Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Project Open Access
Abstract
In the field of occupational therapy, the majority demographic comprises individuals who are typically white and female1, 10. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) highlighted the importance of diversity in its Centennial Vision and Vision 20252. A diverse OT workforce representing various cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds is essential for improving health outcomes for diverse populations11. The diversification of occupational therapy practitioners begins with understanding the motivations and criteria influencing students' selection of specific OT & OTA programs and examining whether these factors differ across various demographic groups. Gaining insight into these motivations and influences can enhance the ability to recruit and admit a more diverse cohort of students to the field of occupational therapy, ultimately fostering a more holistic, inclusive, and client-centered profession. Current research has explored the recruitment strategies used by universities3,4,5. However, there is a noticeable gap in the literature pertaining to the factors influencing students’ decision to attend an OT/OTA program and the connection of those factors to student demographics5,7. Therefore, the aim of this study is to better understand the factors that influence different student groups during the OT or OTA program decision-making process.
Recommended Citation
Behm, Joanna; Downey, Emily; McCray, Jasper; Renner, Aubrey; and Timsina, Brinda, "Cultivating Diversity in Occupational Therapy: Insights into Student Motivations" (2024). Physical Therapy Student Scholarship. 19.
https://mosaic.messiah.edu/pt_st/19
