Inside AOTA Inspire 2025: What We Learned About the Future of Occupation Therapy

Last week, our team attended the 2025 AOTA Inspire Conference in Philadelphia, and it was an incredible experience! AOTA Inspire is where the brightest minds in Occupational Therapy come together to share insights, explore new trends, and celebrate the future of the profession.

Here Are Our Biggest Pioneer Takeaways:

We were inspired by the wave of passionate students entering the Occupational Therapy field. Their energy, curiosity, and drive to make a difference reaffirmed the strength and growth of our profession. With the demand for occupational therapists projected to grow significantly in the coming years, educational institutions are expanding their programs—yet the need still outpaces the supply of new professionals entering the field. This surge is largely due to the aging population and increased awareness of the benefits of therapy across the lifespan.

However, with this growth comes a parallel challenge: burnout. Many healthcare professionals, including OTs, are facing high levels of stress and are seeking more flexibility and work-life balance in their careers. Travel Therapy is emerging as a powerful solution—it offers opportunities for career advancement, personal fulfillment, and the flexibility to explore different settings and communities.

We had fantastic conversations with both new grads and seasoned therapists who are curious and excited about travel opportunities—and what those could mean for their careers and lifestyles. There’s a strong and growing desire among professionals to find meaningful, flexible work that aligns with their personal goals, and that energy was palpable throughout the conference.

We also hosted our Pioneer Happy Hour, which turned out to be a huge success—with over 200 attendees! It was an incredible moment to connect, laugh, and feel the sense of community that fuels our mission. Our network of passionate professionals continues to grow stronger because we genuinely care. We're not just about placing people in roles—we’re about building lasting relationships as trusted career partners who support each therapist in achieving both their professional and personal dreams.

Beyond connecting with therapists, we also had the chance to speak with healthcare facilities and school districts. Many shared that it’s becoming increasingly difficult and costly to find the right OTs for their environments. That’s why understanding both the needs of our professionals and the specific cultures and requirements of the facilities they serve is so crucial. When we make the right match, it results in better outcomes and stronger, more sustainable care.

If you're a therapist or a healthcare organization looking for support, let's connect. We’re here to listen, understand, and help you find your perfect match.

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Do you know an OT or COTA interested in travel therapy? By referring your network of OTs you can earn up to $1500! Learn more here.