There’s a distinct moment in every profession when the tides begin to shift. What we’ve always done no longer feels quite enough, and what’s coming next starts to take shape just on the horizon. That moment is now, especially in health care education. Artificial Intelligence is the wave.

Preparing occupational therapy students to lead

At University of the Pacific’s Department of Occupational Therapy, we want students to be curious, creative and prepared. We want them to not only keep up with the future of health care but help lead it. That’s why we’ve leaned into AI—not as a replacement for connection, but as a tool to deepen learning and amplify human-centered care.

Clinical knowledge comes first

AI is a tool, not a replacement for building clinical knowledge. OT students need to learn how to use AI, but more importantly, they need to be able to state why it matters clinically. It’s not enough to use technology. They must tie it back to outcomes, performance and the people they serve.

Imagine the possibilities

What if students could walk through a body system in 3D, seeing organs respond to movement? What if they could test their clinical decision-making with AI-generated case studies that adapt in real time? What if they could fail safely, reflect and grow—all before they ever step into a clinic?

We’ve asked those questions—and more importantly, we’ve found answers.

Hands-on learning with AI and XR

Our students are using virtual reality to understand complex anatomy and augmented reality to visualize function. They’re engaging with clinical reasoning tools that adjust scenarios based on their choices. Through it all, they’re becoming more confident, competent and compassionate practitioners.

Making innovation accessible

Students at University of the Pacific also learn how to use AI with both low-cost and high-cost options, making sure they’re equipped to meet the needs of all communities. Innovation doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective. It just has to be accessible, practical and meaningful.

Enhancing—not replacing—the human connection

This is not about taking shortcuts. It’s about sharpening our instincts, reinforcing what we know and expanding what we thought was possible. The goal is not to replace the therapeutic relationship. It’s to enhance it by ensuring our students are prepared with knowledge and perspective.

We still teach with our hearts. We still value human connection. But we are also committed to growth, evolution and preparing clinicians who will carry this profession forward.

AI is not the future. It is now. Our OTD program ensures that we teach students to use AI ethically and with a clinician’s mind.

Natalie Perkins

Natalie A. Perkins, PP-OTD, MEd, OTR/L, FIIE, FAOTA is the dynamic Department Chair, Program Director, and Associate Clinical Professor for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at Pacific. A trailblazer in scholarship, teaching, and clinical practice, Dr. Perkins is passionate about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the occupational therapy profession.

If you’re thinking about becoming an occupational therapist, gaining relevant experience now can give your application to University of the Pacific’s Entry-Level OTD program a serious boost. Shadowing, volunteering and related work experience not only make you a stronger applicant, but they also help you better understand what it takes to thrive in this meaningful, people-focused field. 

Occupational therapy shadowing: See OT in action 

Aim to complete at least 50 hours of observation in clinical, community, or educational settings. Shadowing a licensed occupational therapist gives you firsthand insight into client interactions, treatment approaches, and the day-to-day realities of the profession. 

Start by contacting local health care facilities or their volunteer services departments. You can also explore virtual options—videos from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), and state associations are great places to begin. Planning ahead is key. Scheduling shadowing hours can take time, so get started early. 

Volunteering: Show your commitment to community

Consistent community service is another way to strengthen your application. Whether it’s helping at food banks, clinics, Habitat for Humanity or local schools, these experiences show admission committees that you’re committed to service and comfortable working with diverse populations. 

Volunteering also builds skills that matter in OT: empathy, cultural awareness, communication and adaptability. Be sure to highlight these takeaways in your application personal essay. 

Relevant work experience: Build real-world skills needed for occupational therapy 

Jobs like rehab aide, after-school program assistant or caregiver offer hands-on experience with individuals who may benefit from OT. These roles let you apply what you’re learning, develop strong communication skills and understand the broader health care landscape. 

If you’re already in the workforce, look for opportunities to take on responsibilities that connect to occupational therapy: supporting clients, engaging others in meaningful occupation, building physical skills, or managing activities of daily living. 

Your path starts here 

Preparing for an OTD program is about more than checking boxes. The time you invest in observing, volunteering, and working in the field will help you clarify your goals and communicate them clearly in your occupational therapy application. 

Whether you’re a recent grad or a working professional making a career shift, Pacific’s Entry-Level Doctorate in Occupational Therapy can help you turn your passion for helping others into a fulfilling career. 

Natalie Perkins

Natalie A. Perkins, PP-OTD, MEd, OTR/L, FIIE, FAOTA is the dynamic Department Chair, Program Director, and Associate Clinical Professor for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at Pacific. A trailblazer in scholarship, teaching, and clinical practice, Dr. Perkins is passionate about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the occupational therapy profession.

If you’re considering a career in occupational therapy (OT), understanding how graduate programs prepare students for real-world clinical practice is a key part of the decision-making process. OT education is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and hands-on patient care, equipping future clinicians with the skills they need to succeed in diverse health care environments. 

