Resources for OT Students and Practitioners

Dear (future) OT, I hope you find peace in knowing that you are new, not behind

If you’re here, it must mean you are embarking on this journey to becoming an occupational therapist. WELCOME! I know this road has not been easy. The start of your clinical experience is probably the biggest learning curve you’ll have as an OT practitioner, but there is a community here to walk you through it. Take a deep breath, and know that you are exactly where you need to be. Remember your why, and you’ll get through the rest.

Sincerely, Teresa 🀍

Cover page of a journal with a line drawing of a sunflower growing on a human spine, with text about the book's purpose and author.

The Backbones to Becoming a Clinical Occupational Therapist

This fieldwork journal was crafted to meet the unique needs of OT students and new graduates in order to prevent or lessen feelings of unease, anxiety, imposter syndrome, compassion fatigue, and burnout during their clinical rotations and first job. In addition, the journal also guides students through the NBCOT, applying for state licensure, the job hunt, the interview process, and negotiation.  It is a resource I wish I had when I was a student, and I am so happy to share it with you all!

Key Features of the Survival Guide:

1) Guided Prompts: The journal includes carefully crafted prompts to help you reflect on your daily experiences, challenges, and achievements during fieldwork. These prompts are designed to stimulate critical reflection and promote self-awareness, allowing you to grow both personally and professionally.

2) Goal Setting Section: Set meaningful and achievable goals for your fieldwork experience. Whether you’re a student embarking on fieldwork or a growing practitioner seeking continuous improvement at a new job, this section helps you outline your short-term and long-term objectives.

3) Note Taking Weekly Templates: Keep track of this week’s focus, to-do list, treatment planning, and your clinical skill development. These pages are meant to keep you accountable to your learning and foster a growth mindset for your practice.

4) Professional Development Tips: Access a curated list of tips for giving and receiving feedback; facilitating evaluation and treatment; applying to jobs, interviewing, and negotiating salary; and navigating your first OT job. Stay ahead in your field with continuous learning opportunities.

5) Mental Health Reminders, Inspiration, and Motivation: Find inspiration and motivation through letters, reflective questions, and spaces for creativity. This section includes key features of preventing, recognizing, and addressing burnout and compassion fatigue.

6) Coil Bound Spine and Minimalistic Design: This 142 page journal features a coil bound spine and high-quality paper with a minimalistic design, providing a comfortable writing experience with the ease of an open book.

Tailor Your Journal to your Journey!

The PDF Version is Available in 3 Editions:

1) Full Edition (142 pages) β€” All-in-one guide covering fieldwork reflection, clinical planning, NBCOT prep, job search, and wellness tools.

2) Fieldwork Edition (108 pages) β€” Focused on fieldwork success, with reflection templates, clinical planning tools, and weekly tracking sheets.

3) Career & Wellness Edition (52 pages) β€” Designed for life after fieldwork, including graduation checklists, NBCOT study plans, job hunt tools, and wellness strategies for managing burnout and imposter syndrome.

Use digitally or print for hands-on use.

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Medbridge Discount

MedBridge offers a comprehensive platform for healthcare professionals, providing continuing education, evidence-based resources, and innovative tools for client engagement. With access to over 1,000 CEU courses, customizable home exercise programs, and the ability to track client progress, MedBridge is designed to help you enhance your practice and improve generalization of skills.

Use my affiliate discount code β€œACOR” to save $106 on your subscription!

Disclaimer: If you buy through this link, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your continued support!

Study Resources for the NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy)

Videos / Podcasts

Books

Study Tools

Prep courses

OT Fellowships

 Fellowships are post-professional programs that allow you to dive deep into a special area of practice. They encompass targeted evidence-based research, clinical practice, education, and leadership with unparalleled mentorship. 

Click here to view the current list of AOTA’s fellowship programs.

Check out my podcast episodes as a guest with some lovely OTs:

Follow A Cup of Rehab, made for up and coming OT Practitioners