OTA SIG

Date and Time: Thursday July 18, 2024, at 6pm

Chairperson(s): Lisa Boyajian, OTA, COTA, Kylie Brenneman, OTA, COTA

Location:  Zoom - to be sent out day before the event

Title: Networking and the OTA

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participant will identify two benefits of professional networking
2. Participants will identify two types of professional/social networking
3. Participants will identify one professional/social networking strategy they can implement in their professional work

Bio/Focus

            According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2022 there were 49,000 OTA jobs. It is anticipated that there will be in increase of 23% in jobs by 2032. By contrast there were 139,000 OT jobs in 2022 with an anticipated increase of 12% by 2032 (bls.gov). With a stark contrast in the number of OT and OTA jobs it is important for OTAs to be able to navigate networking to ensure OTAs stay visible and relevant in the healthcare system. There are multiple benefits of networking including but not limited to bringing awareness to your professional skills and abilities, increase access to career opportunities, and create and enhance personal relationships (Page, 2022). Types of networking include personal, strategic, and operational. Networking can improve personal success which in turn can improve the success of an organization (Akkas, 2020).

References:

1.U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS. (2019, April 12). Occupational Therapists : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Bls.gov. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm

2. U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics. (2019, September 4). Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Bls.gov. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapy-assistants-and-aides.htm

3. Page, M. (2022, September 7). Top 12 Benefits Of Networking: Why Networking Is Important. Michael Page. https://www.michaelpage.com.au/advice/career-advice/career-progression/top-12-benefits-networking-why-networking-important

4.Akkas, Md. A. (2023). Role of Networking Skill to Career Success. 13–39. https://doi.org/10.57240/dujmbk02

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This event will be closed day before event. Please register by July 17, 2024.

Please keep this copy for your own records and keep with your certificate.  MAOT is not responsible for maintaining records for contact hours.