Current Trends in Occupational Therapy Education: Innovations, Challenges, and Future Directions(2)

Katherine Schofield, DHS, OTR/L, CHT

Learner Outcomes:

1. Participants will be able to identify and discuss current educational trends and actionable approaches to strengthen recruitment in OT education programs.
2. Participants will be able to identify and discuss tangible and applicable measures to strengthen teaching pedagogy and student learning, and
3. Participants will be more aware of how to enhance OT program resilience in a rapidly changing educational landscape.

Abstract:

Occupational therapy (OT) education is at a critical juncture as programs adapt to demographic shifts, financial pressures, and evolving expectations for entry-level OT graduates. This presentation highlights the most salient trends influencing OT academic programs and offers insights for educators, clinical instructors, practitioners, and students.

A foremost concern across OT programs is declining student enrollment, driven by a national decrease in the college-age population and intensifying competition among health professions programs. Compounding this trend are recent changes in available student loan funding and financial aid policies, which have heightened cost sensitivity among prospective students and influenced career decision-making. How these enrollment and financial shifts affect applicant pools, cohort sizes, and program sustainability will be explored, along with a discussion of strategic approaches to recruitment, retention,and financial advising to attract and support diverse learners.

In response to workforce and societal needs, OT curricula are evolving as well. Programs are increasingly adopting competency-based education, expanding interprofessional learning, and embedding population health and community-engaged practice to ensure graduates are prepared for complex, contemporary practice environments. To address limitations in traditional fieldwork placements, educators are integrating technology-enhanced experiential learning, including simulation, virtual reality, and telehealth training, to enrich clinical skill development.

By synthesizing emerging research, real-world program examples, and practical strategies, this session will focus on a comprehensive overview of current educational trends and actionable approaches to strengthen recruitment, teaching, and learning, and program resilience in a rapidly changing educational landscape.

Biography:

Dr. Katherine Schofield is a full professor and assistant program director in the occupational therapy master’s degree program at Midwestern University, Glendale campus. Her research interests include teaching pedagogy in anatomy, biomechanics, orthotic design and fabrication, and musculoskeletal assessment to foster critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills for entry-level OT practitioners.