Document Type (Journals)
Original Research
Abstract
The vast majority of occupational therapy (OT) practitioners are white, leaving gaps between the representation of our profession and those we serve. Admission practices determine the future of the profession. This cross-sectional study aimed to understand how admission requirements, particularly the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and interview, influenced OT graduate students' application decisions, specifically those who identified as a first-generation college student (FGCS), underrepresented minority, English as a second language, or receiving public assistance. Methods included an online survey distributed to current OT graduate students. The survey consisted of background information, closed-ended questions on influence of application requirements, open-ended questions on priority factors in application decision-making, and barriers and supports to the application process. Of the 263 participants, 37.4% agreed that the GRE requirement influenced their application, most frequently citing test-taking ability and cost as reasons; 16.2% agreed that an in-person interview requirement influenced their application, most frequently citing cost and interviewing ability as reasons. Participants identifying as FGCS (p
Biography
Bridget Hahn, OTD, OTR/L is an Assistant Professor and the Academic Coordinator at Rush University in Chicago, IL. Dr. Hahn is actively involved in research and teaching, focusing on physical disabilities, performance-based assessment, and knowledge translation.
Hillary Napier, OTD, OTR/L is a Clinical Assistant Professor and the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator at DePaul University in Chicago, IL.
Rachel Lee, BS; June Park, BS; Abigail Woollacott, BS, were Doctorate Students at Rush University in Chicago, IL, at the time of the study.
Linda M. Olson, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA is an Assistant Professor and former Chairperson of the Department of Occupational Therapy at Rush University in Chicago, IL. She is currently the Program Director for the Rush Older Adult Home Modification Program.
Declaration of Interest
The authors have no declarations of interest.
Recommended Citation
Hahn, B. J., Napier, H., Park, J., Woollacott, A., Lee, R., & Olson, L. M. (2023). Understanding Occupational Therapy Admissions Decisions Related to Diversity. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 7 (4). https://doi.org/10.26681/jote.2023.070402
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