{"id":5175,"date":"2025-04-29T10:27:40","date_gmt":"2025-04-29T17:27:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/?p=5175"},"modified":"2025-07-23T11:26:09","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T18:26:09","slug":"want-to-become-an-ot-heres-what-you-actually-need-to-do-before-you-apply-to-occupational-therapy-schools","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/2025\/04\/29\/want-to-become-an-ot-heres-what-you-actually-need-to-do-before-you-apply-to-occupational-therapy-schools\/","title":{"rendered":"Want to become an OT? Here\u2019s what you actually need to do before you apply to occupational therapy schools\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re thinking about becoming an occupational therapist, gaining relevant experience now can give your application to University of the Pacific\u2019s Entry-Level OTD<\/a> program a serious boost. Shadowing, volunteering and related work experience not only make you a stronger applicant, but they also help you better understand what it takes to thrive in this meaningful, people-focused field. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Occupational therapy shadowing: See OT in action\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aim to complete at least 50 hours of observation in clinical, community, or educational settings. Shadowing a licensed occupational therapist gives you firsthand insight into client interactions, treatment approaches, and the day-to-day realities of the profession. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start by contacting local health care facilities or their volunteer services departments. You can also explore virtual options\u2014videos from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)<\/a>, World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT)<\/a>, and state associations are great places to begin. Planning ahead is key. Scheduling shadowing hours can take time, so get started early. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Volunteering: Show your commitment to community<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Consistent community service is another way to strengthen your application. Whether it\u2019s helping at food banks, clinics, Habitat for Humanity or local schools, these experiences show admission committees that you\u2019re committed to service and comfortable working with diverse populations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Volunteering also builds skills that matter in OT: empathy, cultural awareness, communication and adaptability. Be sure to highlight these takeaways in your application personal essay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Relevant work experience: Build real-world skills needed for occupational therapy\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Jobs like rehab aide, after-school program assistant or caregiver offer hands-on experience with individuals who may benefit from OT. These roles let you apply what you\u2019re learning, develop strong communication skills and understand the broader health care landscape. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re already in the workforce, look for opportunities to take on responsibilities that connect to occupational therapy: supporting clients, engaging others in meaningful occupation, building physical skills, or managing activities of daily living. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your path starts here\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Preparing for an OTD program is about more than checking boxes. The time you invest in observing, volunteering, and working in the field will help you clarify your goals and communicate them clearly in your occupational therapy application. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re a recent grad or a working professional making a career shift, Pacific\u2019s Entry-Level Doctorate in Occupational Therapy<\/a> can help you turn your passion for helping others into a fulfilling career. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n
<\/div>

Natalie Perkins<\/a><\/p>

Natalie A. Perkins, PP-OTD, MEd, OTR\/L, FIIE, FAOTA is the dynamic Department Chair, Program Director, and Associate Clinical Professor for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at Pacific. A trailblazer in scholarship, teaching, and clinical practice, Dr. Perkins is passionate about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the occupational therapy profession.<\/p><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re thinking about becoming an occupational therapist, gaining relevant experience now can give your application to University of the Pacific\u2019s Entry-Level OTD program a serious boost. Shadowing, volunteering and related work experience not only make you a stronger applicant, but they also help you better understand what it takes to thrive in this meaningful,… Read More »Want to become an OT? Here\u2019s what you actually need to do before you apply to occupational therapy schools\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":5176,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"_ti_tpc_template_sync":false,"_ti_tpc_template_id":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[376,525,522],"class_list":["post-5175","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-school","tag-graduate","tag-occupational-therapy","tag-school-of-health-sciences"],"yoast_head":"\nWant to become an OT? 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