Where have all the OTs gone?

An Industry Shortage

The healthcare industry faces a critical challenge: a shortage of occupational therapists (OTs), especially in rural areas. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects OT employment will grow 12% from 2022 to 2032, creating about 9,600 openings each year. Many positions will replace retiring workers. Additionally, as the baby-boomer generation ages and stays active, the need for OTs increases.

Are We ‘Making’ More OTs?

US News & World Report named occupational therapy among the top twenty-five jobs for 2024. However, enrollment in OT programs is lower than in years past. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) reported a decline in OTCAS applications over the past six years, with master’s and doctoral program applications down by 23%. The OT application rate has decreased significantly more than PT applications.

What’s Going On?

The shortage of OTPs and OT students is multifaceted. Higher education is expensive, and OTP salaries don’t always allow for easy repayment of student debt. Efforts to keep program costs down have not been impactful enough. We need to advocate for appropriate salaries and reimbursement rates. Additionally, COVID made healthcare daunting, deterring some potential students. While the pandemic's main crisis is over, its effects linger. Moreover, there is often misunderstanding about what occupational therapy is. Our profession's broad scope can make it hard to convey what we do clearly.

So What Do We Do?

Advocate! If advocating for OT is new to you, start small. Practice explaining what you do and who you work with. In her podcast episode “Stop saying ‘No one knows what occupational therapy is’,” Grote offers tips on sharing about OT. Focus on what OT means to you and your clients. Share your passion for the profession with those in your circle.

We need to inform young people about how OT impacts society. High schoolers today want to make a positive impact on their communities. They are aware of social justice issues and eager to help others. What better way to support social equity than by promoting independence and addressing health disparities? This is occupational therapy!

Reflection and Call to Action

1. Think about who is in your circle of influence and who they might connect you with. Who can you talk to about a career in OT?

2. Reflect on your journey in occupational therapy. Whether you're a current student or nearing retirement, you likely have impactful stories. Share your favorite aspects of OT in the comments! 

Meghan Watry-Christian

References:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Occupational Therapists,

at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm (visited July 09, 2024).

Cabral, A.R. (Jan 9, 2024). The best jobs in America in 2024. US News & World Report. https://money.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/the-25-best-jobs 

Grote, C. (June 2024). Stop saying ‘no one knows what occupational therapy is”. AmplifyOT Podcast. https://podcast.amplifyot.com/episode/ep-54-stop-saying-no-one-knows-what-occupational-therapy-is 

Harvison, N. (2024). Higher education challenges: What do we need to watch? PPT from AOTA Inspire Conference. https://www.aota.org/-/media/corporate/files/educationcareers/alc-2024/tue_pm_higher-education_harvison.pdf 

Lin V, Zhang X, Dixon P. Occupational Therapy Workforce in the United States: Forecasting Nationwide Shortages. PM R. 2015 Sep;7(9):946-954. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2015.02.012. Epub 2015 Feb 25. PMID: 25724851.