Planning a timeline for after graduation

Carley Yanuck, MM, OTS, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis 03/01/2023

Are you an OT or OTA student wondering what life will look like after you graduate? We want to make sure you’re prepared for what’s next in your career. Below you’ll find tips on creating your post-graduation plan, including how to study for the NBCOT exam, write a great résumé, ace a job interview, and balance it all.

First, you should celebrate! Pat yourself on the back for accomplishing this major achievement! Take some time to celebrate with family and friends, take a deep breath, and maybe peruse our gift ideas for new practitioners to start thinking about graduation gifts. (AOTA offers gift memberships as well! Check out the membership options page and scroll to the bottom for more information.)

Research the licensure requirements of the state in which you think you’ll want to be licensed: Check out AOTA’s Licensure resources to find more information on the licensure process, state requirements, and temporary licenses. Each state that regulates Occupational Therapy may have additional requirements, so it’s essential to start creating a plan now!

Request accommodations for the NBCOT (if needed): Check out this article on how to seek testing accommodations for the NBCOT. It is vital to apply for testing accommodations before you begin Level 2 Fieldwork.

Develop a successful NBCOT study plan: A new therapist shared the plan he used to study for the NBCOT, which can help you take the guesswork out of studying for the biggest exam of your career.

Brush up your résumé: Check out AOTA’s career center for tips to build a professional résumé.

Practice successful interviewing: The key to feeling confident in a job interview is to practice, practice, practice! So grab a friend (or two!) and practice these mock interview questions. Visit AOTA’s OTJobLink to view a current list of open positions and practice interviewing for your dream job.

Starting your career as a new grad can feel daunting, but AOTA has you covered! Now is the time to start planning your tentative graduation timeline so you can be best prepared to enter the field!