Breaking the Mold: OT Careers You Didn’t Know Existed

 

Photo by My Networking Apparel on Unsplash

When people think of occupational therapy, they often picture a hospital, clinic, or school-based setting. While these are valuable and important spaces where OTs thrive, they are only part of the picture. The field of occupational therapy continues to grow and evolve. Careers that once seemed unconventional are now front and center, and our students and faculty at University of the Pacific are leading that change.

We want our students to see OT not just as a profession, but as a platform. A platform to build new paths, respond to community needs, and create careers that align with both passion and purpose.

Our graduates are proof that an OT degree can take you in many directions. Some have stepped into the world of education, supporting student access, curriculum design, and inclusive teaching practices. Others have taken their training into the tech industry, where they are helping to build apps, develop wearable devices, and consult on user experience for people of all abilities. We also have alumni working in the nonprofit space, using their clinical knowledge to guide advocacy efforts, design programs, and improve health outcomes across diverse communities.

Our faculty are equally invested in reimagining what OT can look like. Some own their own businesses. Some serve as consultants on projects related to public health, policy, and mental wellness. Others are involved in grant-funded research or partner with organizations to create community impact. Each one brings a different story, showing students that there is no single path to success in this field.

This is the beauty of occupational therapy. It is not confined to a specific job title or setting. It is a way of thinking, a way of connecting, and a way of solving problems that can apply in almost any environment.

We still prepare students for traditional roles and clinical excellence. But we also want them to see that OT can be innovative, entrepreneurial, and expansive. It can live in start-ups, schools, boardrooms, shelters, farms, or wherever there is a need for meaningful participation and human connection.

If you are wondering whether occupational therapy is the right fit, but don’t see yourself in a typical clinic, that might be the best reason to apply. At University of the Pacific, we welcome students who are ready to explore new territory, lead with curiosity, and build careers that reflect the full potential of what OT can be.

There is no one way to be an OT. The real opportunity lies in discovering the path that is yours.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Think Now’s the Wrong Time for Grad School? Think Again.

Image
  Photo by Ivan Samkov Think Now’s the Wrong Time for Grad School? Think Again. There’s a lot of chatter right now about student loans, cutbacks, and new federal policies shaking up higher education. Some of it feels heavy. Some of it feels unfair. And for many future students, it’s creating hesitation. But let me be clear. This is not the time to shrink back. This is the time to step forward. Here’s why enrolling in an Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program— especially ours —is still one of the most innovative and powerful decisions you can make. Your Purpose Matters More Than Policy While laws and funding streams may change, our mission does not. We built this program for people who want to create change, stand up for others, and make a difference in the lives and communities. We are not here because it is easy. We are here because it is needed . If you have a purpose, we have a place for you. Affordability with Intention Yes, new loan limits are making headlines. But here’...
Read more

AI, Healthcare, and the Future of Occupational Therapy Education

Image
Photo by cottonbro studio There’s a distinct moment in every profession when the tides begin to shift. What we’ve always done no longer feels quite enough, and what’s coming next starts to take shape just on the horizon. That moment is now, especially in healthcare education. Artificial Intelligence is the wave. At University of the Pacific OT , we want students to be curious, creative, and prepared. We want them to not only keep up with the future of healthcare but help lead it. That’s why we’ve leaned into AI, not as a replacement for connection, but as a tool to deepen learning and amplify human-centered care. AI is a tool, and not a replacement for building clinical knowledge. OT students need to learn how to use AI, but more importantly, they need to be able to state why it matters clinically. It's not enough to use technology. They must be able to tie it back to outcomes, performance, and the people they serve. What if students could walk through a body system in 3D, seein...
Read more

Enhance Your OTD School Application: The Importance of Shadowing, Volunteering, and Relevant Experience

Image
As an aspiring occupational therapist, gaining a competitive edge in your application to an OTD school like the University of the Pacific’s Entry-Level OTD program is essential. One of the best ways to strengthen your application is through shadowing, volunteering, and relevant experience. These activities not only enhance your application but also provide invaluable insights into the field of occupational therapy. Why Shadowing is Crucial for Your OTD School Application It is recommended that applicants complete at least 50 hours of observation in various settings, such as clinics, hospitals, and community centers. Shadowing licensed occupational therapists allows you to witness firsthand the impact of OT on individuals’ lives. You can observe different treatment techniques, client interactions, and the overall therapeutic process. To get started, contact the volunteer services department at local healthcare facilities to find out how to sign up for observation opportunities. Addit...
Read more