personal statement for occupational therapy grad school

Write an Awesome Personal Statement for OT School

So you want to be an occupational therapist, but you still have to jump through the many hoops of applying for grad programs. One mandatory part of the process is writing a great personal statement specifically for occupational therapy school, which can be pretty intimidating when it’s time to put pen to paper.

Well, I’m here to help!

I personally spent quite a bit of time crafting the best possible personal statement I could for OT school, and have since read and edited many, many personal statements from pre-OT applicants. (Want me to edit yours? Sign up here !)

These are my top tips for you to craft a great occupational therapy personal statement that will help you stand out from the large crowd of pre-OT applicants.

First, the Do’s and Dont’s of Statement Writing

Do start early: Give yourself enough time to brainstorm, write, and revise your personal statement well before the deadline. This will really reduce your feelings of stress and being rushed.
Do show sincerity in your writing. It’s encouraged to let your positive emotions and enthusiasm shine through.
Do talk about why you want to be an occupational therapist. You want the programs to see that you are serious about this decision. You are not just applying because you can’t think of anything else to do for a career.
Do in one way or another demonstrate through your writing that you know what OT is and why it’s important.
Do showcase why you’ll make a great addition to their program, adding unique qualities that will differentiate you from the other applicants.
Do talk about your shadowing experience, volunteering and work experience that is relevant to the field of OT. Make sure you keep patient information confidential if you discuss certain cases you observed.
Do feel free to use the language of OT if you know it and are familiar with it (i.e. interventions, treatments, occupations, goals, evidence-based, functional treatments, etc.)
Do tie your personal statement together. If you make several different points, try to piece them together for the reader to show that you’ve really thought through the big picture.
Do have at least two people (but the more the better) read and proofread the final draft of your statement. Ask friends, family members, and someone at your school’s writing center. This can help spark ideas and ensure your application is completely free of typos or grammatical errors. The last thing you want is admissions to immediately notice any glaring spelling mistakes that you may have missed.
Do keep the length to 1-2 pages max. You want it to be short and sweet. If any sentence or paragraph looks unnecessary after you do a final read-through, get rid of it. As a general rule, personal statements run on average 600-800 words.

Don’t…

Don’t start your essay with clichés. In fact, leave them out of your statement altogether. An example of this is “I’ve always wanted to help people” (they see this all the time).
Don’t plagiarize. There are a lot of personal statement examples on the internet that you can absolutely use to guide your writing process. Do not use them word for word. Programs can find out and will exclude your application. U se the examples as templates of what kind of content you’ll cover in your statement.
Don’t try to be humorous in your personal statement. Even if you’re hilarious, this is not the time to show this.
Don’t just talk about your childhood. Focus on college and post college achievements unless something in your childhood or adolescence is what drove you to a career in occupational therapy. Remember that this isn’t an autobiography, it’s a statement on why you’ll be a great OT.
Don’t guess what you think the reader wants you to say. Be honest and don’t write in a way that is out of line with who you really are. Don’t just write something to try to impress people.
Don’t be a downer. Avoid going into detail about your dislikes, negative views, or problems in your life. If you have a low GPA or lack of experience, don’t mention it unless you can put a positive spin on it. Listing excuses for your low GPA or GRE score isn’t a good idea either, unless you really feel the need to tie in why your GPA is lower but how you’ll be an awesome therapist despite this.
Don’t mention specific programs in your statement if you’re using OTCAS . It will be sent to every school you apply to and therefore won’t make sense. If you apply to an individual school (not on OTCAS) then absolutely mention the school and why you’re passionate about their program.

Check out the How Get Into OT School Guide! It’s the most comprehensive resource that covers everything you need to know.

Ask yourself this question:.

A bonus tip I found while perusing the Student Doctor Network Forums while researching this topic, which is to ask yourself this question:

“Can you replace your personal statement with a degree other than OT? If not, it’s solid. If you can, then try to revise to make it only relevant to OT.”

And that’s a wrap!

If you have any other tips or tricks you’ve discovered while writing your personal statement for OT school, please feel free to add them in the comments section. I wish you the best of luck with your statement writing and your overall OT school application process!

Be sure to check out these other helpful resources:

Writing the Personal Statement (Purdue OWL)

Start Your Grad School Personal Statement in Just 1 Hour! (The Muse)

Writing a Personal Statement (Emory Pre-Health Advising)

5 Big Mistakes I Made When Applying to OT School (My OT Spot)

This post was last updated on May 12, 2023.

7 Steps to Get Into Occupational Therapy School

personal statement for occupational therapy grad school

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As I’m working on my application essay this week, your article is very helpful! Thank you.

I’m so glad it was helpful for you 🙂 Best of luck with your applications!

Thank you for this article! I just wanted to know, do you offer services proof reading other people’s personal statements? That would be really helpful for me!

Hi May, I do offer personal statement reviewing that you can set up here . Instead of the traditional coaching call that’s linked, it will instead entail personal statement edits and feedback via email 🙂

Privacy Overview

Complete Personal Statement Guide for Pre-OT Occupational Therapy School Programs

Introduction.

This detailed guide will provide you with tips, do’s, don’ts, examples, and other helpful things along the way to write your personal statement for OT school.

You may be thinking:

Where do I even start with writing a personal statement?
Maybe I can look for some more examples online.
My story does not seem as exciting as these examples.
These examples don’t really relate to me.
I don’t like the writing style or “feeling” that these examples give me.
How do I even go about this?

Or maybe you didn’t have any of these thoughts and you are just looking for some extra tips to polish up your personal statement before you send it to the world. This guide will still help!

While this guide was written with Pre-OT’s for occupational therapy personal statements in mind, it of course can apply to other professions such as physical therapy, speech therapy, PA, RN, even undergraduate programs.

I am not part of any admissions committee or affiliated with them in any way. However, as a graduate of an occupational therapy program, I also read and edited many other personal statements for friends and family. This guide is not a guarantee that you will get accepted or a guarantee that you will produce the best personal statement. This is just my opinion and unfortunately, the writing is all up to you!

Fortunately, you already have the hard part done – building your education, experiences, personal character, and goals!

Not quite there yet, that’s okay too – this guide will give you a preview of how to prepare to write your personal statement.

The Process

The process of writing a personal statement may involve something like:

Reflecting, getting something typed on the screen, getting writer’s block, getting distracted, taking a break, editing it, reflecting, typing some ideas, deleting those ideas, repeat, have it proofread, reading it out loud, reflecting, make more edits, and you’re done! While this sounds like a lot, it’s doable.

Set-up and Preparation

Start Early

When you feel like you are ready to write your personal statement, start writing! Don’t wait until the last minute to write. Personal statements require editing, giving it some time for your mind to clear to re-read, having it proofread by someone else, and making more edits.

Install Grammarly

We use Grammarly as a browser extension for its spellcheck and grammar check. It is really good at catching mistakes as you go and the free version is all you really need to get some basic editing done. This allows you to focus on the writing and not the spelling. Software like Grammarly also helps if you especially have a hard time with writing in general. While it can suggest edits for errors, it is up to you to write the content. AI is not quite there yet, but we are close!

Cheating & plagiarizing

I just have to say it. Don’t cheat or plagiarize. Don’t hire someone to write for you. I hear stories of students cheating here or there, so it must still be happening. Grad school is not the time to jeopardize all the hard work you put in.

Have a back-up system for your document

It would be a huge set-back to lose all your hard work. These days, you can easily use the cloud such as Dropbox or Google Drive/Docs for storing your files. This goes for your personal statement document as well as your graduate school application files such as notes, deadlines, resumes, etc. All it takes is a coffee spilled on your laptop for you to lose all your hard work (it happened to my classmate in OT school). Better yet, back up all your data that is important to you. Lectures, recordings, assignments.

Write in a place you feel productive

It doesn’t have to be a quiet library. It just has to be what works. If it’s a coffee shop, then go there. Write in a place you associate with positive work (but also don’t get distracted too easily, e.g. a cat cafe) – like to your favorite study area.

It’s okay if it doesn’t seem perfect or even good at first

After all, you are writing something like this probably for the first time, with a unique set of experiences for a specific intention of impressing the OT’s admissions panel. It can be difficult for artists to create art or music, or write a book in one session. So don’t stress it!

Re-research the profession, job description, duties, etc. BLS.gov is my favorite go-to for profession research. We have a video on it here .
Follow the personal statement prompt and instructions. Read it several times to make sure. If there is a word limit, don’t go over. Double-check before you submit.
Pay attention to the file format that is requested from the programs. Word doc? PDF? Make sure your file actually opens after you upload it and is not corrupt, if possible. If you are uploading to a central application like OTCAS, make sure you meet those guidelines.
Write in the same tense and person throughout (“I”, first-person is fine).
Write in an order that makes sense and flows to the reader, e.g. chronologically.
Write with a purpose. Each sentence should be there for a reason and not be filler. Exclude extra information or too specific of information that doesn’t contribute to your story.
Example: Nowadays, I want to be an occupational therapist first and foremost because I want to help people and really make a difference in each of their lives.
Better example: My goal is to become an occupational therapist who makes a difference in people’s lives.
Warning : I wouldn’t you use this specific example in your personal statement because it’s probably been overused. Try to be creative by saying how you want to “help” people in other ways .
Be honest, try to copy an example’s voice, do not write over-the-top or fabricate the story.
Be politically correct and culturally sensitive.
My personal statement didn’t have big GRE words or fancy syntax. It told a great story that was (in my opinion) to the point, compelling, persuasive, and driven.
Describe your values and goals while highlighting your strengths.
In my opinion, it is best to talk about college, work, and other achievements and experiences in your “adulthood”.
Even traveling experience (shows cultural awareness) as an adult is more noteworthy than say winning a basketball game in high school (less relevant to OT)
Tip: think about when you first were motivated to become an OT and start from there, not earlier.
Don’t use cliches or minimize them as much you can. Readers see this a lot and it does not make a big impact on their impression of you.
Don’t use slang/informal speech, e.g. “sticking with it” -> perseverance.
Don’t make jokes and be careful if you decide to use humor (what may be funny to you may not be to the reader). It’s safe to leave humor out and just get to the point.
Avoid being sarcastic.
Pay attention to your use of OT – it can be occupational therapy or occupational therapist, but personally, I get confused when people use “OT” interchangeably.
In my final submitted personal statement, I only abbreviated “MSOT” and “EMT” and did not “OT” once.
Example: I got accepted to shadow at [facility] and was observing observed patients do their rehab exercises.
Pay attention to these verbs in sentences that run longer. Consider shortening them to make it less tiring to read, avoiding avoid run-on sentences. (see what I did there?)
Don’t abbreviate or hyphenate too often or incorrectly . If you do it one way, be sure you are at least consistent throughout. e.g. evidence-based, not evidenced based.
O ccupational therapist is capitalized like this correctly.
However, an Occupational Therapist is not correct if capitalized like this.
This is the correct capitalization for an occupational therapist.
The same goes for the field of occupational therapy.
O ccupational therapy is capitalized correctly in this sentence.
Abbreviations are always capitalized, e.g. OT.
Don’t write anything negative about anyone, organization, place, etc .
Don’t write in a negative tone, be a “Debbie Downer”
“OTs make a lot of money.”
“I will be the best occupational therapist because…”
“I am the best candidate because”
“Since I am… , therefore”
“Unlike others”, or
“Other professions” talking down, avoid talking about other professions in general. No one profession is better than another, the same applies to OT. Think about why OT over other professions leading to your decision to become one).
Think about how someone in another profession, say a PT would feel after reading your personal statement. They should not feel offended after reading your personal statement, but instead think, “wow, such and such would make a great OT.” Not that OT is better than PT, that kind of thing.
When I become an occupational therapist. If I become an occupational therapist.
Don’t repeat yourself, you only need to say something once in its context. Of course, the bigger message can be repeated, e.g. intro and conclusion. Just don’t sound repetitive.
Don’t use the same phrases (especially close to each other), try using different words. That doesn’t mean you should just look up words in a thesaurus. Really think about what’s the point you are trying to make.
Don’t use profanity.
In everyday speech we say things like, “that’s crazy”. Someone with a mental illness who really is crazy could be offended. I had a teacher whose pet-peeve was people who said things were crazy . Remove crazy from your personal statement.
“He probably was abused since he was in a recovery program/”
I would avoid using “ normal” too. “Occupational therapists help patients get back to their normal.” This implies the patient was abnormal before. Better words: recover, improve, rehabilitate, strengthen, adapt, overcome, etc.
Other labels: retarded, slow, crippled, mental, insane
You can include a facility name, e.g. Standford hospital – as long as you don’t talk about it in a negative context.
“Standford hospital treats a lot of poor patients.” Standford hospital is a valuable asset to the community for the underserved.
Don’t include anything that can be seen as a weakness, e.g. low GPA, took a semester off, DUI, unexplained career changes.
This is your chance to “say” what you want to say and include your story that is not apparent in the other pre-requisites. All the other candidates likely have high GPAs and had to take the same pre-requisite courses, but they did not shadow at your facility with your patient , so here’s your chance to distinguish yourself.
What experience may be unique to you ?
For example, I included my experience of being an EMT to make myself stand out.
This could backfire and show your lack of research into how broad OT can be. Don’t forget about mental health too! OT’s study to be generalists , not specialists.
While it’s okay to want to work with a specific population as a goal, don’t accidentally make it sound like you think OT’s only do one thing. Hope this one makes sense.

Question’s to address or reflect on

Reflect. Write. Take a break. Repeat.

