Beyond Membership: How State Occupational Therapy Associations Can Shape Your Career?

Christine McConnell, DC, OTR/L

Education & Research 

This interactive Education & Research Lunch & Learn will explore current trends shaping occupational therapy education, including simulation-based learning, competency-based education, innovative fieldwork models, student well-being, and inclusive teaching practices. Drawing on recent evidence from occupational therapy education research, participants will discuss emerging best practices and share strategies for preparing students to meet the evolving demands of contemporary practice. Through facilitated roundtable discussions, attendees will exchange ideas, identify opportunities for curricular innovation, and consider practical approaches to enhance student learning, clinical reasoning, and professional readiness. This session will promote collaboration among educators and support the advancement of evidence-informed occupational therapy education to strengthen the future workforce and improve educational outcomes.