Developing a nontraditional Capstone in emerging nonclinical OT roles

A significant amount of time, effort, and energy goes into the capstone process from the initial project proposal, preparation, to implementation and, finally, publication. Because of this, selecting a topic you are passionate about is essential. When choosing my capstone topic, I wanted it to be something I genuinely enjoyed, found interesting, and could potentially continue pursuing after my capstone was completed. Choosing something that sparks interest can help prevent burnout and increase motivation throughout the process. When you care about the work, you are more willing to invest the time and effort required to see it through.

While enrolled in my occupational therapy program, I continued to pursue creative hobbies I enjoy, such as photography, videography, creating TikToks, and using digital platforms like Canva to make fun designs. I wanted my capstone project to reflect my interests which allow me to express myself creatively while still aligning with the values of occupational therapy. This inspired me to develop my capstone project, PromOTing MU, which focused on marketing my university’s occupational therapy program. Throughout occupational therapy school, I developed skills that gave me a unique perspective for viewing content through an accessibility and inclusion lens. I worked with the university’s marketing department to implement the comprehensive marketing plan I designed, enabling me to apply both my occupational therapy knowledge and creative skills in a meaningful way. This collaboration was especially valuable, as it gave me the opportunity to advocate for my role as an occupational therapy student within the department and to educate others about the profession.

Here are 5 things to know before developing a nontraditional capstone in an emerging nonclinical Occupational Therapist (OT) role:

1. You must be confident and adaptable.

Choosing a nontraditional capstone in an emerging, nonclinical OT role means there probably won’t be much research or current programs focusing on your niche topic. This requires you to be innovative and think outside the box, which often means looking beyond occupational therapy and healthcare literature.

2. You will likely need to look beyond occupational therapy literature.

Since nontraditional roles are still emerging, there likely won’t be any published research articles. For my capstone, I spent a lot of time finding research articles through business and higher education databases. Translating this research into something that fits the occupational therapy perspective and can be incorporated into my project was challenging at times.

3. Advocacy will be a significant part of your capstone.

Don’t give up or let others tell you your capstone isn’t worthwhile. Trying something new, emerging, and nontraditional can be misunderstood by many. Teaching others about something new also involves the risk of resistance. Staying confident in your capstone and what you’re developing will serve you well.

4. Nontraditional does not mean non-occupational therapy related.

I struggled to grasp this concept, especially when I received conflicting opinions about my capstone. I often wondered if my project aligned with occupational therapy (spoiler: it did!!). This perspective we develop unconsciously in graduate school shapes how we think like OTs. We adopt a mindset of ensuring that everything we create and the daily world we experience is accessible and useful for everyone. I applied that perspective through social media and physical/digital marketing materials, which brings me to my final point.

5. Creativity is an essential part of our profession!

Creativity is embedded in our everyday practice. OTs are constantly adapting interventions to meet individuals’ needs, modify environments, and promote participation in meaningful occupations. Pursuing a nontraditional capstone project allowed me to explore the creative side which is what makes the profession so unique!

Developing a nontraditional capstone that aligned with my interests, goals, and future aspirations as an OT gave me a strong sense of purpose. Navigating resistance pushed me outside of my comfort zone, allowing me to grow in unexpected ways. I learned to advocate for myself, my work, and to take pride in what I completed. This process has shown me that growth isn’t always linear. Sometimes you grow sideways, and that’s just as meaningful.

If you’re considering developing a nontraditional capstone, know that your skill sets will expand in unimaginable ways. As you implement your capstone and bring it to fruition, you will inevitably take on leadership and advocacy roles, all while positively contributing to the evolving scope and future of occupational therapy. Allow your interests and imagination to guide you toward endless possibilities!

If you'd like to learn more about my capstone, please see my report and poster here: https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/otd_capstone2025/9/. For any additional questions, feel free to DM me on TikTok @christina_reilley!

Bio: Christina Reilley, OTR/L graduated from Misericordia University with her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy in August 2025 and a Bachelor’s in Occupational Science in 2022. She is currently working her first job as a travel OT in Kansas City, MO. Her main occupations outside of being an OT are walking to get her daily 10k steps in, making TikToks, and shopping, especially if it involves a sale! Christina aspires to one day create her own nontraditional OT business in something that feels authentic to her and naturally develops over time.