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Why Choose OT?® Expanding Reach, Strengthening the Future

Why Choose OT?® Expanding Reach, Strengthening the Future

Since our last update, Why Choose OT? has moved from building awareness to actively shaping how people discover occupational therapy. This work is happening at a critical time. The profession is facing workforce shortages, increasing competition from other healthcare careers, and a need to ensure continued access to care. Students have more choices than ever, and many are making decisions without ever encountering occupational therapy. That is what this campaign is designed to change.

Meeting Students Where Decisions Are Made

We have continued to expand our presence in spaces where future healthcare professionals are exploring careers.

Our work with HOSA:

  • The occupational therapy competitive event continues to grow, introducing students to OT through real-world scenarios.
  • We have participated at both state and national conferences, connecting directly with thousands of students.
  • Programs and practitioners are increasingly getting involved, serving as judges, presenters, and mentors.

Beyond HOSA:

  • We have presented and exhibited at national conferences for health professions advisors and educators.
  • We have connected with career influencers who guide student decision-making.
  • We have created hands-on exposure opportunities, helping students see OT in action.

This is about showing up earlier, before students choose a path.

Expanding Visibility Through Digital Reach

We have significantly scaled our digital strategy to meet students where they already are.

  • Our connected TV (CTV) campaign featuring Gabbie Marshall is bringing OT into homes across the country.
  • The influencers we have partnered with are reaching new audiences with authentic, real-life stories of occupational therapy in practice.
  • Social campaigns are helping people better understand what OT is and what it looks like in real life.

This is how professions compete today—through visibility, relatability, and access.

Activating the OT Community

Campaigns like the Promote OT Challenge are turning awareness into action, encouraging students and programs to share their experiences and spread the word locally.

NBCOT Ambassadors continue to visit schools, present at career fairs, and engage in community outreach.

Additionally, we continue to provide resources for outreach efforts: presentations and materials, customizable tools, and content to support conversations in your community.

This connection between national visibility and local engagement is what drives real impact.

Eight images of ambassadors in the community promoting OT.
Promoting OT in the community

How You Can Help

This work does not happen without the profession behind it. Your experience and perspective are what make occupational therapy real to the next generation.

If you are looking to get involved, here are a few simple ways to start:

  • Follow and engage with Why Choose OT? on Instagram (@WhyChooseOT) and share content within your network.
  • Use and download resources from the campaign website to support outreach in your community.
  • Connect with your state chapter of HOSA to explore opportunities to present, mentor, or participate in events.

You do not need to do everything; just start somewhere. Every touchpoint helps increase awareness, strengthen the pipeline, and support the future of the profession.

We have built momentum. Now we have to sustain it.

Together, we are making occupational therapy impossible to miss.