What is your experience with other backgrounds and cultures in your pre-OT journey?
How did you realize that OT was for you? Why not PT? (Reflect, but don’t answer this directly.)
What or who were the influence(s) or influencers?
This is a rich opportunity to mention your specific OT shadowing experience at the stage in which you want to be an OT.
I would include at least 1 example from this, 2 is better, but not too much either.
Not just becoming an OT (graduating) but afterwards. e.g. 1 year post-grad, 5 years, where you see yourself 10 years out.
What challenges did you overcome in your pre-requisite pre-OT journey?
What sets you apart from other applicants? Why should I not pick person A or person B over you?
Tip: research the school’s website for their mission statement, OT program background, etc. to get familiar with the specifics. If you can include and relate to some of this, even better!
“My motivation to help others and my passion for occupational therapy will guide me to be successful in the [program].” or

Since [school] strives to “[OT program mission statement]”, I firmly believe that [school] will help me reach my goals of becoming a successful occupational therapist.

Recommendations

Talk about why you want to be an OT, but not just to “help” people. How? Which population/community/background? Conditions? Why? Tip: three major categories of OT are: mental health, pediatrics, and adults/older adults. Nurses help people too. How is OT different for you?
Hint: occupations ! meaningful, client-centered.
Check out the OTDUDE Podcast and other podcasts for ideas; Episode 1: What is OT
Reflection tip: other professions may be based on the medical model or helping people become healthy, but OT is different because…
Check out AOTA.org for some phrasing of the profession to inspire you.
If you are comfortable, use OT related terminology or phrases, but don’t go overboard, e.g. occupation, intervention, treatment, activities of daily living, evidence-based, collaborative, interdisciplinary, client-centered, holistic, functional. Plain English is fine, you don’t have to sound like a journal article.
As mentioned, highlight why you would be a valuable candidate (fit) to their program. Think about not only your experience but your character and quality traits . Examples: creativity, leadership, patient, resourceful, reliability? Teamwork and communication?
Show indirectly through your stories or experiences why you will be successful in the program and not “drop-out”. Perseverance.
Psychologically, readers tend to remember the beginnings and end more than the middle.
How will being an OT help you achieve your goals, career? Not just short-term, but think bigger. While this sounds cliche – OT is not just a job, it will become your life. A person’s job (and career) is a large part of their identity.
The reader should feel like they read about a person they would want to meet in the program and in real life, someone who can contribute something to the cohort, school, faculty, alumni – long term relationship. You will not only graduate as a student but a colleague in the field of occupational therapy to the faculty.

Here is a template I created to get you started. This is of course not a magic template that works for everyone or neither was it created by any OT entity for students. Copy & paste this into your favorite word processing program and write away.

Paragraph 1

Sentence 1: Attention-grabbing sentence. Hook into your story.

Supporting sentences: Support the above story with specifics.

Concluding sentence: “Thesis statement” stating why you chose (or) may be a successful OT.

Body Paragraphs (2, 3, 4, 5, etc.)

Opening sentence: As a , I [did this, and that] at [place or company or school]

Supporting sentences: strengthen your narrative in the opening sentence. These sentences should not deviate from the opening sentence topic or story, otherwise start a new paragraph. Should answer a [ Question’s to address or reflect on] section (see above).

Concluding sentence(s): wrap everything in this story up, optionally include a transition sentence.

Concluding Paragraph

Opening sentence: restate why you will be a successful OT.

Supporting sentences: start wrapping things up. Big picture. If applying to a specific program, consider answering why this program (e.g. does its mission statement appeal to you?).

Final sentence: end strong stating that you want to be an OT. Mention because it is in your long-term goals. Consider ending everything with the words “occupational therapist” (identity), e.g. “…be a successful occupational therapist” OR “occupational therapy”, e.g. “… to pursue a career in occupational therapy”.

Here are some examples. All identifying information and some facts were fabricated for example sake.

After graduation, I did a lot of soul searching in terms of the career I wanted to pursue. Did I want to appease my parents and pursue [career]? Should we expand [business name] and take it to the next level? I knew I wanted a career that could help people in my day-to-day, but none of those paths fulfilled that desire. After my [family member] injured her arm and was unable to return to work or help out around the house, I saw her frustration and loss of dignity. Our family took a significant financial toll. When my [family member] finally saw an occupational therapist, I motivated her to do the exercises from her care plan and she eventually regained upper arm function. My [family member’s] perseverance inspired me to become an occupational therapist to help people develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living, working, and leading active lifestyles .

This excerpt, although really did happen, sounds cliche with phrases like soul searching, take it to the next level.
While the reflection part and figuring out what to do may seem important, it can be shortened to and still get the message across.
Using the family member is a good example especially since it related to a story with an occupational therapist.
The last two sentences highlight that I know what OT is (and why I want to become one) but can be cleaned up.

I was inspired by a personal experience with an occupational therapist when my [family member] suffered a rotator cuff tear and was unable to perform her activities of daily living . My [family member] became discouraged and did not do the recommended home exercises , but I saw the value in them and helped my [family member] complete them daily to recover. I learned the value of occupational therapy and how important it is to take a holistic approach by involving caregivers .

Mentioning ADL’s shows I know what OT’s do.
Shows my direct involvement with OT intervention.
Shows my understanding of OT’s holistic approach.
Words like “value” are strong. The word caregiver is often used in OT documentation.

I was hired as a EMT at [employer] in [city] for a small business that reminded me of our own [business name]. My role as a EMT at [employer] involved caring and treating for the sick and injured that involved tasks such as CPR or patient comfort and advocacy. As an EMT I again found that I was a valuable asset to the company having known how to speak some Spanish. Patients and staff members challenged me and tested my patience. My contact with patients out in the field was a unique experience that exposed me to the reality of what a healthcare profession involved. Due to the physical demands of the job and the high stress environment, many EMTs “burned out” and quit. I admit that I have thought about quitting, but I found the interactions with my patients far more rewarding and continued to work close to two years as an EMT. Working closely with these patients taught me to be sensitive to each person and their unique experiences. As an EMT, I developed my critical thinking skills to adapt the environment to my patients in order to safely transfer care, as well as educate patients on how to minimize hazards and prevent further injuries. Hearing my patients personally thank me for my care and education reassured me that I was pursuing the right career in helping patients resume their activities of daily living and accomplish their own goals.

How would you improve this example?
Lots of specifics can be taken out like employer name, city.
Role as EMT is well-known, better to include more significant things such as experience, outcome, or relevance to OT.
Being bilingual is nice, but more for a resume than a personal statement as it does not add to the story.
Leave out specific thought process of thinking about quitting (weaknesses). Perseverance was also already shared in a previous example – talk about another quality instead, e.g. stress management, working with diverse population, fast-paced environment, patient education as an EMT and how it translates to OT.
Reflect on how one story can share multiple strengths you have not mentioned so far in previous examples.
The example does not translate or relate back to OT in a clear manner, but alludes to the qualities of one. This can be written to be more obvious because EMT and OT have very similar qualities that are needed to be good practitioners.

As an EMT, I developed my critical thinking skills with my patients in order to safely transfer care and educate patients on how to prevent further injuries. Hearing my patients personally thank me for my care and education reassures me that I am pursuing the right career by helping patients resume their activities of daily living and accomplish their own goals .

Much shorter, to the point, and use of effective words that highlight what OT’s also do – educate, doing it safely, prevention of disease and injury, and meeting client’s goals.

FAQ and Self-Doubt

Addressing negative self-talk and negative beliefs about yourself.

“This is my 100th time applying…”

Maybe it will be your 101st that you get in. You see this all the time with graduates taking the board exam who fail X number of times. Don’t give up!

“I was never good at writing.”

Writing takes practice. I never liked writing in grade school. Now I enjoy writing about OT. So use your resources, e.g. spell-check, someone to proof-read, reading other examples. You CAN do it.

“My experience is not that special.”

Not everyone did CPR on their patient, observed a miraculous rehab recovery, etc. It’s what you make of the moments, how you interpret it, become inspired by it, how it changes you, and make you want to be an OT. It’s all from YOUR perspective. You can take 2 people who watch the same movie. One person could be moved by it and the other not be interested, right?

“The more I read this, the more I feel like it is not good enough.”

Take a break, put it down, and come back to it. Have someone else read it and get their opinion. Sometimes, we get stuck in our own thoughts and they can trick us and lead us down a negative path of thinking.

“I have the opposite problem, I have too much to write about and not enough room.”

You can probably take our your younger experiences. Leave the “resume” stuff out. Try to pick the most “OT” related or healthcare moments. If you do not have these examples to draw from, choose ones that fit the characteristics of a good OT. Each example should not be a repeated theme of another and highlight something profound.

“Now I am not so sure what OT’s do anymore, after writing all this.”

Go on BLS.gov for OT’s, listen to OT podcasts (to become inspired), watch some YouTubers on OT.

“I am having doubts about OT vs. (other profession)”

Avoid reading forums, facebook groups, Reddit for OT. These are often skewed towards OTs who may be burned out (which could happen for any other profession on social media). Dig deep into why you wanted to be an OT in the first place! If still in doubt, maybe you should observe some more, talk to some more OT’s and listen to some OT podcasts (because they are positive about the profession usually). I would avoid YouTube as many who are burned out could make videos.

“No one can proofread my personal statement.”

Try writing workshops, a school or public library, or similar resources. A simple google search could help and you won’t necessarily need to pay. Avoid suspicious websites and uploading your work to avoid others from plagiarizing you. Use people or resources that you trust.

“This is my 100th draft, it’s not perfect yet”

Deadlines will often help with this. Don’t let them catch you off guard. Consider going back and making an outline and seeing if you covered everything you want to talk about. A timer may help. Get the approval of at least 2 readers to give you support for how awesome your personal statement is.

“I don’t know where to start in writing”

That’s okay, start writing about a story or experience you have in mind and build around it. Start in the middle as intros and conclusions can be very difficult to begin writing.

Read some other examples online, but don’t stress about it. If possible, have someone who may have been accepted to a graduate program send you theirs. You can use it as a template or for inspiration to the types of stores, tone, conclusion paragraph used, etc.
Set a timer (e.g. Pomodoro method) so you won’t stress out and remind yourself to take breaks, move-on, just get something out and fix it later. Exact grammar, spelling, and other “writing” can be fixed later – focus on content.
Get into a habit of writing, set a schedule …or do it randomly, no-schedule (whatever works for you ). Maybe it’s writing every other day in the morning, after a nap, after playing video games, after a meal, after walking your dog, or whatever sets you up for success.
Have at least 2 people read (and edit) your personal statement. Don’t take it personally and not all suggestions are necessarily correct.
In the earlier stages of writing, if deciding between two stories or segments in your writing, consider having two drafts and see which one your proof-readers prefer.
Read your personal statement out loud, spaced out, e.g. 1 week later (when it is no longer fresh and you forgot some of what you wrote). Make edits as needed.
Candidates come from all walks of life, have different personalities (e.g. type-A vs. B), extroverted vs. introverted, outspoken vs. quiet – so some of these tips (or your editor suggestions) may not appeal to you or seem unnatural, etc. This can be your strength. Follow your gut. It’s not like OT schools are only looking for outspoken, extroverted candidates. It’s how you use those qualities to better the world with OT. This is what makes you unique, special, and distinguished. Highlight those features!
Take care of yourself – eat well, exercise, manage your stress, breathe.

Thank you for reading this long guide. I wish you the best in your journey to becoming an occupational therapist (or whatever career). See you all in the field!

Personal Statements For OT

Ot personal statements online advising.

The OT personal statement can seem like the most daunting and difficult part of your application.

Silver lining, though: a well-written essay can:

Wake up a bored admissions committee (most essays they'll read are extremely similar)
Convey your real personality and make you come alive to your readers
Depict your experiences in movie-like clarity and detail
Show your best qualities and values
Help the reader see why you and their program are such a great fit

Simply put, the essay is not a to-do; it's a powerful tool to help you get accepted!

Lauren Hammond is our OT application essay expert and has been helping people write their Occupational Therapy personal statements for several years. Whether you just want some feedback on a draft, or you're staring at a blank Word doc and don't know where to begin, she is happy to help!

Contact Lauren directly at 951 -395-4646 (phone or text), or send us an email .

She works with people online via Zoom and via email / Google Docs.

P.S. We offer GRE prep!

Lauren Hammond

Lauren: I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Literature and Writing, with a concentration in Writing, at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) and my Master’s Degree in English and Comparative Literature at San Diego State University (SDSU). I recently completed my PhD in English at the University of California Riverside (UCR) in September 2023. Upon graduating, I began my current position as UCR's Graduate Writing Center Specialist and Fulbright Program Advisor last summer.

I have been a writing consultant for nearly 10 years now, and I've helped people with research writing, thesis/dissertation projects, rhetorical and literary analyses, writing in the humanities, grammar/sentence mechanics, and more. My focus for VKTP centers on graduate school application materials– including personal statements, diversity statements, and research statements– as well as job market materials for academic and alt-academic positions– resumes, CVs, cover letters, etc.

During my downtime, I love hanging out with my husband, 2-year-old daughter, and our two dogs, Link and Leia! My favorite activities are going on the boat, cruising on the golf cart, and making our way through all of the local eateries. When we aren’t out and about, I typically enjoy reading and watching movies.

Working with Lauren is $225 per hour or $995 for a package purchase of 5 hours. You can reach her at 951 -395-4646 (phone or text), or by sending us an email .