What to expect in an OTD program

A strong occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) program goes beyond lectures and textbooks. It emphasizes clinical reasoning, practical application and professional development. For students aiming to become licensed occupational therapists, it’s important to look for programs that offer a curriculum grounded in evidence-based practice and aligned with the demands of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. 

At University of the Pacific, the OTD program incorporates the following core components: 

• Clinical reasoning development – Students are taught to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world challenges in clinical settings. 

• Hands-on learning – Simulations, labs, and fieldwork placements are built into the curriculum to foster applied learning. 

• Evidence-based practice in OT – Coursework is informed by current research, helping students stay up to date with emerging techniques and interventions. 

• Professional growth and leadership – Students are encouraged to engage in advocacy, leadership roles and interprofessional collaboration. 

Why clinical readiness matters for occupational therapy jobs 

For many new graduates, the transition from school to clinical work can be a major adjustment. Programs that integrate early exposure to clinical environments—through fieldwork, mentorship and experiential learning—help students enter the workforce with greater confidence and competence. 

A curriculum designed around clinical readiness can also support success on licensing exams and better prepare students for the challenges of real-world OT practice. 

What to look for in an OTD program 

If you’re exploring OTD programs, here are a few elements to prioritize: 

• Early and consistent opportunities for clinical experience 

• Curriculum focused on applying theory in practical settings 

• Faculty with real-world clinical experience 

• Support for research, innovation and leadership development 

• Preparation for NBCOT and other licensure requirements 

OTD program snapshot: University of the Pacific

Pacific’s OTD program integrates academic coursework with clinical training, mentorship, and community partnerships. Faculty members bring experience from various OT practice areas, helping students connect classroom learning with the realities of patient care. 

Students also have opportunities to engage in research and community-based projects, building skills that support long-term professional growth. 

Considering a doctorate degree in occupational therapy? 

If you’re looking into OT as a next step, whether you’re finishing a bachelor’s degree or already working in health care, researching programs that emphasize clinical readiness and hands-on learning can help you make an informed decision. 

To learn more about Pacific’s innovative OTD program, including admissions requirements and program structure, visit University of the Pacific’s OTD program website. 

Natalie Perkins

Natalie A. Perkins, PP-OTD, MEd, OTR/L, FIIE, FAOTA is the dynamic Department Chair, Program Director, and Associate Clinical Professor for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at Pacific. A trailblazer in scholarship, teaching, and clinical practice, Dr. Perkins is passionate about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the occupational therapy profession.

As a student in University of the Pacific’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program, you will complete a capstone project as the culmination of your studies. These projects are more than academic exercises; they give you the opportunity to engage directly with communities and develop solutions to real-world challenges faced by individuals and populations who benefit from occupational therapy.

What the occupational therapy capstone experience involves

Each capstone spans 14 weeks and involves three key components: 

• A research-based presentation suitable for a professional or academic conference 
• A program development project designed to meet a specific occupational therapy-related need 
• A third deliverable developed in collaboration with your site 

You begin your project with Institutional Review Board approval to ensure ethical and research standards are met. The timeline is structured to keep you focused and moving forward from week one through completion. 

Where projects happen, and why that matters

Capstone sites reflect the diversity of occupational therapy’s reach. You will work with a variety of partners, including: 

• Nonprofits 
• Health care systems 
• Rural businesses 
• Tech companies 
• Community-based organizations 

These partnerships allow you to build a professional network, contribute to underserved communities and explore occupational therapy in nontraditional settings. 

Occupational therapy skills and outcomes

Through these capstone experiences, you will develop skills in: 

• Program design and evaluation 
• Community needs assessment 
• Professional communication and collaboration 
• Evidence-based practice 

You will graduate with hands-on experience that demonstrates your ability to apply theory in practice—an important consideration for future employers.

Examples of student-led projects 

• Agricultural ergonomics: A student partnered with a nonprofit to develop ergonomic tools and practices for immigrant farmworkers at risk of repetitive strain injuries. 

• Technology and rehabilitation: One project involved creating a virtual reality-based stroke rehabilitation program in collaboration with a health tech company. 

• Mental health access: A student worked with a rural health organization to design a community mental health program that increased access to services in underserved areas. 

These examples illustrate the wide range of occupational therapy capstone ideas that can be pursued and the impact students can have, even before entering the profession. 

If you’re considering a doctoral program in occupational therapy, Pacific’s OTD capstone experience offers a practical, community-oriented path to developing as a healthcare professional. To learn more about the program, visit Pacific’s OTD program website or contact otprogram@pacific.edu. 

Natalie Perkins

Natalie A. Perkins, PP-OTD, MEd, OTR/L, FIIE, FAOTA is the dynamic Department Chair, Program Director, and Associate Clinical Professor for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at Pacific. A trailblazer in scholarship, teaching, and clinical practice, Dr. Perkins is passionate about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the occupational therapy profession.

