Practice Readiness in Occupational Therapy Graduates from a Bachelor's Training Program: A Multi-Stakeholder Study in Taiwan

Authors

• Kuan-Yi Li, Department of Occupational Therapy and Graduate Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Chang Gung University, Guishan Dist., Taoyuan City, Taiwan AND Division of Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Guishan Dist., Taoyuan City, Taiwan
• Chi-Min Yang, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chi Mei Medical Center, Yongkang Dist., Tainan City, Taiwan
• Chi-Hsuan Chen, Department of Occupational Therapy and Graduate Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Chang Gung University, Guishan Dist., Taoyuan City, Taiwan
• Rou-Shayn Chen, Division of Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Guishan Dist., Taoyuan City, Taiwan
• Hsiang-Han Huang, Department of Occupational Therapy and Graduate Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Chang Gung University, Guishan Dist., Taoyuan City, Taiwan AND Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Guishan Dist., Taoyuan City, TaiwanFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

Kuan-Yi Li: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8866-2217

Abstract

Introduction: The transition from academic education to clinical practice is a critical challenge for new occupational therapy (OT) graduates. While most Western countries have adopted master's or doctoral entry-level into the profession, bachelor's-level OT training remains the mainstream in Asia. This raises questions about whether such programs adequately prepare graduates for today's complex clinical environments. This study examined the preparedness of OT graduates under bachelor-level training by exploring the alignment between educational experiences and workplace expectations from the perspectives of multiple stakeholders.

Methods: A total of 547 respondents, including recent graduates, clinical educators, practicing occupational therapists, and heads of occupational therapy divisions, participated in an online anonymous survey. The study explored essential knowledge and skills for OT practice, internship effectiveness, and the adequacy of support and mentorship for new graduates.

Results: While core competencies were broadly recognized, stakeholders identified gaps in several clinical skills such as advocacy, interdisciplinary collaboration, transition service and contextual adaptation of interventions. Recent graduates reported inadequate preparation in assistive technology, transition services, and communication across disciplines. These gaps were most prominent in areas that require adaptive decision-making and resource integration.

Conclusions: Bachelor-level OT education in Taiwan lays a solid foundation but requires enhanced integration of competency-based training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world applications. Insights from this study may inform educational reform across similar systems in Asia and support international dialogue on OT workforce development.

First Page

26

Last Page

37

Recommended Citation

Li, Kuan-Yi; Yang, Chi-Min; Chen, Chi-Hsuan; Chen, Rou-Shayn; and Huang, Hsiang-Han (2026) "Practice Readiness in Occupational Therapy Graduates from a Bachelor's Training Program: A Multi-Stakeholder Study in Taiwan," Journal of Medical Education: Vol. 30: Iss. 1, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.67010/1028-2424.2046
Available at: https://jme.researchcommons.org/journal/vol30/iss1/4