Love For Lauren

"I had about 6 sessions with Lauren Hammond to go over my personal statements for PhD/PsyD Clinical Psychology applications. I had different goals for each of my statements (e.g., trim, content development, brainstorm ideas), and she tailored each session to meet my needs. An hour might seem short, but she was very productive and sometimes went over two short statements in one session. She was also available via text for any brief questions or concerns. I am very happy with her service and recommend it to anyone who wants to craft a stand-out personal statement. I thought my writing skills were already good, but the final product, including her revisions, turned out even better than I expected. "

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" Very happy to have worked with Vince on my GRE prep and Lauren on my personal essay writing. Both were integral to my success in getting accepted to my ideal grad school. Vince had a very straightforward and understandable approach toward taking the test which helped remove the test anxiety I definitely would have otherwise felt. I knew exactly what was coming weeks before I sat down to take it and managed to score about 10-15 points higher than I would have without his help. Lauren was equally helpful in editing my essay - both on the finer details as well as big picture ideas and concepts. I wholeheartedly believe their assistance throughout the GRE and grad school application process is what pushed me over the edge and got me accepted into my ideal program at my ideal school. 5 stars, no question."

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"I worked with Lauren Hammond on my personal statement and she was amazing!! I spent a couple months working with her and it was one of the best decisions that I feel elevated my grad school applications. I came into the first meeting with a draft essay that was basically my resume and was all over the place. Lauren helped me nail down my story and what I am passionate about. I ended up writing an amazing personal statement with great feedback from Lauren that I felt really showed readers who I am. She was super flexible with the times we met and I ended up getting into my TOP choice schools (Johns Hopkins, Brown, etc). I would definitely work with her again!"

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" As I was applying to PhD programs, I was struggling to write my personal statements. I searched online for hours to try and find something or someone that looked worth spending the money on and I came across Lauren Hammond at Vince Kotchian Test Prep. I was only planning on doing maybe one session to help get me started but Lauren was SO good that I continued working with her for weeks. She gave such valuable feedback and felt like she truly cared about making my work the best it can be. I even recommended her to my other colleagues who were applying to grad school and they felt the same way. I currently have 3 interviews for grad school and I couldn't have gotten those without her help!"

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I spend writing my OT personal statement?

We generally recommend about 4-8 weeks - 6 weeks is a good sweet spot. It takes time to come up with ideas and get those ideas onto paper in a compelling form.

Where can I find some good examples of personal statements?

Other than Google, I really like the sample admissions essays in Graduate Admissions Essays by Donald Asher. If you're a DIY kind of person, Asher's advice for the entire graduate admissions process is very good.

Note: The above links are Amazon affiliate links and I earn a commission if you purchase things through them. However, any commission I earn comes at no additional cost to you, and you pay nothing extra. My recommendation is based on extensive experience using this book's advice with dozens of people over the years, and I recommend it because it's helpful and useful, not because of the small commission I receive if you choose to buy it.

How can I make my personal statement stand out?

MOST personal statements are BORING! Not because the person writing them is boring, but perhaps because:

Their focus is too broad. They try to cover everything they've done, and nothing ends up standing out.
They're impersonal. It's a personal statement - the reader needs to get a sense of who you are and what you're actually like - not some sanitized "professional" version of you.
They're too safe. Ironically, a statement that takes no risks can be the riskiest thing you can do. We're not applying to a program with the intent of blending in with all the other applicants!

Granted, the above things can be overdone, or done wrong. But most statements make no impact, so it's worth thinking about how yours actually can.

For more personal statement tips, check out Vince's video: 7 Ways to Write a Crappy Graduate School Personal Statement.

What are the basics of applying to an OT program?

Gaining admission into an Occupational Therapy (OT) graduate program is like preparing for a complex dance — it requires a combination of technical knowledge, practical skills, and a deep understanding of human movement and daily living activities. Here's how the process usually unfolds:

The journey often begins with a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as health sciences, psychology, or kinesiology. Key coursework often includes anatomy, physiology, psychology, and sociology. Doing well in these courses is crucial because they form the foundation of understanding how to assist individuals in improving their daily living and working skills.

Hands-on experience is highly valued in OT applications. This can come from volunteer work, internships, or employment in settings like rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or clinics. It’s not just about clocking hours; it's about showing genuine interest in and commitment to the field of occupational therapy. This experience is crucial in demonstrating an understanding of the role of OTs and their impact on improving patients' quality of life.

Many OT programs require the GRE, and a good score can be beneficial. It serves as an indicator of your readiness for the academic rigor of graduate studies.

Applications typically include essays and letters of recommendation. The essays are an opportunity to share your passion for OT, your understanding of the profession, and your future career goals. Recommendation letters should ideally come from individuals who can speak to your abilities and potential in the field of OT.

Interviews are often a part of the application process, allowing you to demonstrate your communication skills, empathy, and professionalism — all essential qualities for an OT.

Going above and beyond, such as participating in OT-related research or being involved in relevant organizations, can enhance your application.

In summary, getting into an OT graduate program involves demonstrating academic strength in relevant subjects, gaining practical experience in the field, articulating a strong understanding of and commitment to occupational therapy, and showcasing personal qualities vital to the profession. It’s a journey for those dedicated to helping individuals lead independent and fulfilling lives through therapeutic interventions.

Health Professions Advising

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Personal Statements

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Schedule a Health Professions Advising Appointment

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Although most applicants focus on GPA and test-scores, the personal statement is a very important component of your application and should be carefully composed. This is your opportunity to highlight things about yourself that may not be mentioned in other sections of your application and to distinguish yourself from other applicants.

You should have several different people objectively read your personal statement and provide constructive feedback. In addition to the Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) , your letter writers are often a great option. There are also resources on campus that can assist you, such as the UH Writing Center , University Career Services , and your major advisor. Consider the feedback you receive carefully, but be sure that the personal statement is still written in your voice!

Below we have outlined some advice and general guidelines to consider while writing your personal statement. Keep in mind that these recommendations are not restricted to medical/dental applications, but can be applied while writing essays for any healthcare professional program.

See also UH University Career Services Personal Statement Tips
Sign up for the UH Writing Center Personal Statement Workshops

Types of Prompts

Before beginning your personal statement, it is important you carefully review the specific question (or prompt) that is being asked and the character-limit, as there can be distinct differences between the application services.

TMDSAS ( 5000 characters ):

Explain your motivation to seek a career in medicine. You are asked to include the value of your experiences that prepare you to be a physician.
Explain your motivation to seek a career in dentistry. You are asked to discuss your philosophy of the dental profession and indicate your goals relevant to the profession.
Personal Characteristics Essay - Learning from others is enhanced in educational settings that include individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Please describe your personal characteristics (background, talents, skills, etc.) or experiences that would add to the educational experience of others. The personal characteristics essay is required to all applicants and limited to 2500 characters, including spaces.
Optional Essay – The optional essay is an opportunity to provide the admissions committee(s) with a broader picture of who you are as an applicant. The essay is optional, however, you are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Consider briefly discussing any unique circumstances or life experiences that are relevant to your application which have not previously been presented. Optional Essay is limited to 2500 characters, including spaces.

AMCAS ( 5300 characters ):

Why have you selected the field of medicine?
What motivates you to learn more about medicine?
What do you want medical schools to know about you that has not been disclosed in other sections of the application?

AACOMAS ( 5300 characters ):

What motivates you to learn more about osteopathic medicine?

AADSAS ( 4500 characters ):

Explain a defining moment that helped steer you toward a career in dentistry. Consider using that moment as the focal point of your essay.
Be colorful, positive, imaginative and personal when discussing why you are a good candidate for dental school. Ask yourself—in a pile of 100 applications, would I enjoy reading my statement? Be sure to convey your passion for dentistry in your statement.
Be yourself. Don’t use jargon, clichés or big phrases that you would not use in daily conversation. Remember, dental schools want to know about the real you.
Be original and thoughtful: Discuss how you would contribute to the profession and patient care, all of which will help you stand out from other applicants.

AACPMAS (4500 characters):

State below why you are interested in becoming a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. Provide information about your development for a career in Podiatric Medicine

CASPA (5000 characters):

In the space provided write a brief statement expressing your motivation or desire to become a physician assistant.

OptomCAS (4500 characters) :

Essays can be customized for each individual Optometry program. Most Optometry schools include this as their main essay question:

Please describe what inspires your decision for becoming an optometrist, including your preparation for training in this profession, your aptitude and motivation, the basis for your interest in optometry, and your future career.

OTCAS (no character limit):

Your Personal Statement should address why you selected OT as a career and how an Occupational Therapy degree relates to your immediate and long-term professional goals. Describe how your personal, educational, and professional background will help you achieve your goals.

PTCAS (4500 characters):

Prompt: Every person has a story that has led them to a career. Since there are a variety of health professions that "help" others, please go beyond your initial interaction or experiences with physical therapy and share the deeper story that has confirmed your decision to specifically pursue physical therapy as your career.

PharmCAS (4500 characters):

Your Personal Essay should address why you selected pharmacy as a career. How the Doctor of Pharmacy degree relates to your immediate and long-term professional goals. You should describe how your personal, educational, and professional background will help you achieve your goals.

VMCAS (1000 characters):

There are many career choices within the veterinary What are your future career goals and why?
In what ways do veterinarians contribute to society and what do you hope to contribute?
Consider the breadth of society which veterinarians What attributes do you believe are essential to be successful within the veterinary profession? Of these attributes, which do you possess and how have you demonstrated these in the past?

When should I start writing?

You should begin working on your personal statement early in the spring semester prior to your intended application year and submitting your application materials to HPAC (if applicable). Remember that the people who are helping you with your statement will need time to review it and you will need time to work through multiple drafts before submission. In addition, some of your letter writers may want to see a copy of your personal statement before they write your letter, so you should strive to have a competent draft by mid-March.

What should be included?

It is important to treat the personal statement as an answer to a question (i.e., the prompt), rather than the opportunity to flex your creative writing muscles. Indeed, most applicants are STEM majors without much experience in creative writing; therefore, it is recommended that you avoid using the essay to practice your creative writing skills and stick to simply addressing the prompt in a direct, concise way. Some questions you may want to consider while planning your essay are:

Why have you selected the field of medicine, dentistry, or other health profession?
What motivates you to learn more about medicine, dentistry, or other health profession?
How have you demonstrated your interest and commitment to your decision?
What experiences have allowed you to develop the skills necessary to be successful in this program and to become an effective physician, dentist, PA, etc.?
Did you have any exposure to role models who influenced your decision? Which of their attributes inspired you?
Are your perceptions of this profession realistic?
What are your professional goals?
Is there anything you wish for your chosen health professional schools to know about you that has not been disclosed in other sections of the application?

Depending on the nature of the prompt, you may also wish to include information such as:

Unique hardships, challenges, or obstacles that may have influenced your educational pursuits.
Commentary on significant fluctuations in your academic record that are not explained elsewhere in your application.

What should NOT be included?

Avoid clichés and over-using/mis-using terms : How many times do you think admissions committees have read the phrase, “I want to become a physician because I like science and I want to help people”? Similarly, words like empathy and passion are, while applicable, can become empty in meaning when overused or misused. Consider exemplifying these terms, rather than simply stating them.
Avoid unnecessary drama: While you may feel compelled to "hook" the reader with a dramatic opening to your statement, doing so may detract from the overall purpose (i.e., describing your decision to pursue medicine/dentistry) and may induce many an eye-roll by committee members.
Avoid being vague : "[Insert experience] was challenging and rewarding." What does that mean? Be specific about what was impactful and how it affected you.
Avoid brash decision-making : Your decision to become a doctor/dentist should be the result of a series of thoughtful, conscious, and reflective decisions. NOT an instantaneous realization or epiphany. Similarly, you have not “always known” that you want to be a physician/dentist. No one is "born to be a doctor." Nothing is innate, you have to work for it.
Avoid excuses : In general, there are better uses for your personal statement than explaining away and justifying poor grades, incidents of misconduct, etc. Indeed, TMDSAS offers additional essays and opportunities to discuss these issues. However, if you choose to address these subjects, be sure to focus on what you have learned from those incidents and how your experiences have made you a stronger person. Always accept responsibility and avoid blaming anyone else for your decisions or mistakes.
Avoid restating your resume or activities section : Choose ONE or TWO significant and distinguishing experiences to elaborate upon when outline the reasons behind your decision to pursue a career in healthcare. There is no need to narrate completely your 4+ years of college or carefully detail your activities from year to year; indeed, there are other sections in the application where you can detail your experiences and what you learned from each.
Avoid grandiosity : Claiming that you plan to cure cancer (or HIV, or healthcare disparities, or anything else) shows a grave lack of understanding of whatever problem you are planning to solve. Similarly, avoid “I know what it is like to be a physician/dentist from [shadowing/clinical volunteer experience].” No, you do not. That is precisely why you are hoping to go to medical/dental school.
Avoid inflammatory or controversial topics : You do not know the values, beliefs, and background of the committee member reading your essay. For these reasons, you are advised to avoid making any strong statements regarding politics, religion, and other polarizing topics. Be extremely cautious to avoid expressing any views that could be construed as derogatory to any group. Additionally, your beliefs are not the only “correct” beliefs.
Do not lie : Honesty and ethical behavior are the hallmarks of being a healthcare professional. Do not include details anywhere in your application or essay that you are not prepared to talk about or that are simply untrue.

Additional Recommendations

Use simple formatting : Avoid the use of bullet-points, italics, and symbols.
Read your statement aloud : As you draft your statement, reading what you have written aloud can help you determine whether your writing "flows" well and is an easy read for a reviewer.

Student Good Guide

The best UK online resource for students

Occupational Therapy Personal Statement

Read our real example of Occupational Therapy personal statement to be able to work on your application for university.

Occupational Therapy Personal Statement Example

To me, occupational therapy’s guiding principles – above all, equipping individuals with the skills and confidence to lead full, rewarding lives – strike a chord as the best way to restore health. It would be a privilege and an enriching experience to be part of a profession based on these ideals that could improve the lives of others.

