Education 101: How we learn

What additions could make the school entrepreneurial education more engaging?

One potential avenue for enhancing the engagement level of entrepreneurial education within schools is the incorporation of experiential learning opportunities. This could include internships with local businesses, collaboration with startups, or even the establishment of student-led enterprises within the school environment. By allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, they can develop a deeper understanding of entrepreneurship and its challenges. Additionally, guest speakers from various industries could be invited to share their experiences and insights, providing students with diverse perspectives on what it takes to succeed in the entrepreneurial landscape.

On the topic of business knowledge, the question next addressed is:

Are we learning the right skills in grad school to best prepare an OT for business ownership? 

In the realm of graduate education, particularly for occupational therapy (OT) students, there is a pressing need to evaluate the curriculum and its alignment with the practical skills required for business ownership. While students are undoubtedly acquiring a wealth of knowledge related to patient care, therapeutic techniques, and healthcare regulations, there appears to be a significant gap when it comes to essential business acumen. Skills such as financial management, marketing strategies, and operational efficiency are crucial for any aspiring business owner, yet they are often overlooked in traditional OT programs. This disconnect raises important questions about the adequacy of current educational frameworks in preparing future OTs to navigate the complexities of running a successful practice. To bridge this gap, it may be beneficial to integrate business courses into the OT curriculum or to offer specialized workshops focused on entrepreneurship. By doing so, graduate programs can ensure that students are not only proficient in clinical skills but also equipped with the necessary tools to thrive as business owners in the healthcare industry.

During the research conduction, a comprehensive survey was administered to a diverse group of 31 different occupational therapy professionals who do not own their own businesses. This selection was intentionally made to gather insights from individuals who are actively engaged in the field of occupational therapy, but are not directly involved in the entrepreneurial aspects of running a practice. One of the pivotal questions posed in the survey specifically addressed the level of preparation that these professionals felt they received during their educational training in occupational therapy schools, particularly in relation to business management and the complexities of navigating insurance rates.

Understanding insurance rates is crucial for any healthcare-related business, as it significantly impacts revenue and operational sustainability. The survey aimed to uncover the extent to which occupational therapy programs equip their students with the necessary knowledge and skills to handle these administrative challenges effectively. The results of this inquiry revealed that a striking **64.5%** of all participants expressed feelings of being underprepared for the business side of occupational therapy practice. This statistic underscores a significant gap in the educational curriculum, highlighting a potential area for improvement in occupational therapy training programs.

The implications of these findings are profound, as they suggest that many emerging professionals may enter the workforce lacking essential business acumen, which could hinder their ability to manage practices effectively, negotiate with insurance providers, and ultimately deliver quality care to their clients. This underpreparedness may lead to increased stress and challenges as they navigate the complexities of practice management, indicating a critical need for enhanced educational initiatives that focus on business training within occupational therapy programs.

The results of this inquiry revealed that a striking **64.5%** of all participants expressed feelings of being underprepared for the business side of occupational therapy practice.

In addition to the comprehensive interviews and the in depth surveys that were conducted, a significant component of the research involved dedicated observation hours within the classroom setting of the administration course. This immersive approach aimed to assess the various barriers that students face in their journey toward business ownership. One of the most prominent takeaways from these observations was the critical discussion surrounding the topic of insurances. It became evident that there exists a generalized need for students to engage in a deeper exploration of insurance-related topics well before they embark on their fieldwork experiences. This is particularly important because many students may not acquire the same valuable skills and insights related to business ownership during their internship experiences as they would if these topics were addressed in a more structured and cohesive manner within the academic environment.

The necessity for a more thorough understanding of insurances cannot be overstated, as it plays a pivotal role in the foundation of any business venture. Students must be equipped with knowledge about various types of insurance, such as liability, property, and health insurance, as well as the implications of these policies on their future businesses. This foundational knowledge is essential for fostering a sense of preparedness and confidence among students as they transition from academic theory to real-world application. Therefore, it is imperative that these topics are integrated into the curriculum more regularly, allowing students to grasp the complexities of business ownership in a supportive school atmosphere.

Beyond the conversation surrounding insurances, the path to business ownership is indeed filled with unforeseen challenges and surprises that can arise at any moment. Navigating the unpredictable nature of running a business requires not only technical knowledge, but also the ability to think on one's feet and adapt to changing circumstances. Consequently, it is crucial for students pursuing a career in occupational therapy (OT) to cultivate strong public speaking skills. Such skills are not only vital for effective communication but also play a significant role in building confidence and fostering a comprehensive understanding of the OT profession.

Engaging in practice sessions for public speaking can empower OT students to articulate their ideas clearly and persuasively, whether they are presenting to peers, pitching to potential investors, or advocating for their clients. These experiences can significantly enhance their ability to navigate the intricacies of business ownership, enabling them to advocate effectively for their practices and clients alike. By emphasizing the development of these essential skills within the classroom, educational institutions can better prepare students for the multifaceted world of business ownership, ensuring they are not only knowledgeable but also confident and capable leaders in their respective fields.

Interview and Survey results gathered from Entrepreneurship and OT, Alex Heumann OTD, 2022.