{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Better Outcomes Show","title":"162: Why PT & OT Programs Are Struggling to Attract Applicants ","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/a0e41c5e\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1795,"description":"In this episode of the Better Outcomes Show, we take a look at a recent conversation on LinkedIn about the steep decline in occupational therapy (and physical therapy) school applications.\nA post by Sarah Lyon raised an important question: Why are fewer students choosing OT, and what does that mean for the future of the profession?\nIn response, Rafi shared several factors that may be contributing to the decline — and in this episode, he unpacks those ideas in more detail.\nWhat we cover in this episode:\n- Why confusion about OT entry-level requirements (Master’s vs. OTD) is discouraging prospective applicants.\n- How rising tuition and questionable ROI impact PT/OT’s attractiveness compared to other health professions.\n- The role of corporate healthcare and private equity in fueling burnout — and how that shapes the profession’s reputation.\n- Why other clinical degrees often carry higher compensation ceilings and broader leadership opportunities.\n- What these trends mean for the future — and why this might actually be a unique opportunity for new students entering PT/OT now.","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/TRw7TPxyAwWympKv0xhI25HiRrQGqPAeghmslhuz_bI/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9kODg3/MjI5OGRmYWI3MGFm/MTMwYjI2Mzk3Yjk1/ZDIyNC5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}