As a result of my diverse upbringing, I have excellent communication and empathy skills. After living in various countries throughout my childhood, my family and I finally settled in the United Kingdom. Living temporarily in several different places, often overcoming language barriers, has helped me to appreciate communication and to strive to improve it. I have also encountered people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds by living in such a diverse range of places.

My experience completing the first year of a BSc in Biomedical Sciences, which I believed did not suit my career goals or academic interests, demonstrated my aptitude for higher education and suitability to work as an occupational therapist. I left the course after feeling that course did not suit my interests or career goals. The position I held as a course representative required me to communicate effectively with fellow students and assist in formulating proposals that would improve the quality of the course for them. These skills are relevant to the work of occupational therapists, in my opinion. In addition, the experience of taking an unsuitable course has taught me not to make big decisions lightly and to pursue a career I am genuinely interested in. I feel confident that occupational therapy is the right course for me, and I look forward to completing it with full enthusiasm.

As a result of shadowing an occupational therapist, I have gained a deeper understanding of this fascinating field. The experience of eyeing the work of the therapist and seeing how the central goal of everything that they did was orchestrated at helping people to lead fulfilling lives, whether through coaching people on techniques to control problems such as anxiety or assisting individuals to develop plans for themselves, was inspirational. I was positively impressed with the therapist’s ability to understand people’s conditions through a combination of talking to them and keeping an eye on them as they went about their business, not to mention the importance that the therapist attached to assessing each individual thoroughly to ensure that the help that they offered would benefit the individual and their circumstances.

I recently spent four weeks volunteering at a local school, where I worked daily with the children. I spent a considerable amount of the time on the placement working with a disabled girl, in the form of helping her and keeping her company during breaks and lunchtimes. Being able to help children in this way was a great pleasure, and working with kids from a variety of backgrounds made me realise the significance of the role that occupational therapists can play in helping children who come from troubled families. Indeed, the rewarding experience of working with children has made me develop an interest in working as a paediatric occupational therapist one day. I was inspired to carry out this work experience through the sense of accomplishment I derived from helping to organise a Christmas party for a group of disabled children whilst I was at college. The experience made me realise that helping people was something that drives me to make the most of my skills and abilities. I believe that qualifying as an occupational therapist would be an ideal profession for me to be able to do this.

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Occupational Therapy Tips & Resources

OT School: How to Write a Personal Statement

Check out the OT Latina Personal Statement Guide for Occupational Therapy School! Follow the OT Latina Blog for more content.

Applying to OT school can get a little overwhelming. On top of the list of pre-admission requirements, you are also probably required to provide a personal statement.

If you need help to get the ball rolling on your essay, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s my guide on how to write an occupational therapy school personal statement, hope it helps!

What is a personal statement?

It’s an essay. Your standard essay style with paragraphs, double-spaced, and brief. Try to keep it at about 1-2 pages, but no more than 2 pages.

What should be included in a personal statement?

The personal statement is your chance to tell the admissions board about yourself, who you are, what occupational therapy means to you, and why they should admit you into their program.

Introduction

Briefly introduce yourself with a bold and captivating intro statement. For example, in my personal statement, I began with “As a first-generation Latina who was raised by a strong and empathetic woman, it came naturally that I wanted to pursue a career in occupational therapy.” Start building a short introduction.

You can mention a few hobbies you enjoy, and what degree you earned in your undergraduate work. You can tie it all together in relation to occupational therapy. Example: I earned my degree in Exercise Science because I found interest in the way the human body functions. I hope to couple my passion for learning about anatomy and exercise with holistic occupational therapy methods to provide the best quality of care to others.

Focus on a theme.

You can choose to write about what inspired you to pursue a career in occupational therapy, write about what potential you have in this career, what new ideas or interests in research you can bring to occupational therapy, etc. In my personal statement, I decided to focus on writing about my potential in the career and how my experiences (research, volunteer, education, personality traits) will help maximize the potential in others.

Describe what traits, extracurricular activities, and/or leadership opportunities you had in the past that would transfer well into the occupational therapy career. I participated in many research groups and labs within my undergraduate major in exercise science, so I decided to include those experiences. Since occupational therapy is advancing toward more areas of research within the profession, admission committees may find it appealing to have a student who already has experience in research methods.

Why occupational therapy?

Why did you decide to pursue a career in OT?
How have you helped others in the past and how does it translate to OT?
How has your volunteer experience helped you choose a career in OT?
How will you help engage others in occupational therapy?
What attributes or traits do have that will make you a great therapist?

Make sure you research what occupational therapy is and that you have a clear understanding of the field. The OT field has so many career pathways, definitions, and niche subjects embedded within, it’s your job to describe your understanding of occupational therapy, what it means to you, and how you will contribute to the profession.

Feel free to explore different writing styles and themes. One piece of advice I was given was to write freely on a piece of paper or on your laptop. Let the words flow with no limitations. Once you have a good chunk of information, you can sculpt your essay the way you want it to look.

Keep it clear, brief, and professional. Admission committees want to see how well you can express yourself in a professional manner and how you articulate yourself in a brief essay.

Have someone proofread your essay before submitting it. You can ask peers, previous mentors, professors, or OTs you’ve shadowed in the past to proofread your essay. Make sure there are no spelling or grammar errors, and that the person proofreading is able to understand your themes, ideas, and content.

Lastly, don’t stress too much. I get it, I’ve been there, but you will get through it. I hope these tips help you craft your personal essay. I wish you luck on your journey to becoming an occupational therapist!

Consider These Occupational Therapy Personal Statements

Table of Contents

Personal statements are a standard encounter in professional and student life. They give recruiters a glimpse into our personalities and help them understand our goals. While an occupational therapist personal statement might seem like a daunting task, there are tips and examples you can use as a guide. Read til the end to learn more about them.

But first, we need to establish a few fundamentals.

What is an Occupational Therapist?

An occupational therapist is a healthcare specialist who works with patients of all ages to help them develop, recover and maintain daily living skills. Through creative activities and purposeful engagements, the OT helps people overcome physical or mental limitations in order to lead satisfying and productive lives.

An OT’s clients include any person whose mobility and mental faculties have been impaired by birth defects, accidents, and developmental issues.

OTs strive to enhance the quality of life for clients across numerous settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, rehabilitation centers, and private practice.

The Importance of Personal Statements

Personal statements are standard requirements for job applications and special course applications. They are special essays that allow candidates to introduce themselves and highlight the key aspects of their professional and educational background .

Personal statements outline an applicant’s experience, skills, values, and commitments relevant to their intended venture and give a holistic view of their character. They focus on demonstrating an individual’s ability to be a productive member of an organization and show how they are suitable for a role.

The true value of personal statements lies in their ability to create impressions. They influence a recruiter’s perception of an applicant, allowing candidates to showcase their individuality.

Tips for Writing an Occupational Therapist Personal Statement

Writing an occupational therapist personal statement is a straightforward task that relies heavily on your exposition and word choice. You can simplify your task by following these tips:

1. Highlight your unique qualifications and experiences relevant to occupational therapy – this could include any related work experience, internships, research, or other special interests.

2. Utilize storytelling techniques to describe how you became interested in the field of occupational therapy and what drove you to pursue it.

3. Focus on conveying your passion for helping people with physical disabilities while demonstrating knowledge of evidence-based practices and modalities.

4. Incorporate specific examples that illustrate your strong communication skills and empathy when working with patients.

5. Be concise and make sure every sentence contains a vivid image, descriptive word, or phrase that sets it apart from others.

If you need a bit more help applying these tips, check out the examples from our Hey INK tool in the following section.

Occupational Therapist Personal Statement Examples

As a seasoned occupational therapist, I am passionate about empowering my clients to reach their full potential. Through evidence-based practices and experiential interventions, I strive to enhance the lives of individuals in need by providing meaningful and impactful care.

My collaborative approach helps me foster trusting relationships with clients, enabling them to build confidence and resilience as they navigate life’s challenges. I devise innovative solutions tailored to each individual and combine treatment with entertainment to maximize their effectiveness.

By leveraging my expertise in neurodiversity, disability studies, and cognitive rehabilitation, I ensure all participants receive holistic treatments and personalized support throughout the journey.

I have been working in occupational therapy for several years and am passionate about helping those in need. During my career, I have had the privilege to shadow some of the top therapists and observe their techniques first-hand.

This experience gave me a greater appreciation for how important quality care is when it comes to treating patients. Additionally, through college courses and seminars, I learned different ways to apply my knowledge to help people heal.

I believe that my education, volunteer experiences, and personal dedication make me an ideal candidate for any position related to occupational therapy. It is my great pride to be part of a profession that offers so many rewarding and meaningful benefits.

I feel fortunate to be part of such a respected and meaningful profession. I am confident that I can bring a lot to the table when it comes to providing high-quality healthcare. My goal is to use my skills and knowledge to offer a level of service that exceeds expectations. Ultimately, I want to continue pursuing my career aspirations in this exciting and ever-changing industry!

I have always enjoyed being able to help others. When I decided on a career path as an Occupational Therapist, it felt like a natural fit. I am committed to providing the best care available to assist patients and their families through the process of reclaiming health and well-being.

On any given day, I’m looking for ways to read a patient’s progress. I teach them how to use different resources and look at how the family can work together to create contentment in life.

It is truly rewarding to be able to think back on all the people I’ve been able to assist and complete this journey with. Working as an occupational therapist has been one of the most satisfying experiences I have ever had.

An occupational therapist personal statement is a descriptive essay that shows recruiters and admissions board representatives who you are . They can affect how recruiters perceive you and your suitability for a job or course.

Take the time to practice writing your personal statements, and remember to apply our tips. They can help you crystallize good habits that will serve you in every aspect of writing.

Consider These Occupational Therapy Personal Statements

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Occupational therapy personal statement example

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Have you ever had a moment where you thought to yourself, “This is exactly where I am supposed to be”? This exact thought runs through my mind as I work toward my goal of changing career paths, from healthcare administration to a career as an Occupational therapist. My interest in the profession began in high school while working at a home health and rehabilitation company. Occupational therapy attracted my attention because not only does the discipline address physical needs, but it addresses the psychological and emotional needs of individuals. I have always wanted to work in healthcare , to work and interact with people, and the opportunity to assist others in leading healthy and fulfilling lives; which makes Occupational therapy the perfect fit for me.

Initially, when I began my undergraduate studies at Slippery Rock University, I was an exercise science major with every intention to pursue a career in Occupational therapy. Unfortunately, during my first semester I dealt with difficult personal issues that caused me to struggle to adjust to the college environment and focus on my coursework, therefore negatively impacting my academic performance. Being new to the university, I was unaware of the resources available for emotional support nor the option to withdrawal from the courses in which I fell behind. This experience left me with a lack of confidence and confusion in regards to my capability of succeeding as an exercise science major. Despite the challenges that I was facing, my fervor for helping others persisted and I was lead to my major in Healthcare Administration and Management, where I found my work could still benefit others while working behind the scenes in administration.

While I had once believed that a career in administration was right for me, after graduation I decided to pursue Occupational therapy based on my experiences with my grandfather who has Parkinson’s Disease. While other members of my family are living with Parkinson’s, it was not until my grandfather was diagnosed in 2016 that I fully understood it’s effects. This diagnosis has a rippling effect, radiating onto the individual as well as their loved ones. It has been incredibly difficult to watch as Parkinson’s disease attempts to strip my grandfather of his self-reliance and ability to do the things that give him fulfillment. Occupational therapy allows him to hold onto his independence and to remain living safely in his home. His occupational therapists have provided him with intervention such as the special pencil grips that enable him to complete his nightly crossword puzzles, an exercise plan that allows him to maintain his strength, and education on safety in the home and safety during transfers. The positive impact that occupational therapy has on my grandfather’s quality of life is the reason that I have chosen to pursue this path again. I too, want to be someone who enhances and enables others to participate in the everyday activities that give their lives meaning.

I believe that my undergraduate degree in Healthcare Administration and Management is my strength and makes me a unique applicant. My degree provided me with the knowledge in the principles behind healthcare leadership , healthcare quality improvement processes, motivation, teamwork processes, healthcare information systems, the legal and regulatory environment, as well as managed care and healthcare reimbursement. I have had the opportunity to gain insight and experience by working in a variety of settings such as home health, long-term care, and adult day health care. By working in administration, I have seen firsthand how Occupational therapists work cohesively with different departments in order to ensure that patients receive the best quality of care. I have grown professionally through my experiences in healthcare, by developing a strong work ethic along with key skills such as communication, team work, social perceptiveness, problem solving, and organization – all which are skills that I will carry with me into a career in Occupational therapy. I possess knowledge not only in the science and anatomical requirements necessary to pursue a graduate degree in Occupational therapy, but also in the skills needed to become a leader in the field. As the healthcare industry evolves, Occupational therapists are being asked to take on leadership roles which include a greater understanding of the business of healthcare. My degree in healthcare administration and management has provided me with the assets needed to successfully take on these roles.

2018-6-23-1529723627

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Sep 13, 2023

Occupational Therapy, OT Personal Statement Examples

Updated: Aug 13

Introduction

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a vital field that helps individuals regain or develop the skills necessary for daily living. Crafting a compelling personal statement is crucial for aspiring OT professionals aiming to stand out in competitive graduate programs. In this blog post, we'll explore a sample personal statement from a Filipino woman and U.S. Army veteran who is passionate about pursuing a career in Occupational Therapy. We will break down the key elements of her statement and provide insights into what makes it effective.

OT Personal Statement Example: A Filipino U.S. Army Veteran’s Journey to Occupational Therapy

Background and motivation.

I am a Filipino woman, born and raised in the Philippines and now living in Las Vegas. I speak fluent English, Tagalog, and Cebuano. I have lived in the United States since I was eighteen and I will earn my B.S. degree in Kinesiology this coming May 2015. My GPA is 3.2.

