OT Student -> Entry-Level Professional

Step-by-step plan:

Teresa Benson Notre Dame of Maryland University OTD 621: Leadership & Management in OT Dr. Spayd April 28, 2026

OT Student -> Entry-Level Professional

My step-by-step plan to transition from an occupational therapy student to an entry-level pediatric occupational therapist

References

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2021). Enforcement procedures for the AOTA occupational therapy code of ethics. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 75(Supplement_3), 7513420010. Rioux, J. E., Robinson, M. R., Suman, M., Boehne, T., Brown, M. J., Hubbert, M., ... & Dufeny, T. L. (2021). AOTA 2021 Standards for Continuing Competence in Occupational Therapy. AJOT: American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 75(S3), NA-NA. Schoen, S. A., Gee, B. M., & Ochsenbein, M. (2021). Preparing advanced clinicians and practitioners: a model for mentorship in occupational therapy practice. Occupational Therapy International, 2021(1), 3394478. Wallingford, M., Knecht-Sabres, L. J., Lee, M. M., & St Amand, L. E. (2016). OT practitioners’ and OT students’ perceptions of entry-level competency for occupational therapy practice. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 4(4), 10.

Empathy

My Strengths: Areas to Improve:

Confidence

Adaptability

Time Management

Creativity

Quick Decision Making

How will I Grow?

1. Being intentional in Level II Fieldwork - Repeated practice + asking for feedback

2. Stepping out of my comfort zone - Build confidence & decision making skills by taking initiative in new situations

What Should I Do? - Ethics

Your clinic pressures you to increase productivity by shortening sessions, but several children clearly need full treatment time to meet goals.

Refer to AOTA Ethical principles - Beneficence, Nonmaleficence, and VeracityAdvocate for the client’s needs using ethical principles and documentation while discussing concerns transparently with your supervisor to balance productivity with safe, effective care.

Two students need services, but limited time/resources force you to prioritize one over the other.

Refer to AOTA Ethical principles - Justice and Beneficence Use objective data and school guidelines to make a fair, equitable decision while clearly communicating rationale and collaborating with the team to ensure appropriate support for both students.

While working at an outpatient clinic, a coworker posts a client's face on their instagram story and you see it shortly after it’s posted.

Refer to AOTA Ethical principles - Confidentiality, Fidelity, and Veracity Address the concern privately with the coworker, assure the post is deleted immediately, and escalate to a supervisor if needed to protect patient privacy and uphold ethical standards.

Personal Vision Statement:

As a future pediatric OT, I envision a world where differences are supported, strengths are celebrated, and children are free to be themselves. My vision is to help children with special needs feel comfortable in their own bodies, understood by family, friends, and teachers, and confident in their ability to belong and thrive.

SMART Goals:

1. I will complete at least 1 new pediatric observation experience to build clinical exposure before beginning level II FW

2. During my Level II fieldwork, I will take initiative in at least one clinical task per week and reflect on my performance with supervisor feedback

3. I will attend at least one pediatric-focused webinar or course through AOTA within my first year of employment

Milestones & Actions Towards my Professional Development

Graduation - Year 1 2027 - 2028

Year 1 - 3 2028 - 2030

Year 3 - 5 2030 - 2032

Pass NBCOT, obtain state licensure & secure first OT position

Develop a specialty area & take the lead on at least one clinical initiative

Deepen specialty area & Explore small leadership roles

• Join NBCOT Study Group
• Seek a workplace Mentor
• Attend at least 1 conference/ local event

• Continuing education credits
• Explore Advanced Certifications
• Expand network through conferences & professional groups

• Consider a more niche specialization
• Serve as a mentor or FWE
• Explore program development & private practice possibilities

Aspirations

Strengths

• Calm, empathetic approach with pediatric clients
• Entry-level knowledge in developmental milestones, sensory regulation, pediatric diagnoses, and interventions
• Excellent fieldwork + parent feedback

• Become a confident and skilled OT in any pediatric setting
• Develop and lead a small program (group sessions or caregiver education)
• Determine a specialty or preffered setting, and pursue advanced certifications in that area

Opportunities

Results

• Completion of advanced certification(s) + consistent CEUs
• Lead at least one program/initiative and mentor a student
• Maintain independent caseload, positive client outcomes, and strong caregiver relationships

• Build networking through online Pediatric OT groups - I joined one!
• Establish a mentor at my first job
• Continuing education credits and certifications (I'll show you some soon!)

What Should I Do?

In a school-based setting, you feel intimidated speaking up in IEP meetings so your input is often overlooked.

Prepare key points in advance and use clear, assertive communication to share your clinical perspective while seeking feedback from a mentor to build confidence.

Working in an outpatient clinic, you take on a group program but struggle to manage it alongside a full caseload.

Prioritize tasks, communicate workload struggles with your supervisor, and collaborate with team members to work together and manage responsibilities effectively.

In a hospital setting, you are caught between two team members who disagree on a patient’s discharge plan, and both are looking to you for input.

Acknowledge both perspectives, remind them that we are all on the same team, and guide the conversation toward a respectful, evidence-based and client-centered decision.

Leadership Skills

1. Decision Making

2. Effective Communication

AOTA Leadership Resources

3. Professional Influence