Factors Which Motivate the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to Become a Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR).

Objective. This survey study was conducted to describe the motivational factors which commonly inspire the certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) to seek advanced education to become a registered occupational therapist (OTR). Methods. A triangulated literature review was employed to articulate the knowledge base surrounding factors motivating adult learners and to identify a theoretical framework for developing a survey tool. A questionnaire was developed based on a literature review, piloted, refined, and administered to 267 COTAs enrolled in four education programs designed to ladder them to OTR credentialing. A descriptive analysis of emerging common themes was conducted. Results. The results confirmed the findings in the literature. The two major factors motivating COTAs to pursue OTR credentials are professional advancement and cognitive interest. Variations, however, were identified relating to other motivating factors among those COTAs surveyed. These factors are in order of educational preparation, communication improvement, social contact, family togetherness, and social stimulation. Conclusions. Cognitive interest and professional advancement were found to be the factors which motivate COTAs to seek OTR credentials. Issues of professional identity and respect from others emerged as related themes, as well as career mobility. As managed care affects market shifts and the demand for OT personnel, further research is necessary to help educational programs tool their programs accordingly.

Occupational therapy students' perspectives on occupation as an agent that promotes healthful lifestyles.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine occupational therapy students' perspectives on occupation as an agent that promotes healthful lifestyles, what factors influence these perspectives, and the extent to which formal classroom instruction in occupation as a health-promoting agent influenced their perspective transformation. METHOD: Through a precourse and postcourse survey, weekly log sheets, and audiotaped class discussions, data regarding attitudes and beliefs about health promotion were collected from 23 occupational therapy master's students enrolled in the course Wellness Through Occupation. The data were analyzed with a priori concept coding to determine whether perspective transformation occurred as a result of formal classroom instruction. RESULTS: Participants indicated that family values, previous formal and informal instruction, and personal experience were the major factors that influenced their perspectives on occupation as an agent that promotes a healthful lifestyle. The results demonstrated that participants had a perspective transformation, which is the first step in the behavioral change process. CONCLUSION: Formal classroom instruction can be a factor in promoting healthful lifestyles through occupation. Such instruction can be an important step in empowering people to take responsibility for their own health.

Increasing occupational therapy research: is it time to try something new?

Lack of substantial occupational therapy research is a recognized and persistent problem; which is often discussed throughout the literature but not truly addressed. Action must be taken to involve clinicians in the effort to substantiate the efficacy of treatments through outcome studies. We offered several proactive recommendations that could be implemented on a national level to encourage hesitant practitioners to conduct research. Past recommendations have not tapped the expertise of a large segment of our profession. Our recommendations will enhance the accessibility of research to a greater percentage of occupational therapy professionals by specifically targeting problems related to money, education, and time.

Developing an occupational therapy curriculum at a small college.

Small colleges and universities are increasingly turning to new program development to increase enrollments, stem decline, and ensure survival. Occupational therapy is an increasingly popular curriculum among small college and university administrators in view of its potential for attracting students, enhancing the organization's profile and mission, and generating revenue. This study examined the development of the occupational therapy curriculum at College Misericordia, Dallas, Pennsylvania, from 1981 to 1984. Interviews and pertinent documents, such as financial records, curricular materials, and enrollment statistics, were analyzed. The results demonstrate that the occupational therapy curriculum was instrumental in increasing enrollments and generating revenues at this small college. It can be concluded that curriculum development in occupational therapy can have a positive effect on an organization's ability to remain viable in an increasingly competitive market.