Occupational Therapy, OT Personal Statement Editing

Experience and Passion for Occupational Therapy

As a U.S. Army veteran, I have always been inspired by the power of helping others. I have witnessed the transformative effects of occupational therapy firsthand, and I am dedicated to integrating that passion into everything I do. My years of service taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and dedication to helping others. It is an honor to be applying for graduate school in OT and I will be thrilled to be given an opportunity to use my leadership and problem-solving skills at the service of others.

Educational Foundation and Career Aspirations

From the age of sixteen, my ambition has been to become an Occupational Therapist. As a highly motivated individual with a passion for human motion and physical activity, I am eager to embark on the next phase of my education by pursuing a master's in occupational therapy. I have always been fascinated by the ways in which the human body moves and the factors that contribute to its functioning and dysfunction. This interest led me to complete a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology where I gained valuable knowledge and skills that are highly relevant to the master's program in OT. I am excited to continue my academic journey in a field that aligns with my passions and career aspirations.

Relevant Volunteer Experience

My experience of meeting wounded and injured soldiers whilst serving in Iraq increased and re-fired my determination to become an Occupational Therapist and make a direct and profound difference in the lives of my fellow veterans by helping them to achieve as much as they can. I have also volunteered at our local hospital since leaving the Army and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience of helping staff and patients.

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Personal Qualities and Professional Goals

I am aware that technical knowledge about the human body, and the equipment available to assist patients, is not all that is needed to become an effective Occupational Therapist. Just as important is empathy and an ability to assess and make sense of the patient’s individual personality, characteristics, and attitudes. A good therapist must be able to project an unfailingly positive attitude, encourage the client through personal warmth to tackle achievable challenges and test their boundaries even though they may be fearful or lack confidence. I possess the empathy and caring attitude necessary to succeed with my clients, helping them to achieve maximum independence. Occupational therapy is less a career choice than a vocation for me and I am passionate about the pursuit of this vocation.

Conclusion and Aspirations

If selected for a master's degree program in Occupational Therapy, I hope to develop a focus on the hands and go on to become a certified hand therapist. I am aware that there will be many well-qualified applicants for the MS OT program. However, I possess all the necessary personal qualities combined with a genuine passion for the subject to enable me to excel in the program and make meaningful contributions to class discussions.

Thank you for considering my application.

Analysis of the Personal Statement

Strengths : The applicant effectively ties her personal background, military experience, and educational qualifications to her passion for OT. Her narrative is compelling and well-rounded, with a clear focus on empathy and patient care.

Areas for Improvement : The statement could benefit from more specific examples of challenges she has overcome in her academic or military career, which would further demonstrate her resilience and problem-solving abilities.

In this section, the applicant introduces her background, highlighting her multicultural experience and academic achievements. Her identity as a U.S. Army veteran is also introduced, which sets the stage for her deep-seated motivation to pursue a career in OT.

Here, the applicant shares her direct exposure to occupational therapy during her military service, reinforcing her commitment to the field. This section effectively connects her military experience with her passion for helping others through OT.

The applicant discusses her long-standing interest in OT, supported by her educational background in Kinesiology. This section showcases her preparedness for the next step in her academic and professional journey.

The applicant highlights her volunteer work, demonstrating her hands-on experience in a healthcare setting. This adds credibility to her commitment to the field and her ability to work effectively with patients.

In this section, the applicant emphasizes the importance of empathy and interpersonal skills in OT. She reflects on her ability to connect with patients, which is crucial for success in the field.

The personal statement concludes with the applicant’s specific professional goals and a reaffirmation of her passion and qualifications. She humbly acknowledges the competitive nature of the program while expressing confidence in her ability to contribute meaningfully.

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Background, motivation, relevant experience, personal qualities, and professional goals.

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Occupational Therapy Statement Help

General Admissions & OTCAS Personal Statement for Occupational Therapy students who got accepted- Examples

Thread starter FutureOT2015
Start date Aug 31, 2014

FutureOT2015

Full member.

Aug 31, 2014
Sep 1, 2014

If anyone wants feedback on theirs, I'd be happy to look it over as my time permits. Private message me.

Admission committees are looking for original work and thought for personal statements from students. I would advise very strongly against "sharing" examples of personal statements among strangers or even friends. I know for a fact that people "borrow" work from examples whether it is intentional or not. This is called plagiarism. Students should safeguard their work and not share it with anyone. It also disturbs me to read that a current OT student is partaking in this. I am sure that the OT faculty from SJSU would not be happy to read this thread.

I totally understand where you are coming from, especially because you do not know me. I have all of my own personal experiences that I am using in my personal statement. Sometimes it is just hard to see if you are on the right path and I wanted to see how up to par I am with other students. I didn't want anyone taking offense. I have medical admission personal statement books, but I wanted to see how many people actually write there essays like the examples they show.

I have to admit, I do not know what admissions committees are "looking for" in a personal statement. I do know there are excellent examples of personal statements that can be of use to those engaged in the process of constructing their own statement. I wrote one as part of an application that led to admission, so it didn't disqualify me at any rate. One resource I have become accustomed to using in the MSOT program I am enrolled in is Google drive. I highly recommend to anyone who intends to enroll in an MSOT program that you get very comfortable with drive for all your project work. I have shared a folder that you can access with this link. If others want to add files, they are welcome to do so. If you are of the opinion that sharing personal statements is somehow untoward or counter-productive to the goal of gaining acceptance into an MSOT program, please refrain from using the link below. For those interested in taking a look, have at. https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B91NKttbRl33WTBsYXpWbUk0Qk0&usp=sharing

I don't have any examples to give, but I second the recommendation for Google Drive - everyone in my program uses it, since we're a hybrid curriculum, and we also have a ton of group work. It makes it much easier to work on one document as a group instead of passing around multiple copies.

Thank you so much, it is greatly appreciated. That is good to know. I did have one professor who tried to get us to use Google drive but not everyone did. I will have to familiarize myself with it more.

Sep 2, 2014

OTWELLNESS said: Admission committees are looking for original work and thought for personal statements from students. I would advise very strongly against "sharing" examples of personal statements among strangers or even friends. I know for a fact that people "borrow" work from examples whether it is intentional or not. This is called plagiarism. Students should safeguard their work and not share it with anyone. It also disturbs me to read that a current OT student is partaking in this. I am sure that the OT faculty from SJSU would not be happy to read this thread. Click to expand...

Sep 3, 2014

After rereading some of these responses, I did want to add that I don't think having people review and critique your work really constitutes the type of sharing that shouldn't be practiced. It's a pretty universal practice for people to have others read their college/graduate application essays, because many people do not write well enough to go about it on their own, and need an outside eye to help them make effective changes. Therefore, while I agree that trying to follow a template of someone else's personal statement is not a very practical or original approach (as admissions committees want to know what makes YOU uniquely qualified to be an OT, in your own words), I DO think it's a good idea to draft something up, and then have a few qualified people look over it and suggest some appropriate changes. As for a "current OT student partaking in this", which I can only interpret as referring to the person who offered to review the OP's statement, I really don't see the issue with this, as the person offering is already in OT school and would not benefit personally from doing so. As long as the person doing the reviewing gives feedback in the forms of ideas to incorporate or change, and does not write any actual content, the onus is on the OP to make changes on their own. I don't think this is the same as plagiarizing. If it were, universities would not have writing centers (which ostensibly do what I am describing) as they would be breaking their own code of conduct.

Mar 10, 2016

deleted751077

Mar 11, 2016

YogaOT88 said: I actually need help with my personal statement as well if anyone is willing to read it? Pleeeeaaasse. Click to expand...

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I invite you to fill out my Interview Form at this link. Even if you have a draft, the information on the interview form is often helpful and serves as the basis for me to make creative improvements to the statement. I spend more time with the statement for my premium service customers at US$299.00 ; this is especially true when it comes to making major contributions to creative ideas. My standard service at US$199.00 is for clients who already have a well-developed draft. My premium service is for clients who want my ultimate effort and further revision after they have a chance to make changes.

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OT Occupational Therapy Personal Statements and Statements of Purpose for Graduate School, Writing and Editing Service, Samples, Help

Occupational Therapy Personal Purpose Statement

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Occupational Therapy Masters Personal Statement of Purpose

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I want to help you get accepted to Graduate School in Occupational Therapy, OT Degree Programs

OT is a science and an art of its own with some of the greatest challenges in the world. I am convinced that this area of studies attracts applicants many if not most of whom have golden hearts and a passion for service to the weak and disabled, those who need them most. This is why it is a great pleasure and honor for me to help you in the drafting of a statement that is highly effective and will be successful at getting you admitted to the program of your choice in Occupational Therapy.

As a young man, I enjoyed very much working with autistic adolescents, despite the great challenges involved. As a result, I especially appreciate the opportunity to help applicants to graduate school in OT to get accepted and to have fulfilling careers. Now, as an older man, I try to be a young father to my only child, David, now 7, who is on the Autism Spectrum. Thus, I am in a good position to understand the critical role played by Occupational Therapy in the lives of so many of us.

There are many excellent graduate programs in Occupational Therapy that will prepare you for a lifetime of distinguished service in OT, providing you with the knowledge, skills and value of lifelong learning to practice occupational therapy in customary and innovative ways within an ever-changing world. Throughout the course of your studies, you will become an exceptionally keen observer, active listener, creative strategist, critical thinker, resourceful leader and practical educator who helps people set and meet goals, overcome challenges and thrive in the face of adversity.

I have developed a special interest in Occupational Therapy primarily because I think that this field attracts good people who are interested in the most important things in life, rather than primarily making money and showing off what it can buy. Most of all, it is their sense of service to their fellowman. I also do a lot of work for nurses and social workers, for the same reasons. Five years ago exactly, I was living in the south of Mexico, working hard on my computer, drafting statements, and I lived with a family. Grandpa was in a wheelchair, and he would get daily visits from an OT professional. As I worked, I would look up and observe. I reflected at that time about the importance of what I was observing, especially for grandpa. But, it is also important to note that I feel strongly that the OT visit to grandpa was also healthy for the entire family and the visitors like myself as well. Especially his two grandchildren, who at that time were about 8 and 13. Clearly, this served to cultivate a sense of community in the children as well. It was healing for them to see someone caring for their grandfather.

Dr. Robert Edinger

Sample Introductory Paragraphs

I have developed a special affinity and affection for the guiding ethical and human principles that drive the discipline of Occupational Therapy. I can see nothing that would be as noble for me to pursue than a professional lifetime spent giving my all to helping individuals to recover and function, thereby enabling them to improve their lives through activities that enhance their psychological and emotional well-being, in addition to their physical health. In love with the discipline itself, and still only twenty-three, I look forward to having broad-ranging experiences helping vulnerable members of my community and their families as an OT professional, working with clients that range from pediatric to geriatric. I love the diversity of OT.

My undergraduate focus on Athletic Training combined with my work as an Outreach Certified Athletic Trainer since graduation has provided me with something special to give to the profession of Occupational Therapy. Furthermore, I now hold two professional positions: also working as a Direct Support Specialist for Dependable Home Health Care in St. Paul, Minnesota, providing home patient care for the physically, developmentally, and intellectually disabled – from pediatric to geriatric patients. I have only been working in this new position since this past May 2014, but my heart has already been stolen by my patients. I see my future in their faces, helping them to live to the fullest each day. For this reason, a master's program in OT is ideally suited to the realization of my professional goals, for the long as well as the short term.

Sample First Two Paragraphs.

I am a young woman from Korea, now 27 years old, and I am making America my permanent home. I finished my undergraduate studies at XXXX University in 2013 in Biology with a minor in Communication and Cultural Studies and spent a total of 8 years in the USA, in Michigan as well as Indiana, which enabled me to bring my English skills up to a professional level. I also have relevant experience that has increased my confidence that Occupational Therapy is my ideal career since I worked for a sports rehabilitation center for professional baseball players as a business developer and coordinator. This experience left me with the impression that, while I excel at business development, my true calling is that of a therapist.

Most of all, however, my great passion for Occupational Therapy comes from the experience of my uncle. Most Korean families are remarkably close; and my uncle was always a central figure in my family, filling a leadership role and working hard on behalf of all of us. When he was injured and became incapacitated, it was a terrible blow to my entire family, especially since his wife abandoned him because of his accident. Since that time, I have watched my uncle recover little by little, slowly rebuilding his life, something that would not have been possible without extensive rehabilitation and occupational therapy.

Letter of Intention to Remain on the Wait List for Graduate Admission to the Occupational Therapy Program

I am writing to reaffirm my interest in being a part of the Graduate Occupational Therapy Program at XXXX College. Your program is my first choice for returning to graduate school for several reasons. I live in New York and completing your weekend program would allow me to continue in my present position in the area of human resources so as to be able to fund my attendance at your weekend program at XXXX College.

In a few days, I will begin serving as a volunteer with XXXX Therapy of Rockland, NY. This organization is comprised of highly trained OT professionals who treat various conditions such as fractures of the upper extremities, reconstructive hand surgery, traumatic injuries, and also have a special concern for children and pediatric issues in OT. As a volunteer with this organization, I will be able to spend an entire year closely observing some of the most distinguished OT professionals in my area in preparation for entry into your program. I intend to give my all to this organization so that upon my enrollment at XXXX College I will already have extensive experience in OT issues, challenges, and will be better positioned to excel as a student in your program.

As a Haitian woman who has spent her entire professional life in the area of Human Resources and Development, I have long distinguished myself in the areas of diversity and inclusion. I look forward to bringing this experience to your program and sharing in your celebration of diversity at XXXX College. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for reconsidering my application for admission to your distinguished program.

