Academic Juggling Act: beginning and sustaining an academic career.

ABSTRACT

Rapid expansion in the number and size of occupational therapy academic programs has resulted in a crucial need for faculty recruitment and retention. To encourage occupational therapy practitioners to consider academia as a career option, and to support those who choose this option, this article reviews higher education literature related to socialization into academia, the different types of academic institutions, the tenure system, and the process of entering into and sustaining an academic career. This literature is then correlated with issues in occupational therapy education. The article closes with specific literature-based suggestions for creating and sustaining an academic career through development of teaching skills, research agendas, and support systems.