An Update on NBCOT's Initiative to Promote Occupational Therapy

Our team is dedicated to promoting occupational therapy with a dual aim: to establish occupational therapy as a household name like medicine, nursing, and physical therapy, and to foster diversity within our field. We want individuals to not only consider occupational therapy as a career option but also to recognize its potential significance for themselves or their loved ones in the future.

To achieve this, we have launched www.WhyChooseOT.com, a platform designed to answer questions about occupational therapy. Through virtual interviews and visits to OT schools and clinics, we have engaged with hundreds of OT professionals and students. Special thanks to West Virginia University, James Madison University, Chatham University, Duquesne University, Pima Medical Institute, Temple University, Northern Arizona University, Messiah University, Great and Small Therapeutic Riding, and RISE for helping us create content to begin this campaign.

Inspired by their stories, we are creating content that answers the question, “Why Choose OT?” From memorable client interactions to personal journeys into the field, these narratives are the backbone of our campaign. Follow our @WhyChooseOT accounts on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok to join the conversation, share, and help amplify the message of occupational therapy.

We are also seeking opportunities to showcase real-life OT experiences through videos or photo shoots. If you can connect us with OT schools, clinics, or practices willing to participate, please provide your information, and we will follow up.

We encourage everyone to share their unique “why” for choosing OT and offer the opportunity for a 15-minute video chat to delve deeper into your stories. Your contributions will enrich our campaign and inspire others to consider occupational therapy as a meaningful career path.

In addition to digital outreach, we are developing resources for educational purposes, including handouts and presentations for various age groups. These resources are available on our website at whychooseot.com/resources, with more to come in the future.

Finally, we are excited to announce the launch of our digital advertising campaign, which will reach over 12 million high school to undergraduate students in 2024. Together, we can strengthen occupational therapy, promote diversity, and prepare for the challenges ahead.

Join us on this journey to make occupational therapy accessible, understood, and celebrated by all.