Many OT Programs, if you make the first cut in the selection, will send you additional questions to answer, a sample of the response to which follows. You should coordinate these responses with the statement that you submitted previously.

At XXXX hospital where I volunteered, I met several patients who were coming to see occupational therapists due to discomfort in their hands. Most of the patients were middle-aged adults and most of the causes of their discomfort were due to overuse of their hands at work; other problems were the result of rheumatoid arthritis. I would assist these patients by putting their hands in a paraffin bath to reduce the swelling while soothing the pain in their joints and muscles. Other patients came to see a therapist to regain function lost because of recent injuries such as falling down the stairs. We helped all these patients by educating them and providing them with assistive devices that would help them to carry out their daily activities until they were able to fully regain their lost functions.

I observed an occupational therapist in the inpatient unit conducting evaluations to be able to discharge some patients and admit others. Thus, I learned the immense importance of documentation and how to document a patient’s progress notes and evaluation reports to record the status and condition of the patient and the treatment that has been or needs to be provided, all of which may be read by other health care professionals and/or third-party payers.

At XXXX College, I was known as a student who strived to become a tremendous asset to the college by devoting all my talents and time to my studies and volunteer activities. I served, for example, as a mentor scholar in the ALANA Men in Motion Program, a college organization where minority male students meet once a week during the school semester to discuss current issues in the media. I also served as a tutor at the center for academic program support where I assisted students with their math, chemistry, and computer science coursework. One of my greatest achievements was being nominated to the Green Key Honor Society, a college honor program that represents HCC in the community by organizing events to raise money for charitable causes.

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My own difficult and challenging journey has cultivated a desire to become an Occupational Therapist. As I was preparing to graduate from Murray State University in 2016, I sustained a spinal stroke which was life changing. I could no longer walk or take care of myself. I found through this personal tragedy that my heart’s desire was to help others regain a purposeful and meaningful life after experiencing such a loss, just like my Occupational Therapist did for me.

I have personally encountered what it means to be “the patient,” to place my future in the hands of another person. I know what it is like to become dependent on others and seeing your whole life change. I was truly inspired by the knowledge, care, and determination my O.T. had for my recovery. My aspiration is in being able to give that same encouragement and knowledge to promote recovery in the lives of others. This would not be just an occupation for me, but a passion that produces a rewarding life’s work.

Becoming an Occupational Therapist will take a great deal of hard work and determination. I have exhibited these qualities by completing my B.S. degree in Chemistry while also participating in 3 chemistry publications, being a research chemist, holding a summer intern position at Westlake Chemical, and serving as the Chemistry Department Student President and Secretary at MSU; as well as other numerous academic awards and activities listed on my resume.

My proficiency in mathematical and analytical disciplines will aid in researching innovative topics that would bolster Murray’s efforts to build this new program. Due to my academic capability and the struggle I overcame in my recovery, I am both disciplined and self-motivated to accomplish the challenge that OT school would be. This background experience will serve me to become an accomplished Occupational Therapist.

While academic and personal achievements are important, I feel they are not the most important aspect to becoming a proficient Occupational Therapist. I am a unique candidate because I’ve lived the life of the patient. I have discovered that having empathy for others placed in your care is the foundation of rehabilitation therapies. This, coupled with knowledge and professionalism, as well as being able to educate your patient, are all driving forces toward helping patients.

Building a rapport and earning their trust is also a necessary part of their recovery, as it is essential to gain their cooperation and inspire their motivation to put forth their best effort. I have learned these skills during my care, as well as during my Occupational Therapy observation and volunteer experiences.

It is my desire to attend the Occupational Therapy program at Murray State University and become part of your department’s legacy. I was born and raised in Paducah, Ky. I want to remain in this area and practice within my community. My goals are treating patients, participating in the research and development of treatment techniques, and earning my doctorate in the future.

My life’s story was interrupted briefly with a life-changing experience of disability. Now it is resolved, and through becoming an OT, it can be used in a positive way. I have regained full function because of my skilled and caring Occupational Therapist. Without this experience I would not have known the significance this profession has on the lives of others. This journey of self-discovery has led me to your program and I am excited that I have found my life’s ambition and meaning.

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Personal statement geared toward the prompt of "what experiences have brought you to becoming an occupational therapy, which ones would help you to becoming a good therapist?"

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Preparing my personal statement for grad school, looking for feedback

Hey everyone! I'm happy that I'm on my way to becoming an OT. The deadline for the masters program I am applying to is January 19th, so I'm getting a head start on some of the things I need to submit. I just wrote a first draft and I would love if you could give me any feedback that you have from your experience.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z0HWR68nQpI2fDjw15zEX3tJcxzpKzP-2QMiEcRPZjk/edit?usp=sharing

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South College

Your Career Starts Here

Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Programs: get started today.

Occupational therapists help people overcome difficulties, gain independence, and live healthier, fuller lives by engaging in meaningful home and community activities. Our Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program is designed to prepare you for occupational therapy practice and leadership. Across your courses, you will explore how to design and implement occupation-based and culturally responsive interventions that support the well-being of your patients and the larger community. You’ll gain familiarity with working in and with various settings and client demographics.

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program requires successful completion of 30 courses for 135 quarter credit hours. Students admitted to the program can complete the degree in 2 years of full-time study. The curriculum combines online learning, immersive on-campus lab experiences in Atlanta or Knoxville, and occupational therapy fieldwork in approved sites. The program capstone is a research project that students align with their interests and goals.

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Concentrations in this program, ready for your next step, you may enjoy this line of study if….

Want to help people develop or master everyday skills for independent, satisfying lives
Are fascinated with how the human body moves, recovers, and functions
Like coming up with plans and programs to benefit individuals and communities
Can be professional, empathetic, and ethical in all situations
Feel driven to provide holistic quality patient care and support

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Estimated Program Costs
Complaints and Grievances Policy

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program mission is to cultivate diverse doctor of occupational therapy practitioners who understand, apply, and model with confidence the distinct values of the occupational therapy profession. This includes, but is not limited to, demonstrating professionalism, critical reasoning, best-practice skills, empathy, mindfulness, and evidence in the design, development, and implementation of occupation-based and culturally responsive interventions, and to improve occupational performance, health, and well-being of individuals and populations in traditional and emerging practice areas.

Student Learning Outcomes

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is designed to prepare you to:

Engage in therapeutic practice that reflects the distinct value of the Occupational Therapy profession across the lifespan, for individuals, groups, and populations and contexts.  
Employ systems thinking to select appropriate interventions in settings where occupational therapy is currently practiced and where it is emerging as a service.  
Apply evidence-based assessments and interventions to improve occupational performance and provide client-centered care within contexts. 
Demonstrate the requisite skills to function effectively as a collaborative member of intra and interprofessional healthcare teams.  
Demonstrate transformational leadership and advocacy while engaging with individuals, groups, organizations, and populations.  
Perform as reflective practitioners who are committed to lifelong learning and scholarship.

OTD Level II Fieldwork and Capstone Requirement

The following statement from the Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) provides guidance on completion timeline requirements for the fieldwork and capstone components of the OTD educational program:

Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork and an individual 14-week capstone experience within 12 months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program. The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework, Level II fieldwork, and preparatory activities as defined in 2023 ACOTE OTD Standard D.1.H3o.

Admission Requirements

In order to be considered for admission to the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at South College, the following criteria must be met:  

Complete a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution prior to classes beginning. Admission may be granted pending completion of the degree.   
Pre-requisite grade point average (GPA) must be 3.00 GPA or greater on a 4.00 scale.  
Grades below “C” (2.0) in prerequisite courses will not be accepted.  
If a prerequisite course is repeated, the credit hours assigned to the course may be counted only once in fulfilling the required number of hours. The prerequisite GPA will be determined using the highest course grade achieved; however, both grades will be calculated into the cumulative GPA.
 If cumulative GPA is less than 3.00 on a 4.00 scale, an applicant may still be eligible for admission if a GPA of 3.00 or greater is demonstrated for the last 60 credits and life experience(s)/non-academic factors demonstrated during or following undergraduate education that support growth and success within an accelerated, hybrid OTD program as determined by the South College OTD Admissions Department.
Application may be submitted, and a conditional acceptance may be awarded, during enrollment in an undergraduate degree program or completion of prerequisite course work as long as courses are successfully completed by enrollment.
licensed occupational therapist (at least one letter required). 
academic advisor/professor.
supervisor/employer.
Evidence of at least 40 hours of OT observation in two different practice areas completed by a certain date provided by the program.
Evidence successful completion of OTCAS essay consistent with technical standards. 
For all applicants for whom English is not their first language or those who have completed a degree and prerequisite courses in a foreign country, demonstration of English language proficiency is required through completion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).  
Successful completion of an admission interview. Applicants are selected for interviews based on a holistic evaluation of their application and supporting documents.  
Evidence of ability to fulfill the Technical Standards for admission outlined in the OTD program information in the South College Catalog.  
Completion and receipt of an acceptable Criminal Background Check (CBC) prior to matriculation.

Due to the way that the South College OTD program is classified according to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency, our students are not eligible for educational visas. Accordingly, we are only able to admit applicants who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Pre-requisite courses:

Human Anatomy & Physiology Lecture and Lab I (6 quarter hours/4 semester hours)
Human Anatomy & Physiology Lecture and Lab II (6 quarter hours/4 semester hours)
Statistics (4.5 quarter hours/3 semester hours)
Two (2) English (9 quarter hours/6 semester hours)
Communications (4.5 quarter hours/3 semester hours)
General Psychology (4.5 quarter hours/3 semester hours)
Human Growth & Development/Lifespan Development/Developmental Psychology (4.5 quarter hours/3 semester hours)
Abnormal Psychology (4.5 quarter hours/3 semester hours)
Medical Terminology (3 quarter hours/2 semester hours)
Sociology or Social/Behavioral Science (4.5 quarter hours/3 semester hours)

Applicant ranking rubric is utilized for cohort admission.

Graduation Requirements

Graduation requirements for the program are as follows:

For a student to graduate from the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, the student must be in good academic and professional standing, have had satisfactory progress in all quarters of the academic program, and satisfactorily complete the following:

Satisfactorily complete all courses with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0.
On approval of faculty, successfully complete the Capstone Project and Experience.
Complete and pass all Level-II Fieldwork Experiences.
Abide by all college rules and regulations and settle any financial obligations to the college prior to graduation.
Complete the Graduate Exit Survey.

Matriculation and attendance at South College are privileges granted to the student in consideration of performance of specified assignments and the maintenance of established standards of personal and professional conduct. The College reserves the right, and the student by the act of matriculation concedes to the College the right, to require withdrawal at any time the College deems it necessary to safeguard the standards of scholarship, conduct, and compliance with regulations, or for such other reasons deemed appropriate by the College as set forth in the program manual and/or the South College Catalog.

Occupational Therapist Licensure

All 50 states in the United States plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam require occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to be licensed to provide occupational therapy services.  A license grants you the legal privilege to practice occupational therapy in the state in which you are licensed.

Your occupational therapy license is not the same as the certification that you earn by passing the exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

Some states have unique licensure requirements. For example, a jurisprudence exam is required in some states to test the graduate’s knowledge of state laws, rules, and practice acts that govern occupational therapy practice. Some require satisfactory background checks. These unique requirements are not associated with preparation in the South College program.

The following link provides information regarding licensing:

Learn the steps to occupational therapy state licensure. | AOTA

The core aspects of licensure include:

Graduate from an ACOTE-accredited educational program
Complete fieldwork requirements
Pass the NBCOT Certification Exam
Complete all state specific licensing requirements and pay a fee

Accreditation

South College Atlanta and Knoxville Campus are seeking accreditation of a new occupational therapist education program from Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy (ACOTE). South College’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program is currently in applicant s tatus to submit a candidacy application by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. Upon review of that Application, ACOTE grants, defers action on, or denies Candidacy Status. Although the designation “Candidacy Status” is not a guarantee of accreditation, it does indicate that the resource allocation and plan for development of the proposed program appears to demonstrate the ability to meet the applicable ACOTE Standards if fully implemented as planned. Candidacy Status must be granted before students may be admitted or notified of admission to the program and is required in order for the program to proceed.Upon receiving full accreditation, this program’s graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), Inc. An individual will be considered an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR) following successful completion of the above-mentioned exam. Though most states require licensure to practice, the state licenses are usually contingent on successful passage of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination as well as eligibility to obtain state licensure. For further questions, one may reach ACOTE by phone c/o AOTA, at (301) 652-6611 x1184.

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Documentation In School-Based Occupational Therapy

Krupa kuruvilla, ma, otr/l.

Early Intervention and School-Based

To earn CEUs for this article, become a member.

unlimit ed ceu access | $129/year

Editor's note: This text-based course is a transcript of the webinar, Documentation In School-Based Occupational Therapy, presented by Krupa Kuruvilla, MA, OTR/L.

*Please also use the handout with this text course to supplement the material.

Learning Outcomes

As a result of this course, participants will be able to identify the missing components in OT goals to make them structured, measurable, and educationally relevant.
As a result of this course, participants will be able to list the contents of the different types of documentation in occupational therapy in the school setting and recognize the elements that need to be included and do not.
As a result of this course, participants will be able to compare and contrast the types of documentation in the school-based setting, common mistakes, and how to correct them.

Introduction

I’m Krupa, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, and Founder and Owner of TotalReport. With experience across six school districts in the Bay Area of California, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges occupational therapists face, especially when it comes to documentation. Through this course, my aim is to simplify the documentation process in school-based OT, transforming it from a cumbersome task into a manageable and even rewarding part of your practice.

The Purpose of This Course

This course is designed to help occupational therapy practitioners streamline their documentation process. We will focus on how to decrease the time spent on documentation while ensuring that it is thorough, concise, and effective. You'll learn what to include, what to leave out, and how to write documentation that communicates your services clearly to a range of readers, from other healthcare providers to teachers and parents.

