Monmouth University OTD Students Lead the State in Promote OT Challenge

Monmouth's occupational therapy doctoral students recently participated in the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Promote OT Challenge as part of the organization's "Why Choose OT?" nationwide campaign. Monmouth, tied with Stockton University, drew more participants than any other program in the state, securing the New Jersey state win in the 2025-26 challenge.

Participants served as ambassadors for the profession, presenting at schools, career fairs, community events, health care organizations, youth programs, and other venues to educate others about a career in occupational therapy. The goal of the national initiative is to increase awareness of occupational therapy, strengthen the future workforce, and inspire the next generation of practitioners.

More than 50% of enrolled students in Monmouth's OTD program took part in the challenge to educate and advocate for their profession. The effort was led by OTD faculty Denise Crowley, OTD, OTR/L, BCG, PNAP, specialist professor for physical rehabilitation, and Alyssa Marsh, OTD, OTR/L, adjunct professor. Under their guidance, Monmouth's future practitioners delivered presentations to several schools and community groups, providing education and information about the profession of occupational therapy and engaging participants in conversations about what it is, who it helps, and why it matters.

The nationwide campaign drew 709 participants from 16 states with 485 different sites visited. More than 14,800 attendees were educated about OT and OTA career pathways with 13 states represented in post-event attendee surveys.

Monmouth's OTD is a three-year, full-time cohort program spanning 105 credits over nine semesters, including summers, and two 12-week internships. Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, the curriculum blends experiential learning across rehabilitation, health promotion, business, leadership, and global and interprofessional collaboration, and prepares graduates to sit for the NBCOT certification exam.