A Year in Review From NBCOT CEO Ben Price

As we reflect on the past year, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to join the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) as CEO this September. This year marked a significant transition for our organization with the retirement of our longstanding CEO, Paul Grace, whose vision, leadership, and dedication have left an indelible mark on our community. Since stepping into this role in September, I have been inspired by the unwavering commitment and passion of our team and our partners in the community. I am honored to help lead this incredible organization into its next chapter. This year, NBCOT has remained focused on advancing occupational therapy certification and supporting the professionals who make a difference in countless lives. I am excited to share our progress and priorities for the future.

We are proud to highlight two significant initiatives launched this year that are already making an impact on our occupational therapy community. The myEBPtool is an innovative tool that integrates the three prongs of evidence-based practice to enhance therapy planning, with tailored assessments and interventions based on the latest research. The feelReady Workshops for OT and OTA students are designed to empower and boost confidence, provide an interactive experience to support test-taking and clinical reasoning skills, and assess readiness for the certification exam.

Building on last year’s strong foundation, our Why Choose OT campaign continues to expand its reach. We have seen huge growth in our social media presence and website usage, and we have gathered powerful stories from occupational therapy students and practitioners that highlight the profession's impact. This year, we focused on creating more resources for spreading awareness about occupational therapy, including presentations for kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, and high school students. We encourage you to continue supporting this effort by sharing and using the content available to promote the value and importance of occupational therapy.

Several new tools have been added to the Navigator®, our award-winning continuing competency platform. These new tools include two case simulations—Diabetes Mellitus and Multiple Sclerosis—and four mini practice quizzes specifically for COTAs. Additionally, we launched a new OTR microcredential—Orthotics and Prosthetics. These tools are available at no cost to certificants and offer an engaging way to support ongoing professional development and earn units toward certification renewal and state licensure renewal. New products for OT and OTA students and educators include the Companion Guide for Entry-Level Practice and webinars on the OT Knowledge Exam (OTKE).

Over 218,000 OTRs and COTAs maintain their NBCOT certification, demonstrating adherence to the highest standards of professional competence, public safety, and ethical conduct. With our transition to digital credentials through Accredible, accessing and sharing your certification is more convenient than ever. Your digital certificate and badge can be printed on demand, shared on LinkedIn, or easily provided to employers. Additionally, you can download a digital wallet, ensuring your credentials are always at your fingertips. By promoting your certification online, you not only highlight your accomplishments but also help increase visibility of the occupational therapy profession.

We continue to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our Impact and Innovation award winners by recognizing their incredible contributions to the field of occupational therapy. We would also like to recognize two honorable mentions. This year, we are especially pleased to introduce a new award category, the Excellence Award. This new award is designed to honor mid- to late-career OTRs and COTAs who have made lasting and outstanding impacts on the profession through leadership, mentorship, scholarship, advocacy, entrepreneurship, or initiatives that benefit groups, communities, and populations. Our 2025 award program opens on February 3, 2025.

In 2024, our External and Regulatory Affairs team hosted 53 virtual sessions, offering invaluable guidance to thousands of students on exam readiness and transitioning into professional practice. In collaboration with our dedicated ambassadors, we represented NBCOT at 52 state association conferences and participated in 71 state licensure board meetings. The Ambassador Program, which enables OTRs and COTAs to serve as NBCOT representatives at key events, continues to grow. If you are interested in joining the program, please submit an application, and we will reach out as current ambassador terms conclude.

The OT Licensure Compact continues to move forward. The Compact Commission is working with developers to create the data system for receiving applications, providing interstate data communications, and issuing privileges to practice. At this time, it is anticipated the Compact will begin issuing compact privileges in 2025. You can find more information about the Compact and the states that have passed legislation at www.otcompact.org.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to NBCOT’s subject matter consultants (SMCs), respected board members, and committed volunteers for their vital role in advancing our certification programs. If you are interested in contributing to the profession and supporting NBCOT’s mission of protecting the public interest, we encourage you to explore the variety of volunteer opportunities featured on our website. Looking ahead, keep an eye out for our announcement in early 2025 seeking candidates for an OTR and a COTA position on our board of directors.

We are excited about the products we have on the horizon in 2025, including new OTR and COTA microcredentials and more COTA mini practice quizzes. New conditions will be added to the myEBPtool, expanding resources for evidence-based practice. Additionally, we are thrilled to partner with HOSA and launch their first ever OT Competitive Event, fostering greater engagement and visibility for occupational therapy among future health care professionals.

On behalf of NBCOT’s board of directors, staff, and dedicated volunteers, I extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support of NBCOT. May the new year bring you and your loved ones a year filled with health, happiness, and endless opportunities.

Ben Price