrospectively from university records and student dashboards. Key demographic and academic variables were analyzed, including personal …

Cultural Respect In Academia, Alondra Ammon

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Given the aim to increase diverse representation in health care to promote equitable health care outcomes, occupational therapists must critically examine how we respect cultural diversity. This opinion piece intends to highlight the importance of creating academic spaces where students can thrive and carry over those teachings beyond the classroom and into the communities they serve. The author, who identifies as a person of color, is a Ph.D. candidate and academic occupational therapy educator who integrated their constructionist epistemological lens and reviewed literature to inform a working definition of cultural respect and recommendations. Cultural respect involves recognizing, understanding, and appreciating …

A Synthesis Of Professional Socialization Literature And Educational Opportunities In Occupational Therapy, Jessica Nakos

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The purpose of this topic on education paper is to synthesize the literature on professional socialization across disciplines, emphasize professional socialization as a research priority, and discuss opportunities to improve occupational therapy education. Relevant literature from higher education, business education, and health care professions were included that support the critical role of professional socialization to development of professional identity. A critical appraisal and discussion provide reflection on the role of educators, opportunities for program improvements, and implications to occupational therapy research and education. Dimensions of meaning associated with professional socialization are introduced and offer a unique occupation-based lens through which …

Occupational Therapists In Disaster Management: A Survey Study, Rebecca I. Estes, Gina M. Delgado, Nicole J. Bing, Megan E. Byrne, Jessica S. Eady, Kayleigh E. Hollywood, Alyssa B. Kopp

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: There is a need for occupational therapy involvement in disaster management from preparation to response. To understand why OTs are not involved with disaster management, this study explored perceived disaster management roles for healthcare professionals; the level of familiarity and professional experience with stages of disaster; and the relationship between training and likelihood of engagement. Method: The Healthcare Practitioner Disaster Management Questionnaire, an anonymous quantitative survey, was deployed to licensed OTs and OT assistants (OTAs) practicing in 14 states in the US (a convenience sample). Descriptive analysis and Spearman Rho correlation were used to understand the data. Results: OTs …

Exploration Of Student Reflections Using The Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System (Rtss) As An Intervention Planning Framework, Tracey E. Recigno, Alison Bell, M. Ferraro

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Teaching intervention planning is enhanced with an intentional course design that incorporates critical thinking in order to prepare the next generation of occupational therapy practitioners. The context for this study was a physical disabilities intervention course for an entry-level occupational therapy program that used Fink’s Taxonomy of Significant Learning as a basis for learning outcomes. A novel formative intervention planning assignment required students to use the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System (RTSS) as a framework to guide their thinking. A qualitative retrospective content analysis of student reflections at the end of the course revealed that the RTSS added value to their …

“Putting On Our People Lens”: Lived Experience As Pedagogy, Tessa Zoe Milman, Sarah Bream, Celso Delgado, Erin Mcintyre, Tristan Scremin, Leslie Moreno, Maggie Yeo, Deborah Pitts

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

In the professional education of mental health practitioners, including occupational therapists, there has been a lack of meaningful inclusion of people labeled with mental illness into curricula, beyond guest speaker panels and presentations. This study explored the experiences of students, faculty, and ‘Experts by Experience’ within a mental health occupational therapy course that incorporated Experts with lived experience as co-facilitators of weekly fieldwork debriefs. The study utilized focus groups and interviews to understand the experiences of students, mental health faculty, and ‘Experts by Experience’. Key themes that emerged from the qualitative data analysis were organized under three broad categories: 1) …

Using Experiential Geriatric Simulation To Foster Empathy Among Occupational Therapy Students: A Mixed Methods Study, Sabina Khan, Jacqueline Achon

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Due to advancements in medical science leading to increased life expectancy, the number of older adults is on the rise. Empathy is crucial in catering to the unique needs of this vulnerable population. The use of geriatric simulation suits to cultivate empathy among health science students is gaining traction. Nevertheless, the efficacy of this teaching approach remains unexplored among occupational therapy students. We recruited a convenience sample of 21 occupational therapy graduate students for a mixed methods study. Participants engaged in a two-hour session during which they performed daily tasks like meal preparation, laundry, and dressing while wearing various components …

Perceived Effectiveness Of Student Assessment Methods In Occupational Therapy Education, Breanna Adkins, Josh Bernstein

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

The supporting evidence for student-centered assessment practices is well-documented in the literature for higher education, but not in the field of occupational therapy (OT) education. There is no agreed-upon best practice for student assessment in OT education from any professional OT governing body, nor is there current OT education research evaluating the relationship between types of assessment methods and their effectiveness. The purpose of the study was to determine OT educators’ perceived effectiveness of student assessment methods they used to measure student competency. A correlational design determined the strength of the relationship between these variables. Differences between OT Doctorate (OTD) …

Students' Perception Of Pedagogical Approaches To An Occupation-Based Anatomy Course In Occupational Therapy, Chih-Huang Yu, Sean Roush, John White

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

There is a need to develop an anatomy course with contemporary pedagogy that is consistent with the core of the occupational therapy profession. The purpose of this study was to examine students’ perception of a blended learning pedagogy applied to an occupation-based anatomy course compared to a traditionally delivered anatomy course using cadaver lab for entry-level doctoral occupational therapy students at a private university in the Pacific Northwest region. A retrospective, nonrandomized, two-group, post-test only design with data gathered at the completion of each course was used. One student cohort received the occupation-based anatomy course with a traditional in-person learning …

