AOTA Student Membership Circle
Active student memberships reinforce the need and value of tomorrow's occupational therapy profession. In addition to engaging with student members individually, AOTA recognizes academic institutions with the highest rates of active AOTA student memberships through the Student Membership Circle program.
Applications for the 2025-2026 cycle is now open and deadline extended!
2025–2026 Timeline
Deadline extended one month to January 16 at 11:59 am ET (just before noon)
August 31 – January 16 at 11:59 am ET (just before noon): Application window open.
January 16 at 11:59 am ET (just before noon): Application period closes. Late applications will not be accepted.
January 12: Programs will be notified of their application status.
- Gold Circle member faculty will receive information about next steps and be asked to submit contact information for their student receiving the complimentary in-person AOTA INSPIRE | 2026 Annual Conference & Expo registration.
Late January: Gold Circle level student representatives nominated by their faculty will receive information on how to register for INSPIRE 2026 on a weekly, rolling basis.
March 13: Registration deadline for students receiving the Gold Circle level complimentary registration.
Requirements
- New: Any program with enrolled students is eligible to apply. Accredited programs, as well as programs with Candidacy status or Preaccreditation status, are all eligible to apply.
- Only SOTA Advisors or Program Directors can apply on behalf of their programs. Additional contacts can be included on the application for communication purposes.
- Application and participation deadlines are final.
- All programs must re-apply each year to remain active participants of the Student Membership Circle.
Recognition
Gold Level (100% AOTA Student Membership)
- Acknowledgment in OT Practice magazine
- Acknowledgment in OT Essential, AOTA's member e-newsletter
- Digital certificate of participation
- Highlighted recognition on AOTA's website
- Special acknowledgment for students and faculty during AOTA INSPIRE | Annual Conference & Expo
- One free student registration to AOTA INSPIRE | Annual Conference & Expo
Plus, one Gold Level program will receive a $250 cash award in a special prize drawing.
Silver Level (80% or more of enrolled OT or OTA program students are AOTA Student Members):
Receives 1 to 5 above
Bronze Level (75% or more of enrolled OT or OTA program students are AOTA Student Members):
Receives 1 to 5 above
2024–2025 Student Membership Circle Recipients
Congratulations to the following 2024-2025 Student Membership Circle academic programs that have reached Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels of AOTA student membership.