⏰Register your team by March 11 to compete for $500—plus capstone, licensure, and practice tips inside. ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­    ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  
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March 2026

    Happy March! Whether you’re deep in fieldwork, prepping for exams, or planning your next big move, we’re here to support you. Don’t miss your chance to register for AOTA’s Virtual Exam Prep Competition by March 11—winning teams will take home $500 (split among team members)—and dive into this month’s articles, resources, and student highlights.

    Developing a Nontraditional Capstone in Emerging Nonclinical OT Roles, by Christina Reilley, OTR/L

    In this article, Christina Reilley, OTR/L, shares the key factors that empowered her to successfully advocate for a nontraditional capstone experience. Developing a capstone can feel like a marathon—so you might as well choose a route you genuinely enjoy. In five clear steps, she outlines what helped her design and champion a nontraditional capstone that showcased occupational therapy through a fresh and meaningful lens.

     

    Student Guide for Licensure, by Tyler Hood, OTR/L

    You spend weeks studying for the NBCOT®, sit through the nerve-racking exam, and finally—PASS! So… now what? The licensing process can quickly feel overwhelming as you try to navigate state-specific requirements and the extra steps needed before you can put your new skills into practice. In this updated article, Tyler Hood, OTR/L, breaks down one of the most important steps in your journey as a new OTP, offering a clear and practical guide to help you move forward with confidence.

     

    Tips For Navigating Co-Treating With Physical Therapy in the Acute Care Setting, by Kenzie Hiler, OTD, OTR/L; and Vanyssa Marlin, PT, DPT

    We’ve all heard about interdisciplinary collaboration in health care. We learn about our scope of practice and how our rehabilitation counterparts complement our work to deliver the best possible client-centered care. But what does that actually look like in real life? In this interview-style article, Kenzie Hiller, OTR/L, and Vanyssa Marlin, DPT, share their perspectives on what interdisciplinary collaboration truly looks like between occupational therapy and physical therapy in an acute care setting—offering practical insight into how these two disciplines work together to support patient outcomes.

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    Pet of the Month

    Rosie. March 2026

    Rosie

    Chihuahua Mix, 10 years old
    Evie, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, MOT Program, 2027

    Rosie is a true professional napper and neighborhood stroll enthusiast! Whether she’s soaking up the sun during her daily walks or striking a pose in her adorable handmade bandanas (lovingly crafted by her mom), she brings joy wherever she goes. She’s not just a style icon—she’s also the best little companion and assistant, faithfully providing company and moral support while her mom engages in her favorite occupation: sewing. From cozy naps to couture modeling, she does it all with charm and tail wags!

    Submit Your Pet
    Thomas Jefferson University Ad

     

    The Department of Occupational Therapy at Thomas Jefferson University offers multiple educational opportunities that prepare students for meaningful and successful careers. Students engage in learning experiences that turn evidence into practice, making an impact on individuals and communities.

     

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      Clinical Topics Alert

       

      Check out AOTA's Quality Member Spotlights to learn from AOTA members who share stories and tips about their unique career paths in quality and innovation.

      Trending on CommunOT

       

      Your Future Starts Now: Explore AOTA Fellowship Opportunities!

      Interested in AOTA Accredited Fellowship Programs? This CommunOT thread shares resources, specialty areas, and upcoming opportunities—including ways to connect at INSPIRE. Add your questions and join the conversation.

      Events & Opportunities

       

      AOTA’s Virtual Exam Prep Competition Registration

      Registration Deadline is Wednesday, March 11 at 11:59 pm ET

       

      AOTA’s Virtual Exam Prep Competition is a national, team-based trivia challenge designed to help OT and OTA students build confidence with NBCOT®-style questions—and compete for a $500 cash prize! The OT student event is on March 18th, and the OTA student event is on March 19th. Team registration closes March 11 at 11:59 PM ET.

      OT Student Team Registration
      OTA Student Team Registration

      AOTA INSPIRE | 2026 Annual Conference & Expo

      Anaheim, California | April 23–25, 2026

       

      The AOTA INSPIRE Annual Conference & Expo is the place to expand your knowledge of the latest updates on practice, professional issues, and trends. Arriving Wednesday? Go to the Special Interest Sections Networking event on Wednesday evening. It’s free for all registrants and a great way to start connecting with other students and practitioners!

      Explore More Student Opportunities

      OT Student Pulse Editorial Team

       

      Editor in Chief: Kenzie Hiler

      Senior Editor: Julamy Serrano Arocho

      Associate Editors: Tyler Hood, Kiera Mooney, Tanner Daniel

       

      Apply to join the team!

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