Document Type (Journals)
Original Research
Abstract
Occupational therapy education plays a pivotal role in equipping professionals to meet the dynamic demands of healthcare systems. This study evaluated the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy (BSOT) program at Velez College in the Philippines, utilizing a qualitative analysis framework to explore its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) as perceived by educators, students, alumni, and practitioners. Findings highlight the program’s robust generalist curriculum, strong community-based partnerships, and interprofessional collaboration opportunities. However, challenges such as limited access to standardized assessment tools, high educator turnover, and insufficient specialization opportunities were identified. Notably, emerging demands in mental health and holistic care present growth opportunities for the program, alongside the need to address persistent threats such as brain drain and financial barriers. By leveraging strategies like expanding mental health training, fostering educator retention, and integrating stakeholder-driven curriculum revisions, the program can enhance its relevance and sustainability. This study underscores the importance of program evaluations in informing adaptive educational strategies that align with global and local healthcare needs. Future research needs to explore the long-term impacts of such initiatives on graduate outcomes and workforce retention.
Biography
Paolo Miguel P. Bulan, OTD, MAOT, OTRP is a Professor and Chairman of the Department of Occupational Therapy in Velez College.
Janice A. Rojas, MAOT(c), OTRP is the Clinical Coordinator of the Department of Occupational Therapy in Velez College.
John Ray O. Suerte, MAOT, OTRP is an Associate Professor (Occupational Therapy) in Velez College, and has research interests in the occupational needs of occupational therapists in the university setting.
Nikki Y. Pestaño, MAOT, OTRP, RYT is an Associate Professor (Occupational Therapy) in Velez College, and is a registered yoga teacher that focuses on promotion of wellness through incorporation of concepts of yoga and occupation.
Maria Menierva G. Lagria, OTRP is an Instructor (Occupational Therapy) in Velez College, and has more than 20 years of experience working in the psychosocial setting managing cases in the community, disaster management, and substance use disorder.
Cristito P. Dimitiman Jr., MAOT, OTR, OTRP is a Clinical Instructor of the Department of Occupational Therapy in Velez College. He is also connected with Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Cebu Velez General Hospital, Philippines.
April Grace A. Chiongbian, MAOT(c), OTRP is a Clinical Instructor of the Department of Occupational Therapy in Velez College. She is also the owner of Fundamentals Pediatric Therapy Center, Cebu City, Philippines.
Frances Vince E. Dimitiman, MAOT(c), OTRP is a Clinical Instructor of the Department of Occupational Therapy in Velez College. She was also connected with Maria Josefa Recio Therapeutic Center, Cebu City, Philippines.
Martina Nicole A. Ligutom, MAOT(c), OTRP is an Instructor (Occupational Therapy) in Velez College
Debbie Rose D. Cabañero, MAOT, OTR, OTRP is an Assistant Professor (Occupational Therapy) in Velez College.
Jay Arr M. Sale, MAOT(c), SROT is a Research Coordinator at the Velez College Research Office.
Declaration of Interest
The authors report no declarations of interest.
Recommended Citation
Bulan, P. P., Rojas, J. A., Suerte, J. O., Pestaño, N. Y., Lagria, M. G., Dimitiman, C. P., Chiongbian, A. A., Dimitiman, F. E., Ligutom, M. A., Cabañero, D. D., & Sale, J. M. (2025). Evaluating Entry-level Occupational Therapy Education and Practice: A Qualitative SWOT Study in the Philippines. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 9 (1). https://doi.org/10.26681/jote.2025.090102
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