Factors Influencing Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program Offer Acceptance Across Student Demographics

This research study aimed to identify key factors influencing Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) students' acceptance of program offers. An online survey was developed based on relevant literature and study objectives and validated through expert review. A total of 281 students, including a sub-set of students from underrepresented backgrounds (n=70), across the United States completed the survey. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, Chi-square tests with Bonferroni correction, and multinomial logistic regression including demographic variables and factors moderately to strongly influencing program acceptance. Qualitative responses were analyzed using content analysis. Key findings reveal geographic location, application process, cost of program, “I got in,” accreditation, curriculum, faculty expertise, and faculty-to-student ratio were important factors. Many demographic characteristics were significantly associated with these factors, but only safety within and around campus was predicted by race and ethnicity, marital status, primary language, and religion (81.9, p=0.025). Open-ended responses revealed: 1) practical considerations (e.g., financial factors, geographic proximity and relocation, and work-life balance), 2) academic and program specific factors, including program structure and curriculum, hands-on learning experiences (international trips, fieldwork opportunities), faculty and institutional reputation, cohort factors, such as “being the first cohort and [having] an influence on shaping the program” or “class size,” and admission factors (timing of program start), 3) campus environment and resources, and 4) personal influences, such as alumni and family. Findings suggest that OTD programs can enhance their appeal by simplifying applications, recruiting expert faculty, maintaining small class sizes, and advocating for reduced tuition. Integrating these suggestions can ultimately contribute to more informed decision-making for program development and student engagement.