The topics we’ll cover include the purpose of documentation, types and contents of required documents, best practices for goal writing, documentation for sensory integration (SI) interventions, and proper discharge procedures. By the end of this course, documentation should feel like a straightforward task rather than a burden.

Why Documentation Matters

Documentation is a vital part of providing professional services to students. As an OT in a school setting, your documentation must support the specific skilled care you provide and show its therapeutic and educational necessity. Documentation is not just about recording what was done; it’s about justifying why it was done and how it aligns with the student’s functional and educational goals.

The mantra I advocate is, "write better, not more." It’s common for inexperienced practitioners to overload their notes with details in the hope of being thorough. However, this often obscures the key information. Your documentation should be succinct yet comprehensive enough to reflect the nature of the services provided, the clinical reasoning behind them, and the student’s response to the interventions.

Types of Documentation in School-Based OT

There are several key types of documentation you will encounter and need to produce as a school-based OT.

Screening Reports are used when a student is referred for OT services. This report includes a brief description of the student’s abilities and a determination of whether a comprehensive evaluation is necessary. Key components of a screening report include referral information, background details, a record review, clinical observations, and recommendations. Evaluation reports are generated after conducting a comprehensive OT evaluation. These reports include everything from the student’s background information to an analysis of their occupational performance. Evaluations guide your intervention planning and must be thorough. Be sure to include all necessary information, such as the referral details, the student’s occupational profile, assessments used, and your recommendations.

Re-Evaluation reports are required every three years, or whenever significant changes in a student's condition or performance occur. This report updates the previous evaluation and includes any new findings, adjustments to the treatment plan, and recommendations for future services.

Intervention plans outline your approach to therapy for each student. These plans should include clear goals that are measurable, meaningful, and tied to the student's educational needs. An intervention plan also outlines the services provided, the frequency of those services, and the criteria for discharge.

Daily treatment notes document what occurs during each therapy session. A standardized format, such as the SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) note format, can help structure these notes effectively. They should include what happened during the session and your clinical reasoning and plans for the next steps.

Progress reports are typically sent to parents and teachers every quarter. They summarize the student’s progress toward their goals and outline any changes in the treatment plan.

Discharge reports mark the conclusion of therapy services when a student has met their goals. The discharge report should summarize the student’s progress, along with any recommendations for continued support outside of OT services.

Avoiding Common Documentation Mistakes

One of the most common mistakes in school-based OT documentation is incomplete or inadequate history taking. It is critical to document any co-morbidities or past therapies, as they can impact a student’s progress. For example, if a student has received therapy for sensory integration issues in the past, failing to include this information in your evaluation could lead to a disjointed plan of care.

Another common mistake is failing to interpret standardized test scores. Simply listing the scores without providing an explanation of what they mean for the student’s functional abilities renders the information less useful. Always interpret the results to show how they relate to the student’s performance in school.

In intervention plans, make sure that the activities you document are student-centered. Avoid vague statements like "the student participated in therapy." Instead, describe the specific interventions used, the student's response to them, and how they are progressing toward their goals. This is crucial for justifying the necessity of ongoing OT services.

Finally, ensure that your progress notes reflect any changes in the student’s status or treatment plan. If the student's progress has plateaued, it’s your responsibility to modify the plan of care and adjust goals as needed.

Writing Effective Goals

Revising ot goals for clarity and measurability: a fun exercise.

Let’s engage in a practical exercise to examine common mistakes in goal writing and work together to make those goals more effective. I’ll walk you through the errors and explain how to break down and simplify goals for better clarity and measurability. By the end of this exercise, you’ll have a stronger grasp on creating goals that are easier to track and more reflective of student progress.

Mistake 1: Overly Complex Goals

One common mistake is writing too complex goals with too many components, making it difficult to measure and track progress effectively. For example, consider this goal:

Original Goal: “Bobby will complete a variety of inset puzzles, interlocking puzzles, and mazes independently in four out of five trials with minimal assistance for increased visual motor and spatial relationship skills.”

This goal involves three tasks (inset puzzles, interlocking puzzles, and mazes) requiring separate measurements. Although these activities all work on visual motor skills, bundling them together makes it difficult to track progress effectively and is also overwhelming for Bobby.

Revised Goal: “Bobby will complete a set of three inset puzzles independently in four out of five trials with minimal assistance for increased visual motor and spatial relationship skills.”

By simplifying the goal to focus solely on inset puzzles, we create a clear and measurable target for Bobby. I always explain to the IEP team that this goal is just one aspect of Bobby’s visual motor skill development. He will still be working on other tasks, but we need a measurable way to assess his progress for documentation purposes.

Mistake 2: Including Too Many Tasks in One Goal

Another common pitfall is including too many distinct tasks within one goal. Let’s take a look at this example:

Original Goal: “Brian will demonstrate the ability to independently write all uppercase and lowercase letters and numbers from 1 to 10 with accurate formation and orientation to the line with 80% accuracy as measured by the OTR/L.”

This goal requires Brian to master both uppercase and lowercase letters and numbers, which is a lot to tackle in one objective. Measuring and tracking progress across so many tasks at once can become overwhelming.

Revised Goal: “Brian will independently write uppercase and lowercase letters with accurate formation and orientation to the line with 80% accuracy.”

Focusing on just the letters breaks the task down into more manageable steps. This allows us to track Brian’s progress with greater accuracy and clarity. Once he achieves this goal, we can set a new goal for writing numbers.

Mistake 3: Vague or Non-Specific Goals

Sometimes, goals are too vague, lacking the detail needed to measure a student’s progress. For example:

Original Goal: “Tina will improve her precision handling.”

This goal does not specify how Tina will improve her precision handling or the target activity, making it impossible to measure her success.

Revised Goal: “Tina will string and unstring 10 large beads onto a firm lace three times with 20% verbal cues for increased precision handling as measured by the OT.”

This version specifies the task (stringing beads), the amount of assistance Tina can receive, and the number of repetitions needed to measure her progress. Now, her precision handling improvement can be tracked effectively.

Mistake 4: Lacking Specific Criteria for Assistance

It’s important to clearly define the level of assistance allowed within a goal. Often, goals fail to specify how much or what kind of assistance is permissible, leading to confusion when measuring progress. Consider the following:

Original Goal: “Jenna will complete self-feeding for 90% of a meal for increased functional independence.”

This goal lacks information about what kind of assistance Jenna can receive, which is essential for understanding her progress.

Revised Goal: “Jenna will complete self-feeding with 50% nonverbal cues for 90% of the meal for increased functional independence in four out of five trials.”

Here, we specify that Jenna is allowed 50% nonverbal cues. This clarity helps ensure that her progress can be consistently tracked across multiple trials.

Mistake 5: Not Defining the Context

Goals that lack context can be difficult to measure because they don’t provide enough information about where or under what conditions the task will be completed. For instance:

Original Goal: “Mike will focus on a task in the classroom for 20 minutes with 80% accuracy.”

This goal doesn’t provide enough detail about what kind of task Mike will be working on or in what setting. Does he struggle with focus during specific tasks or at certain times of the day?

Revised Goal: “Mike will focus on a tabletop task for 10 minutes during independent seat work, given no more than two verbal prompts, with 80% accuracy as measured by the OT.”

This revision specifies that the task will be a tabletop activity during independent seat work. It also defines the amount of assistance Mike is allowed, making it easier to measure his focus accurately.

Final Thoughts on Goal Writing

As you can see, we can transform vague or overly complex goals into clear, measurable objectives with just a little adjustment. This makes it easier to collect data and track student progress. Starting with well-written goals will always save time and make your work more manageable in the long run. By focusing on clarity, simplicity, and measurable outcomes, we can ensure that our goals are achievable for the student and useful for tracking their development.

Exploring Goal Writing Frameworks for Pediatric OT

When writing effective, measurable goals in pediatric occupational therapy, we rely on a few key frameworks to help us structure and streamline the process. These frameworks make goal-writing faster and ensure that the goals are clear, actionable, and aligned with the student's needs. Let's delve into the three most commonly used frameworks: SMART, RUMBA, and COAST. Each one offers a slightly different approach but shares the same focus on clarity, measurability, and relevance to the student's therapy.

The SMART Framework

The SMART framework is perhaps the most widely known method for goal setting across many disciplines, including occupational therapy. SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. Here’s how each component contributes to writing better goals.

Specific: The goal should target the student's specific area of need. Instead of vague statements like "improve motor skills," be precise: "increase pencil grip strength to support handwriting."
Measurable: You must be able to measure progress toward the goal. For example, "Tina will complete five repetitions of stringing beads independently in four out of five trials." This allows you to track exactly when the goal is met.
Attainable: The goal should be realistic and achievable for the student, given their current abilities. If a goal is too easy, it won’t challenge the student; if it’s too difficult, it may lead to frustration. For instance, asking a student with severe fine motor delays to write a full paragraph may not be attainable. Instead, start with "Tina will write her name with proper letter formation."
Relevant: The goal should focus on skills that are meaningful to the student's daily life or educational needs. Is the goal addressing a function that will improve their participation in school or at home? For example, working on self-feeding for increased independence is highly relevant for many pediatric students.
Timely: Set a timeframe within which the goal should be achieved. This creates a sense of urgency and helps prioritize therapy activities. For example, "Tina will complete the goal within six months." This ensures progress is tracked and adjustments can be made if necessary.

The RUMBA Framework

The RUMBA framework, from Willard & Spackman’s Occupational Therapy , offers another structured approach to goal setting. RUMBA stands for Relevant, Understandable, Measurable, Behavioral, and Achievable.

Relevant: Like SMART, the goal must be meaningful and relevant to the student’s function. It should directly relate to the areas the student needs to improve to participate more fully in daily activities.
Understandable: This component focuses on making the goal clear and understandable, not just to the therapist but also to the student, parents, and other team members. A goal everyone understands makes collaboration easier and ensures that the student and family fully engage in the therapeutic process.
Measurable: Similar to SMART, the goal must include a way to measure progress. What specific criteria will indicate that the student has achieved the goal? For example, "Tina will be able to string five large beads without assistance in 80% of opportunities."
Behavioral: The goal should describe a specific behavior that the student will perform. Instead of focusing on vague concepts like "improve attention," it’s better to write, "Tina will remain seated during circle time for five minutes with one verbal prompt."
Achievable: Given the student's abilities and available time, the goal must be realistic. It should challenge the student without being unattainable. For example, setting a goal for a nonverbal student to independently engage in social conversation might not be achievable within the timeline. Instead, focus on small, achievable steps like "Tina will use a communication device to answer yes/no questions in four out of five trials."

The COAST Framework

The COAST framework is a goal-setting method tailored specifically to occupational therapy. COAST stands for Client, Occupation, Assistance Level, Specific Conditions, and Timeline.

Client: The goal should clearly state what the client (or in this case, the student) will do. For example, "Tina will improve fine motor skills."
Occupation: Focus on the occupation or task that is meaningful to the student. For example, "Tina will use a tripod grasp to hold a pencil."
Assistance Level: Specify the level of assistance the student will need to achieve the goal. Will the student perform the task independently or with some level of assistance, such as "with minimal verbal cues?"
Specific Conditions: This refers to any specific conditions under which the student will perform the task, such as "during writing tasks at her desk."
Timeline: As with the other frameworks, COAST goals should include a timeline within which the goal is expected to be achieved, such as "within three months."

By incorporating these elements, the COAST framework ensures that goals are student-centered, focused on meaningful activities, and include clear criteria for success.

Practical Example Using All Three Frameworks

Let’s say you are working with a student, Tina, who has difficulty with fine motor skills, particularly using a tripod grasp to hold a pencil. Here’s how each framework might help you structure a goal.

SMART Goal Example: "Tina will use a tripod grasp to hold a pencil for 10 minutes during writing tasks with no more than two verbal prompts, achieving this 80% of the time within six months."
RUMBA Goal Example: "Tina will use a tripod grasp to hold a pencil during writing tasks for at least 10 minutes with 80% accuracy. This goal is measurable, relevant to her academic needs, and achievable with consistent practice."
COAST Goal Example: "Tina will hold a pencil using a tripod grasp (Occupation) for 10 minutes (Specific Conditions) with no more than two verbal prompts (Assistance Level) during writing tasks at her desk (Timeline: within six months)."

Each framework provides a structure to create specific, measurable goals tailored to the student’s needs. While the frameworks differ slightly in their focus, they all work toward the same goal: creating clear, actionable objectives that guide therapy and track student progress effectively.

Documenting Sensory Integration (SI) Interventions

Documenting SI interventions requires careful attention to detail. You must clearly describe the specific sensory systems targeted, the student’s response, and how these interventions impact the student’s functional performance in school. For instance, instead of simply stating that "Susan used the swing for 10 minutes of vestibular input," a better note would explain how the vestibular input affected Susan's ability to focus in class afterward.

SI documentation should also include objective measurements of progress whenever possible. This might involve recording the duration of exposure to specific sensory stimuli, the student’s adaptive responses, and how these interventions contribute to their goals.

Discharge Planning and Documentation

Discharge should be a positive milestone for the student and their family. A comprehensive discharge report will summarize the student’s progress and recommendations for continued support, such as after-school programs or home activities. Providing caregivers with handouts or training to continue supporting the student’s development post-discharge is also important.

When discharging a student, it’s helpful to provide parents with community resources, such as gymnastics or dance classes, that align with the student’s therapy goals. This can help ease the transition out of OT and ensure that the student continues to develop the skills they’ve gained during therapy.

