Building momentum in the occupational therapy workforce
Current trends reflect opportunities for occupational therapy growth. Capacity building supports the occupational therapy workforce to respond to these population needs. As a profession, occupational therapy practitioners can create momentum by building upon our roots and foundation to expand our roles in evolving and innovative practice settings.
Exploring occupational therapy's evolving and innovative opportunities
Occupational therapy makes it possible! We have the skillset to explore the possibilities in innovative and evolving practice settings. Listen to Joseph Coughlin, PhD, Director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology AgeLab, speak on future opportunities for the workforce. "The opportunity for your profession today is more important now than ever before."
We are occupational therapy
Let’s keep building momentum to move the profession into the future by promoting occupational therapy services, collaborating in interprofessional relationships, creating equity within our profession, and committing to address health determinants in evolving practice. Use these resources to brag on our profession and to share with the community.
Caring for yourself is just as important as caring for others
Taking care of ourselves means that we can take better care of our clients. Recognizing that we are also impacted by all the SDoH components that impact our clients provides a structure for us to consider our own well-being.
Research and articles
Expand your knowledge of workforce capacity topics with the latest research and insights from occupational therapy practitioners.
Practitioner health and wellness
Unlocking the potential of occupational therapy in new settings
Working with marginalized populations
The occupation of justice
Promoting women's health and wellness
Maximizing worker outcomes through integrating practitioner strength development
AOTA Advocacy resources
Advocate for important topics that affect your practice.
OT workforce in action
Grant funding is a great way to support your practice initiatives. Explore these outlets and remember to search for local and state funding. Call for comments is also an opportunity to provide an occupational therapy perspective on policies, guidelines, and reports.
Stay connected with networking & professional opportunities
Connect with members on important topics that interest you and enhance your practice with networking opportunities.
References
AARP (n.d.). AARP livability index—Great neighborhoods for all ages. https://livabilityindex.aarp.org/
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2020). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process (4th ed.). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(Suppl._2), 7412410010p1–7412410010p87. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S2001
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). What’s your role? Parks, recreation, and green spaces. https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/activepeoplehealthynation/everyone-can-be-involved/parks-recreation-and-green-spaces.html
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (n.d.). Social determinants of health. https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/social-determinants-health
World Health Organization. (2019, May 30). Social determinants of health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1