The number of OT entrylevel doctoral (OTD) programs has been expanding rapidly. In 2017 there were 7 programs. As of 2023, there are 95, with an additional 76 in development. The article we discuss presents early stage research on the doctoral capstone experience and employment opportunities. It backs up what I have now personally observed through mentoring a student: that doctoral students are uniquely prepared for more diverse job opportunities, and sometimes jobs are even created due to the clear value of the capstone experience.

There seems to be a benefit for the profession as a whole, in terms of increased awareness. (Our Achilles heel!) We're excited to welcome our own student, Alana Woolley, and her capstone coordinator, Daniel Rortvedt, on the podcast. Our goal will be to help you decide if you should be a capstone mentor, and shed light on the experience from 3 perspectives.

Learn more about our guest Daniel Rortvedt, MS, OTD, OTR/L: https://otpotential.com/occupational...

And our guest Alana Woolley, OTD Student: https://otpotential.com/occupational...

Join the OT Potential Club to take a quiz to earn your 1 hour occupational therapy continuing education unit (AOTAapproved): https://otpotential.com/otpotential...

Website and Social:
Episode page: https://otpotential.com/ceupodcastc...
Podcast page: https://otpotential.com/ceupodcastc...
Linked In:   / otpotential  
Capstone Catalog: https://otpotential.com/blog/otdcaps...

Episode article:
An exploration of the occupational therapy doctoral capstone: Perspectives from capstone coordinators, graduates, and Site Mentors: https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/vol6/i...

Timestamps:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:25 Course details
00:03:09 What is the occupational therapy doctoral capstone?
00:04:31 Previous research on the OT doctorate and capstone
00:05:54 Purpose of this paper
00:06:15 Methods
00:06:48 Results
00:11:55 Article Discussion and Implications
00:13:41 Intro to Alana Woolley and Daniel Rortvedt
00:17:11 Dan and Alana Backstory
00:20:13 Article Impressions
00:26:46 Advice for finding the right focus area and mentor
00:33:15 Advice for saying “yes” to a student?
00:38:13 How does the capstone experience feel different from the rest of your education?
00:43:09 What are 3 pitfalls mentors/mentees should avoid?
00:48:10 Due to capstone, have you seen a ripple effect of OT awareness?
00:50:19 What is one way the capstone process could be improved?
00:53:54 What is one piece of advice you have for capstone mentors or students?