Effective documentation is essential to communicate the value of OT services and justify their necessity in a student's educational environment. By following the strategies discussed in this course—such as writing clear, measurable goals, avoiding common documentation mistakes, and documenting sensory integration interventions in detail—you can improve the quality of your documentation while reducing the time it takes to complete it.

With practice and structured templates, you’ll find that documenting your work becomes easier, faster, and more effective.

1)What should documentation reflect?

A. Nature of services provided

B. Relationship of services to goals

C. Response to intervention

D. All of the above Correct Answer

It is all of the above. Your documentation should reflect the nature of services and the response to intervention, but you also have to talk about the relationship of the services to the goals.

2)Which of the following is a common mistake while writing evaluation reports?

A. Effective history taking

B. Interventions listed don't reflect the need for skilled services Correct Answer

C. Mentioning the baseline of the student

D. Scores of standardized testing are interpreted

The interventions listed don't reflect the need for skilled services is the correct answer. That is definitely a common mistake.

3)When is a re-evaluation indicated?

A. No change, status quo

B. New findings Correct Answer

C. Attending therapy regularly

D. Good response to treatment

When new findings occur, you will have to perform a comprehensive re-evaluation because that could significantly impact the treatment plan and the goals you have set for the student.

4)What is a common mistake while writing intervention plans?

A. Activities are student-centered

B. Complete and adequate documentation

C. Proof of supervision

D. Changing the frequency/duration of treatment without specifying why Correct Answer

When you change the frequency and duration of treatment, you have to specify why you're doing that. You have to provide reasons for doing that.

5)Which of the following is an effective goal showing allowed assistance?

A. Jenna will complete self-feeding with nonverbal cues for 90% of a meal, for increased functional independence.

B. Jenna will complete self-feeding with 50% nonverbal cues for 90% of a meal, measured by OTR/L and family members.

C. Jenna will complete self-feeding with 50% nonverbal cues for 90% of a meal, for increased functional independence in 4 out of 5 trials, as observed and measured by OTR/L and family members. Correct Answer

D. Jenna will complete self-feeding for increased functional independence in 4 out of 5 trials, as observed and measured by OTR/L and family members.

The correct answer is C.

Questions and Answers

In Wisconsin, we're not allowed to observe or do anything regarding the student until consent is received from the parents or guardians, and we do not do screening reports. Is this different in California?

Yes, the process is different in California. Typically, when I receive a referral for OT in any of the districts I’ve worked in, I send a letter to the parents requesting permission to perform the screening. Once I receive consent, I proceed with the screening. After the screening, I send home a letter summarizing whether or not the child will be receiving a comprehensive OT evaluation. Each state has its own guidelines, so it’s important to follow local regulations.

Where is a good place to get templates for treatment notes? You can visit TotalReport, which I founded for this exact purpose. When I was a new OT in schools, I struggled to find templates that suited the needs of the school-based setting. After searching without satisfactory results, I created TotalReport to provide OTs with the support and resources needed, including templates for treatment notes tailored to the school environment.

American Medical Association. (2018). CPT 2018 standard . Chicago: American Medical Association Press.

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2014a). Guidelines for supervision, roles, and responsibilities during the delivery of occupational therapy services. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68 (Suppl. 3), S16–S22. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.686S03

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2014b). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process (3rd ed.). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68 (Suppl. 1), S1–S48. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.682006

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2015a). Occupational therapy code of ethics (2015). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69 (Suppl. 3), 6913410030. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2015.696S03

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2015b). Policy A.23: Categories of occupational therapy personnel and students . In Policy manual (2017 ed., pp. 26–27). Bethesda, MD: Author. Retrieved from http://www.aota.org/~/media/Corporate/Files/AboutAOTA/Governance/2017-Policy-Manual.pdf

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2015c). Standards of practice for occupational therapy. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69 (Suppl. 3), 6913410057. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2015.696S06

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2017). AOTA occupational profile template. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71 (Suppl. 2), 7112420030. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2017.716S12

Frolek Clark, G., & Handley-More, D. (2017). Best practices for documenting occupational therapy services in schools . Bethesda, MD: AOTA Press.

Gately, C. A., & Borcherding, S. (2016). Documentation manual for occupational therapy: Writing SOAP notes (4th ed.). Thorofare, NJ: Slack.

Hinojosa, J., Kramer, P., & Crist, P. (Eds.). (2010). Evaluation: Obtaining and interpreting data (3rd ed.). Bethesda, MD: AOTA Press.

Jacobs, G., Van Witteloostuijn, A., & Christe-Zeyse, J. (2013). A theoretical framework of organizational change. Journal of Organizational Change Management, 26 , 772–792. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOCM-09-2012-0137

Kuruvilla, K. (2024). Documentation in school-based occupational therapy. OccupationalTherapy.com , Article 5731. Available at www.occupationaltherapy.com

Krupa earned her Bachelor's in Occupational Therapy from Dr. D.Y. Patil College of OT in Navi Mumbai and graduated in 2008. She then pursued her Master’s Degree from the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, CA, graduating in 2009. Since then, she has worked in a variety of settings with both populations, adults, and pediatrics, dabbling in Management roles as well, but she found her forte in School-Based Pediatrics. In January 2021, she founded her own company called TotalReport, which primarily deals with the documentation needs of Pediatric OT Practitioners across all settings - Schools, Clinics, and Early Intervention. Her content is featured across various websites nationwide, and she has been an honorary speaker at multiple events across the US and even Canada. Currently, Krupa is the Regional Vice President of Operations for the Schools along the West Coast, for a national healthcare company called HealthPro-Heritage. In her free time, Krupa loves to read, watch movies, dance, cook, and spend time with her husband and two children.

Related Courses

Course: #6225 level: intermediate 1 hour, foundations for school readiness: sensory regulation and yoga (day 1), course: #3841 level: introductory 1 hour, foundations for school readiness: visual and fine motor skills (day 2), course: #3842 level: introductory 1 hour, foundations for school readiness: executive functioning in the classroom (day 3), course: #3843 level: introductory 1 hour, foundations for school readiness: early ot exposure (eote), a mindful ot screening & intervention (day 4), course: #3844 level: introductory 1 hour.

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Occupational Therapy Graduate School Personal Statement
Get an Occupational Therapy Personal Statement Made for You
writing a personal statement for graduate school: Step-by-step guide
Sample personal statements for occupational therapy graduate school
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Guidelines on Occupational Therapy Personal Statement Writing

COMMENTS

Occupational Therapy Personal Statement Examples
Occupational Therapy Personal Statement Example 5. "All you have to do is know where you're going. The answers will come to you of their own accord.". - Earl Nightingale. For the longest time I wasn't sure where I was going. I was beginning the last year of my undergrad and was apprehensive about what do to next...
Write an Awesome Personal Statement for OT School
One mandatory part of the process is writing a great personal statement specifically for occupational therapy school, which can be pretty intimidating when it's time to put pen to paper. ... Start Your Grad School Personal Statement in Just 1 Hour! (The Muse) Writing a Personal Statement (Emory Pre-Health Advising) 5 Big Mistakes I Made When ...
Complete Personal Statement Guide for Pre-OT Occupational Therapy
While this guide was written with Pre-OT's for occupational therapy personal statements in mind, it of course can apply to other professions such as physical therapy, speech therapy, PA, RN, even undergraduate programs. ... This goes for your personal statement document as well as your graduate school application files such as notes ...
PDF Personal Statement -OT
Personal Statemen. -OTcolleges people . If I what have you were P. I dec figured ded to outmajor logical was way I began at occupational not to work therapy with University of Illinois as a Psychology major because it seemed. occupational for the therapist me (OT) and and began then I have been able to shadow I and found I immediately Shortly ...
PDF WRITING A PERSONAL STATEMENT
OTCAS (Occupational Therapy): "Your Personal Statement should address why you selected OT as a career and how an Occupational Therapy degree relates to your immediate and long-term professional goals. Describe how your personal, educational, and professional background will help you achieve your goals." -No character limit specified.
Occupational Therapy Personal Statement Example 6
I am looking forward to the challenges I will face at university, meeting new people, making a new start and to learning the skills that will eventually take me into an interesting and incredibly rewarding career in occupational therapy. This personal statement was written by coatmanwest for application in 2012. coatmanwest's Comments.
PDF Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
Your personal statement or statement of purpose should describe what appeals to you about a career in occupational therapy (OT), and why you want to study this subject at the graduate level. Use the following questions to help you write the essay and formulate your personal statement:
Occupational Therapy Personal Statements
For more personal statement tips, check out Vince's video: 7 Ways to Write a Crappy Graduate School Personal Statement. What are the basics of applying to an OT program? Gaining admission into an Occupational Therapy (OT) graduate program is like preparing for a complex dance — it requires a combination of technical knowledge, practical ...
Occupational Therapy Personal Statement
This personal statement shows that I believe this course is my next step to becoming a fully qualified Occupational Therapist. I understand the course involves theoretical and scientific modules, research and clinical placements, applying prior knowledge and experience to develop core and graduate occupational therapy methods.
Writing Personal Statements for the Health Professions
Your Personal Statement should address why you selected OT as a career and how an Occupational Therapy degree relates to your immediate and long-term professional goals. Describe how your personal, educational, and professional background will help you achieve your goals. PTCAS (4500 characters):
Occupational Therapy Personal Statement Example For UCAS
Occupational Therapy Personal Statement Example. To me, occupational therapy's guiding principles - above all, equipping individuals with the skills and confidence to lead full, rewarding lives - strike a chord as the best way to restore health. It would be a privilege and an enriching experience to be part of a profession based on these ...
PDF Occupatoinal Therapy Sample Personal Statement
Personal Statement . Through my experiences observing Occupational Therapists in home care, hospital and private practice settings, I have witnessed individuals' frustration when asked to perform a task. At times, this frustration originated from the unfamiliarity with or aversion to the
Guide to a Better Personal Statement for Occupational Therapy
When writing your personal statement, begin by introducing yourself. Provide an overview of why you are interested in pursuing a career in occupational therapy. Use this section to explain what you have learned about the field and why you are passionate about it. Then, discuss your skills, experiences, qualities, and values that make you a good ...
OT School: How to Write a Personal Statement
The personal statement is your chance to tell the admissions board about yourself, who you are, what occupational therapy means to you, and why they should admit you into their program. Briefly introduce yourself with a bold and captivating intro statement. For example, in my personal statement, I began with "As a first-generation Latina who ...
Consider These Occupational Therapy Personal Statements
Writing an occupational therapist personal statement is a straightforward task that relies heavily on your exposition and word choice. You can simplify your task by following these tips: 1. Highlight your unique qualifications and experiences relevant to occupational therapy - this could include any related work experience, internships, research, or other special interests.
OT Personal Statement : r/OccupationalTherapy
I want a strong personal statement to help stand out. Thanks so much in advance! Personal Statement. Hi, I am a current OT student as well. I think your experience is super strong. Couple things to make your statement even stronger: Be explicit on who you shadowed/worked with in your 55 hours and their background.
Occupational Therapy Personal Statement Example 1
This personal statement was written by otstudent for application in 2013. Degree Occupational Therapy at Oxford Brookes University. otstudent's Comments. Applied to: Northampton - Offer recieved Oxford Brookes - Offer accepted (I now attend) Derby - Offer recieved Canterbury - Offer recieved. Ratings. This personal statement is unrated. Related ...
Occupational therapy personal statement example
As the healthcare industry evolves, Occupational therapists are being asked to take on leadership roles which include a greater understanding of the business of healthcare. My degree in healthcare administration and management has provided me with the assets needed to successfully take on these roles. 2018-6-23-1529723627.
Occupational Therapy, OT Personal Statement Examples
Occupational Therapy (OT) is a vital field that helps individuals regain or develop the skills necessary for daily living. Crafting a compelling personal statement is crucial for aspiring OT professionals aiming to stand out in competitive graduate programs.
General Admissions & OTCAS Personal Statement for Occupational Therapy
General Admissions & OTCAS Personal Statement for Occupational Therapy students who got accepted- Examples. Thread starter FutureOT2015; ... so I am quite familiar with the grad school application process). K. kgprospot Full Member. 7+ Year Member. Joined Jun 2, 2015 Messages 137 Reaction score 38. Mar 11, 2016
Unlocking Potential: Personal Statements for Occupational Therapy
Craft the perfect graduate school personal statement with free samples and expert writing services #OccupationalTherapy #GradSchoolStatement. top of page. ... There are many excellent graduate programs in Occupational Therapy that will prepare you for a lifetime of distinguished service in OT, providing you with the knowledge, skills and value ...
Occupational Therapy Personal Statement Example 8
This personal statement is unrated. My own difficult and challenging journey has cultivated a desire to become an Occupational Therapist. As I was preparing to graduate from Murray State University in 2016, I sustained a spinal stroke which was life changing. I could no longer walk or take care of myself.
Preparing my personal statement for grad school, looking for ...
Preparing my personal statement for grad school, looking for feedback. Hey everyone! I'm happy that I'm on my way to becoming an OT. ... or how they might improve the world of occupational therapy as a whole. I would maybe take some time to sit down and think about how you differentiate from other applicants, what your goals are in this ...
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Work to earn a Doctor of Occupational Therapy in a 2-year program that combines online courses with in-person labs, fieldwork, and a doctoral capstone project and experience. ... The following statement from the Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) provides guidance on completion timeline requirements for the ...
Documentation In School-Based Occupational Therapy
Krupa Kuruvilla, MA, OTR/L Krupa earned her Bachelor's in Occupational Therapy from Dr. D.Y. Patil College of OT in Navi Mumbai and graduated in 2008. She then pursued her Master's Degree from the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, CA, graduating in 2009.

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OT Personal Statement Example: A Filipino U.S. Army Veteran’s Journey to Occupational Therapy

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