A Future Where Everyone Knows OT: How We’re Making It Happen

The Why Choose OT campaign continues to gain momentum, working to increase awareness of occupational therapy as a career and strengthen public understanding of OT’s impact.

Making OT a Household Name

Despite the critical role occupational therapy plays in healthcare, awareness of the profession remains significantly lower than that of doctors, nurses, or physical therapists. Many people—including students, parents, educators, and career influencers—lack a clear understanding of what OT is and how it helps people across the lifespan regain independence, adapt to challenges, and improve daily life.

The Why Choose OT campaign is working to bridge this gap through strategic partnerships, digital outreach, community engagement, and career exploration initiatives. By reaching students, educators, career advisors, parents, and the general public, we are ensuring that more people recognize OT as a vital, rewarding profession. Whether through hands-on experiences at HOSA conferences, new partnerships with organizations like the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS), or digital campaigns that tell the stories of real OT professionals, we are driving greater awareness and interest in the field.

Expanding Our Reach Through HOSA

HOSA–Future Health Professionals is a national student organization dedicated to preparing future leaders in healthcare. With over 300,000 members across middle schools, high schools, and colleges, HOSA provides students with hands-on learning, competitive events, and professional development opportunities in healthcare fields.

State HOSA Conferences: We will be attending state HOSA conferences in California, Florida, Indiana, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and North Dakota, introducing thousands of students to OT through hands-on learning experiences.

HOSA OT Competition: Students are excited and actively competing in the first-ever HOSA Occupational Therapy competition, deepening their understanding of OT.

HOSA ILC 2025: We are preparing for the International Leadership Conference, where we will connect with over 13,000 students interested in healthcare careers.

“I love that HOSA is now including OT! It’s a career that deserves more recognition, and this competition is such a great way for students like me to explore what OT professionals do every day.”

HOSA Student

Reaching More Students Nationwide

In addition to HOSA, we have partnered with the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) to expand our outreach. Through this partnership, we are connecting with thousands of high-achieving students and introducing them to OT as a top career choice.

How You Can Help

Present in Local Schools: Use our ready-made resources to give a presentation at high schools, career fairs, or community events and introduce students to OT as a career option.

Follow & Share on Social Media: Connect with us on social media @whychooseOT and amplify our message by sharing campaign posts, videos, and stories.

Create & Share OT Content: Show the world what OT looks like! Post a short video or story about your OT journey, why you love the profession, or how OT changes lives. Tag us so we can share your content and use #WhyChooseOT!

Engage With Local Educators & Career Counselors: Encourage career advisors, science teachers, and healthcare educators to incorporate OT into their career discussions. Direct them to Why Choose OT’s career resources!

Mentor a Student: Whether it is through a school career day, a shadowing experience, or a one-time Q&A, sharing your journey can inspire the next generation of OT professionals.

Host or Join a Community Event: Consider partnering with local organizations, libraries, or community groups to host an OT awareness event or workshop.

By taking one of these small actions, you can help increase awareness, expand diversity in the profession, and inspire more students to choose OT!

What’s Next?

The momentum behind Why Choose OT continues to grow, and we remain dedicated to elevating awareness of occupational therapy, increasing public understanding, and ensuring more people recognize the vital role OT plays in healthcare and daily life. Whether it is through student engagement, public outreach, or digital advocacy, we are working to make OT a widely recognized and valued profession. Stay tuned for more updates as we reach new audiences, develop new resources, and continue shaping the conversation around OT.

Follow our journey on Why Choose OT’s website and share the message!