Megan Hardee, MAEd, COTA/L, CBIS; Caroline Andrews, OTD, MS, OTR/L
Education, Research, & Scholarship | Audience Level: Introductory
This session highlights how simulation-based learning prepares occupational therapy students for complex acute care settings. Through hands-on case studies, students practice managing acute diagnoses, medical precautions, and hospital equipment in a safe environment while implementing client-centered interventions. A central feature of this program is the active collaboration between academia and practicing OT clinicians. Faculty and hospital-based therapists work together to develop, refine, and implement these simulation scenarios. This partnership ensures that training reflects current, real-world standards, clinical complexities, and shifting hospital protocols. By bridging the gap between classroom theory and clinical practice, this immersive training builds the clinical reasoning, confidence, and competence needed to deliver safe, patient-centered care.