Introduction/Rationale: To address the healthcare needs of rural and underserved communities, entry-level occupational therapy education must evolve. A curriculum that emphasizes rural practice, community-based learning, and education-practice partnerships is essential for preparing OT students for these unique settings. By incorporating rural occupations into the curriculum, we can create an adaptable workforce capable of serving diverse populations.
Objectives: This poster will present:
- A framework for incorporating rural practice into OT coursework, with strategies for integrating rural-specific content and fieldwork experiences.
- Educational approaches that enhance adaptability, ensuring students are prepared for the challenges of rural OT practice.
- Partnerships with rural communities that foster collaborative fieldwork opportunities.
- A scalable model for embedding rural and community-based learning into OT programs.
Methods/Approaches:
- Curricular Development: Steps for integrating rural-focused learning experiences into OT programs.
- Community Collaboration: How OT programs can partner with rural areas to create sustainable fieldwork placements.
- Teaching Strategies: Approaches for engaging students in real-world rural scenarios and promoting adaptability.
- Assessment Tools: Methods for evaluating student readiness for rural practice.
Results/Practice Implications: The model enhances OT student readiness for rural settings, builds community connections, and promotes a flexible, adaptable workforce. It offers a replicable approach for OT programs to address workforce gaps in rural healthcare.
Conclusion/Contribution to OT Profession: This approach enriches OT education by ensuring students are equipped for rural practice, fostering a practice-ready workforce while advancing health equity in underserved areas.