Document Type
Dissertation
Publication Date
Spring 4-24-2025
Faculty Mentor
Patricia Coker-Bolt
Abstract
Objective: Occupational therapy (OT) education literature emphasizes the need for business competence to support innovative community programming. A needs assessment revealed gaps in entry-level OT graduates' understanding of business concepts necessary for program development and sustainability. This capstone aimed to improve entry-level OT student business competency through the development, implementation, and evaluation of a business learning module as a Quality Improvement (QI) initiative.
Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used to develop the learning module Ideas2Impact: Business Brilliance for Community Innovation Module 1 (I2I:M1) targeting 15 business components aligned with the 2023 Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) standards. I2I:M1 was integrated into an existing entry-level OT course with 23 students participating in eight weeks of asynchronous and synchronous instruction, culminating in a community service project and presentation scaling to a viable business model.
Results: Students demonstrated measurable growth in knowledge acquisition, application, and learning experience. Quantitative data showed a 57% increase in perceived knowledge, statistically significant gains in 7 business components, and >80% proficiency on 83% of quizzes. Final presentations and community partner ratings confirmed students' ability to apply knowledge, with 80% of groups exceeding >80% proficiency. Qualitative data revealed affective growth in professional identity, leadership, and appreciation for real-world impact.
Conclusion: Entry-level OT student business competence was improved through an experiential, collaborative, and ACOTE-aligned learning model. Findings support the value of business education intentionally embedded into OT curricula and refinement opportunities to equip future occupational therapy practitioners as sustaining community leaders.
Recommended Citation
Lynn, Jessica K., "Innovative Curriculum: Entrepreneurship and Intrapreneurship for Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Students" (2025). Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Innovations in OT Symposium: Transforming Possibilities into Practice. 29.
https://medica-musc.researchcommons.org/muscotd-ppotd/29
Included in
Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Educational Methods Commons, Occupational Therapy Commons, Online and Distance Education Commons, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Commons