Why Occupational Therapy students join their professional associations (or don't)

What is it about?

This study adds the OT student voice to the discussions about professional membership and engagement to the existing literature. The study results helps us to understand what drives OT students to join their professional associations and what we could do to help students be more engaged.

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Photo by Akson on Unsplash

Photo by Akson on Unsplash

Why is it important?

We learned that students who are members of their OT student associations while in school were more likely to be members of their state or national OT associations. Students also joined professional associations even when their academic institution did not provide support (e.g., financial). A majority of students indicated that they planned to be American Occupational Therapy Association members after graduation. Students suggested that more economical membership, conference registration, and academic support could encourage active participation and engagement in their professional associations, extending beyond graduation.

Perspectives