If you’re considering a post-graduate degree and want a career that blends health care, problem-solving and helping people live more independently, occupational therapy might be a perfect fit. Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals of all ages overcome physical, cognitive or emotional challenges that impact their ability to perform daily activities. Whether it’s working with stroke survivors to regain essential skills, designing adaptive technology or advocating for more inclusive workplaces, occupational therapists play a vital role in improving lives. 

The growing demand for occupational therapists 

The field of OT is evolving, and demand for skilled professionals is rising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for occupational therapists is expected to grow 11% through 2033—faster than the average for all occupations over the next decade. With an aging population and increased awareness of disability rights and accessibility, occupational therapists are needed in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools and community settings.  

The benefits of a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree 

If you’re thinking about pursuing OT, you’ve probably come across an important decision: should you earn a master’s in occupational therapy or go for an entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree (OTD)? 

Both degrees prepare you to become a licensed OT, but an OTD offers additional opportunities, particularly in leadership, research and specialized areas of practice. Here’s a breakdown of why more students are choosing an entry-level OTD. 

The profession is shifting toward higher educational standards, and while a master’s degree is still acceptable for licensure, more health care organizations and universities are preferring doctoral-prepared OTs. 

An OTD can open doors to: 

• Advanced job opportunities in leadership, academia and research 
• A competitive edge in the job market as employers increasingly seek doctoral-level training 
• Long-term career stability as industry standards evolve 

More opportunities in leadership, research and innovation 

If you’re interested in shaping the future of OT—whether through policy, innovation, or education—an OTD provides specialized training in these areas. 

One of the key features of an OTD program is the doctoral capstone experience, where students design and implement a real-world project. Examples of past projects include: 

• Creating assistive technology tools in collaboration with tech companies 
• Developing mental health programs for underserved communities 
• Designing accessibility initiatives for schools and workplaces 

This hands-on experience allows OTD graduates to drive meaningful change in the field, not just work within it. 

A wider range of occupational therapy career paths 

While many OTs work in clinical settings, an OTD can expand career possibilities. Graduates often move into: 

• Leadership and management – Department directors, rehab managers and program developers 
• Academia and research – Professors, clinical researchers and grant-funded program leads 
• Policy and advocacy – Shaping OT policies and promoting disability rights 
• Consulting and entrepreneurship – Innovating in assistive technology or running private practices 

Higher education can also increase earning potential, with doctoral-prepared OTs often qualifying for higher salaries and leadership roles earlier in their careers. 

A more comprehensive education

Beyond clinical training, an entry-level OTD covers areas like: 

• Policy and Advocacy – Learn how to influence legislation and healthcare policies affecting OT 
• Technology and Innovation – Explore how artificial intelligence, virtual reality and telehealth are transforming rehabilitation 

If you’re passionate about advancing OT beyond traditional practice, a doctorate gives you the tools to make a bigger impact. 

A more efficient pathway to a doctorate 

Some students pursue a master’s first and later return for a post-professional doctorate. If you already know you want to reach a higher level in OT, an entry-level OTD allows you to complete your education in one step—saving time and money compared to earning two separate degrees. 

Why choose University of the Pacific’s entry-level OTD program 

At Pacific, the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program in Sacramento goes beyond traditional OT education to ensure our graduates are leaders, changemakers and innovators in the profession. Here’s what sets us apart: 

• Cutting-edge capstone projects – Hands-on experiences that directly impact real-world practice. 
• Strong community partnerships – Over 300 partnerships with clinics, nonprofits, tech companies and more. 
• High job placement rate – Most students have secured jobs before graduation. 
• Interdisciplinary and leadership focus – Training that goes beyond clinical practice to include business, policy and advocacy. 
• Student-centered support system – Our program is designed with your success in mind, offering dedicated faculty mentors and peer mentoring programs to guide you through coursework, fieldwork, and career development. You’ll be supported every step of the way, ensuring you graduate confident and competent as a general practitioner. 

Is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree right for you? 

If you’re looking for a career in OT that goes beyond clinical practice and offers opportunities in leadership, research, and innovation, an entry-level OTD could be the right path. While both a master’s and doctorate prepare you for licensure, an OTD can provide a broader skill set and more career flexibility in the long run. 

Thinking about your next steps? Research different OT programs, talk to practicing OTs and explore how this career aligns with your goals. 

Learn more about applying to Pacific Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. 

Natalie Perkins

Natalie A. Perkins, PP-OTD, MEd, OTR/L, FIIE, FAOTA is the dynamic Department Chair, Program Director, and Associate Clinical Professor for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at Pacific. A trailblazer in scholarship, teaching, and clinical practice, Dr. Perkins is passionate about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the occupational therapy profession.