How to Prepare for Occupational Therapy Professor Jobs

The field of occupational therapy (OT) is growing rapidly, driven by an increasing demand for services that help individuals achieve independence in their daily lives. However, this growth has also highlighted a significant shortage of qualified OT faculty members, making it an opportune time for experienced professionals to consider going back to school. Becoming an occupational therapy professor allows practitioners to give back to their profession by educating the next generation of OT professionals. 

This article explores the path to becoming an OT professor, the current faculty shortage, and how earning a post-professional doctor of occupational therapy (DrOT) from Valparaiso University can prepare graduates for these vital roles.

The Path to Becoming an Occupational Therapy Professor

Before you can look for occupational therapy professor jobs, you must be qualified to fill the role. These steps will help you gain the qualifications you need to become a professor of occupational therapy at a college or university. 

1. Gain Clinical Experience

Before pursuing a career in academia, it’s essential to accumulate extensive clinical experience. This foundational step not only enhances your practical knowledge but also provides the credibility needed to teach future occupational therapists in your new position. Working in various settings — such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and community-based programs — will give you a broad understanding of the field and its diverse applications.

2. Pursue Advanced Education

To become a professor in occupational therapy, obtaining an advanced degree is crucial. While a master’s degree is the current entry-level pathway for entrance into the field, a doctoral degree is often necessary for teaching positions at the university level. Programs like the post-professional doctor of occupational therapy (DrOT) from Valparaiso University are specifically designed for practicing OTs who have an interest in advancing their careers in academia.

3. Engage in Research and Scholarly Activities

Academic institutions value faculty members who contribute to the body of knowledge in their field. Engaging in research, publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals, and presenting at conferences are essential activities for aspiring OT professors. These scholarly pursuits not only enhance your resume but also help you stay current with the latest advancements in occupational therapy.

4. Develop Teaching Skills

Teaching requires a unique set of skills that differ from those used in clinical practice. To prepare for a career as an OT professor, seek opportunities to develop your teaching abilities. This can include serving as a guest lecturer, supervising students during their fieldwork, or participating in teaching workshops. Additionally, consider pursuing certifications in education or completing coursework related to teaching methods and curriculum development.

5. Network and Seek Mentorship

Building a network of professional contacts and seeking mentorship from experienced educators can provide valuable guidance and support as you transition to academia. Join professional organizations such as the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and attend their events to connect with fellow OTs and educators. Mentors can offer insights into the academic job market, provide feedback on your teaching and research, and help you navigate the tenure process.

The Urgent Need to Address the OT Faculty Shortage

The occupational therapy profession is facing a critical shortage of qualified faculty members, which poses significant challenges for the education and preparation of future practitioners. This shortage stems from several key factors:

1. Increasing Demand for OT Services

As the population ages and the demand for occupational therapy services continues to grow, more students are enrolling in OT programs. This surge in enrollment requires an adequate number of faculty members to ensure that students receive high-quality education and training.

2. Retirement of Experienced Educators

Many current OT faculty members are nearing retirement age, creating a gap that needs to be filled by new educators. The retirement wave is expected to accelerate over the next decade, further exacerbating the faculty shortage.

3. Limited Number of Advanced Degree Holders

The pathway to becoming an OT professor typically requires a doctoral degree. However, the number of practicing OTs who pursue advanced degrees is relatively low, limiting the pool of potential faculty candidates. Encouraging more practitioners to seek doctoral education is essential to addressing this gap. Reap the benefits of a DrOT and apply to our program today. 

The Valparaiso University Advantage: Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Earning a post-professional doctor of occupational therapy (DrOT) from Valparaiso University equips graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in academic roles. This program is designed for practicing occupational therapists who wish to advance their careers and contribute to the profession through education and scholarship.

1. Comprehensive Curriculum

Valparaiso University’s post-professional DrOT program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers advanced clinical practice, research methodologies, leadership, and education. This well-rounded approach ensures that graduates are prepared to address the complex needs of students and the academic environment.

2. Focus on Evidence-Based Practice

The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, which is critical for both clinical and academic success. Graduates learn to integrate the latest research findings into their teaching and clinical work, ensuring that they provide the highest standard of education and care.

3. Leadership Development

Leadership skills are essential for OT professors, who often take on roles as department chairs, program directors, and academic advisors. Valparaiso University’s DrOT program includes coursework and experiences that foster leadership development, preparing graduates to take on these responsibilities with confidence.

4. Academic Scholarship Opportunities

Academic scholarship is a cornerstone of academic careers, and Valparaiso University’s program provides ample opportunities for students to engage in projects. This experience is invaluable for those who wish to contribute to the advancement of occupational therapy knowledge and practice.

5. Supportive Learning Environment

The faculty at Valparaiso University are experienced educators and practitioners who are committed to mentoring students and supporting their professional growth. This supportive learning environment helps students develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in academia.

Apply to Valpo’s DrOT Program Today

Becoming an occupational therapy professor is a rewarding career path that allows experienced practitioners to give back to their profession by educating the next generation of OT professionals. The journey to academia involves gaining clinical experience, pursuing advanced education, engaging in research, developing teaching skills, and building a professional network. 

Addressing the OT faculty shortage is crucial for the future of the profession, and earning a post-professional doctor of occupational therapy from Valparaiso University is an excellent way to prepare for these vital roles. By taking these steps, you can make a significant impact on the field of occupational therapy and help shape the future of healthcare. Book a call or apply online today!