University of the Pacific Occupational Therapy (OTD)

  The Future of Occupational Therapy Depends on Advocacy Advocacy isn't something you pick up after graduation. It's something you start practicing the moment you enter school as an occupational therapy student. OT exists because people before us refused to stay quiet. They pushed back against exclusion, fought for access, and insisted that participation and dignity aren't privileges, they're the whole point. That work didn't stop. It got handed down. You're inheriting it now. Here's what that looks like in practice: For years, OTAC worked to have occupational therapy formally recognized as a Licensed Mental Health Profession in California. It wasn't a quick fix. They first had to modernize the Occupational Therapy Practice Act itself, passing AB 2221 to clearly define OT's role in mental health care, before decision-makers would even come back to the table. Then came more collaboration, more testimony, more sustained pressure. Eventually, both th...

  Supporting Students Means More Than Encouragement Support is not just emotional. It is structural. In times of legislative change, students need more than reassurance. They need tangible resources, clear guidance, and institutions that are willing to advocate alongside them. At University of the Pacific OTD we are committed to supporting our students through multiple pathways, including access to scholarships, financial guidance, and transparent conversations about funding and repayment. We have worked intentionally to secure funding that supports students from historically marginalized backgrounds and those entering high-need areas such as behavioral health. Financial literacy is a form of empowerment. When students understand how to plan, where to seek support, and how to navigate financial systems, they can make decisions from a place of confidence rather than fear. We also help students understand how policy decisions connect to funding structures, workforce needs, and ...

  Advocacy Starts with Understanding, Not Fear There is a lot of noise right now around higher education, healthcare, and new legislation. Headlines are loud. Social media is reactive. And for students considering or currently enrolled in graduate healthcare programs, it can feel overwhelming. Fear thrives in uncertainty. Advocacy begins with understanding. At University of the Pacific's OTD program , we believe it is our responsibility to help students make sense of what is happening, not shy away from it. Avoiding conversations about policy does not protect students. Education does. That is why we prioritize legislative and policy literacy as part of professional formation. Students deserve accurate information, historical context, and space to ask hard questions. When students understand how laws are created, how they evolve, and how they actually impact practice, fear loses its grip. We talk openly about current legislation affecting higher education and healthcare. We bre...

Capstone Success Isn’t About Talent. It’s About Building the Right Skills. OTD Capstone projects can be a mystery, and the fact that all OTD programs handle their capstone projects differently makes it challenging to capture the general understanding of all the work that goes into a capstone project. That said, there are a few skills that may help students be successful in their capstone preparation and execution. Please note that we are referring to skills, and not talents. Skills can be cultivated by being intentional about incorporating them in your actions. Students do not  need to have these skills to start capstone work, but do need to spend some time nurturing them as the work is implemented. Grit: Changes are inevitable when you undertake a project like a capstone, which, from idea to execution, lasts over two years. Sometimes, changes and challenges are minor and allow the student to make necessary adjustments to stay on course. Other times, the challenges require starti...

  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’...

  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 ...

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...

There is always a brief moment when life seems to move in slow motion. A moment where everything swirls around us, but somehow, we stand still—able to see clearly and feel deeply. That’s the same moment many applicants face when considering applying to an OT doctoral program. The uncertainty. The fear. The wondering if it’s too late or if you’re enough. And yet, it’s in these moments that emotional intelligence becomes your greatest asset. Occupational therapy is not just about interventions or assessments. It’s about people. Emotions. Relationships. Moments of breakthrough and moments of breakdown. It’s about being able to sit with others in their pain, without losing yourself in it. And because of that, emotional intelligence—your ability to recognize, understand, and manage your emotions and the emotions of others—matters more than ever. Graduate programs know this. When we read personal statements or conduct interviews, we’re listening beyond your resume. We’re watching how you r...

  Neurodivergent and Thriving: How OT Education Is Evolving to Be More Inclusive Occupational therapy (OT) is built on the foundation of supporting individuals in achieving their fullest potential—no matter their background, abilities, or needs. As awareness of neurodiversity continues to grow, graduate OT programs are responding by adapting curriculum, teaching practices, and learning environments to support all students—including those who are neurodivergent. If you’re exploring a future in OT, understanding how inclusive education is embedded into doctoral-level training can help you choose a program where you’ll thrive both academically and personally. What Does Neurodiversity Mean in OT Education? Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in the human brain and includes conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and others. In education, this means recognizing that students learn and process information in different ways—and that these differences should be em...

  Graduate school is an exciting step toward becoming a skilled occupational therapist, but it comes with new challenges. Unlike undergraduate education, where studying often focuses on memorization for exams, an occupational therapy (OT) program requires you to master knowledge and skills that will directly impact patient safety and long-term clinical decision-making. OT programs are designed to build your professional identity, develop therapeutic rapport, and deepen your expertise in neuroscience, kinesiology, anatomy, physiology, and evidence-based practice. Succeeding in this environment requires preparation, adaptability, and a strategic approach to learning. Here’s how you can thrive in an OT program. Shift Your Mindset: Studying for Application, Not Just Exams One of the biggest transitions from undergraduate to graduate school is understanding that you’re no longer just studying to pass a test—you’re learning to provide the highest quality care for future clients. This...

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...