Introduction: Occupational therapy (OT) education aims to develop competent, compassionate, and reflective practitioners who can meet societal rehabilitation needs. Understanding OT students’ perspectives is essential for enhancing educational quality. This study examines student expectations, experiences, and satisfaction to inform curricular and institutional improvements.
Objectives: The goal is to identify key factors that influence student satisfaction and preparedness for professional practice.
Methods: This study analyzes responses from 337 graduates of an OT doctoral program collected through graduate exit surveys (2022–2024). Administered before graduation, these surveys included both closed- and open-ended questions assessing satisfaction, contributing factors, and expectations for professional education.
Results: Findings indicate that the majority of graduates are highly satisfied with their OT education. Many students attributed their positive experiences to a structured and progressive curriculum that effectively builds foundational knowledge and prepares them for fieldwork and clinical practice. Strong faculty-student relationships were valued, with faculty regarded as caring and supportive mentors. Hands-on learning experiences, including practicums, simulations, and fieldwork, were critical for developing clinical reasoning and practice skills. Students also appreciated leadership and professional growth opportunities through service-learning, student organizations, and capstone projects. Despite positive feedback, some concerns emerged. High tuition and student debt led some to question the value of their investment. Group assignments posed challenges in workload balance and fairness. Variability in faculty engagement and academic technical difficulties also impacted learning and student engagement.
Conclusion: OT students have high expectations for their education, valuing a rigorous curriculum, meaningful hands-on experiences, and strong faculty support. Addressing tuition concerns, group work dynamics, and technological challenges can further enhance student experiences and better prepare future practitioners.