Addressing Sexuality In Occupational Therapy Practice: A Qualitative Exploration Of Students’ Needs, Barriers, And Facilitators, Keren Shavit-Buckley, Amy J. Nwora, Renee Cadzow, Bryan M. Gee

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Disability and chronic disease can have a profound effect on individuals’ sexuality and sexual health, resulting in decreased quality of life for many. While sexuality and sexual health are identified within the domain of occupational therapy (OT), this topic is not routinely addressed in clinical practice. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the perceived needs, facilitators, and barriers to addressing sexuality in clinical practice by 10 graduate OT students recruited from one Western New York (WNY) university. Semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted utilizing a researcher developed interview guide. The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) was used as the conceptual framework for the …

A Survey Of Occupational Therapy Program Leaders: Perceptions Of The Essential Elements For Early Career Faculty, Kathleen Cummer, Angela Maccabe, Kurt Hubbard, Tracy Jirikowic

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

The rapid growth of academic occupational therapy programs in the United States, combined with an increase in senior faculty retirement, requires a new, growing, robust and well-prepared faculty workforce. In addition to the growth of programs, faculty shortages necessitate proactive strategies for preparing transitioning clinicians for successful academic careers. Faculty development training should be a part of preparation to ensure success of early career faculty. However, it is unknown what the perceptions of occupational therapy leaders are towards faculty development training, what components should be included in training, and the importance of these components. Through this survey research, key findings …

A Comparison Of Level Ii Fieldwork Outcomes: Preparation With Simulation Vs Community And Clinical Level I Fieldwork Experiences, Katelyn Brady, Darla Coss, Stephanie De Sam Lazaro

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Occupational therapy programs can use a variety of delivery modes for Level I fieldwork. All experiences aim to contribute to the clinical and professional preparation for Level II fieldwork. This study compared the Level II fieldwork outcomes for two cohorts of students, one that participated in simulation-based Level I fieldwork and one that completed community and clinic-based Level I fieldwork. The student outcomes on the American Occupational Therapy Association AOTA Fieldwork Performance Evaluation (FWPE) for the Occupational Therapy Student were used for comparative data. The results indicated no statistically significant difference in the two cohorts’ midterm score ratings. Statistically significant …

How Traits Of Emotional Intelligence Affect Perceived Stress In Entry-Level Doctor Of Occupational Therapy Students, Heidi A. Carpenter, Chelsey Edwards, Scott Richardson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Students in an entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) programs are subject to high levels of stress and emotional burnout. Effective management of stress impacts life satisfaction and academic performance. Emotional intelligence (EI) has been shown to relate to lower stress levels in allied health students. Despite this, little has been done to investigate the emotional demands of an occupational therapy education. Methods: Participants were a convenience sample of 51 entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy Students recruited from the Southwest and Midwest cohorts of an OTD program. The participants were surveyed approximately 30 days after beginning their semester curriculum. …

If Reasoning, Reflection, And Evidence-Based Practice Are Essential To Practice, We Must Define Them, Hannah K. Burke, Anita C. Bundy, Shelly J. Lane

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Reasoning, reflection, and evidence-based practice are considered essential to the delivery of high-quality occupational therapy services. These skills are highlighted in occupational therapy practice acts and educational standards. Unfortunately, although clearly integral to practice, reasoning, reflection, and evidence-based practice are rarely and inconsistently defined in the profession of occupational therapy. Because the terms reasoning, reflection, and evidence-based practice are used so frequently, and so often their definitions are assumed, occupational therapy students may be unclear on how they will be evaluated and, ultimately, what they will be expected to do in practice in relation to these skills. Through a review …

Stable Or Unstable Associations Between Learning Environment Factors, Study Approaches And Exam Grades: Cross-Sectional Analyses Across Two Consecutive Program Years, Jenny Solveig Mygland, Gry Mørk, Linda Stigen, Astrid Gramstad, Trine Alise A. Magne, Tore Bonsaksen

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Studies into the relationships between learning environment perceptions, approaches to studying, and academic outcomes have largely followed cross-sectional designs. As a result, knowledge is sparse with regards to whether, or to what degree, the established associations are consistent across years of study. This study aimed to (i) examine associations between occupational therapy students’ academic performance, their approaches to studying and perceptions of the learning environment, while in their second and third years of study, and (ii) evaluate the consistency of the results across years of study. Occupational therapy students in Norway were assessed annually with regards to their perceptions of …

The Great Escape: A Novel Approach To Collaborative Learning (Pilot), K. Megan Carpenter, Anthony D. Cunningham, Laura Smith, Kelly Krigbaum

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Healthcare continues toward team-based approaches in which multiple disciplines collaborate to ensure holistic patient care. National standards for intraprofessional collaboration guide curriculum design for entry-level occupational therapy (OT) and occupational therapy assistant (OTA) programs to ensure students acquire specific skills and knowledge needed for current OT practices. Effective intraprofessional collaboration includes effective communication, respect, trust, and understanding of role delineation, which students prefer to learn in experiential, face-to-face formats. The purpose of this study was to examine OT and OTA students’ perspectives of participating in an educational escape room (EER) as a novel experience for intraprofessional education. Investigators created an …