Why PT and OT Programs Are Struggling to Attract Applicants

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.

A 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?

In response, Rafi shared several factors that may be contributing to the decline — and in this episode, he unpacks those ideas in more detail.

What we cover in this episode:
– Why confusion about OT entry-level requirements (Master’s vs. OTD) is discouraging prospective applicants.
– How rising tuition and questionable ROI impact PT/OT’s attractiveness compared to other health professions.
– The role of corporate healthcare and private equity in fueling burnout — and how that shapes the profession’s reputation.
– Why other clinical degrees often carry higher compensation ceilings and broader leadership opportunities.
– What these trends mean for the future — and why this might actually be a unique opportunity for new students entering PT/OT now.

Episode Highlight:
“A combination of confusion, pressures from vertical integration and/or PE-backed healthcare, and questionable ROI of allied health clinical degrees is driving potential applicants towards other professions or degree fields.”

The Better Outcomes Show is a Strata Studios podcast that explores the possibilities of a new healthcare system. Guests range from clinicians trying new techniques and treatments to executives and entrepreneurs exploring new service delivery methods, business models, and organizational structures.

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If you’d like to learn more about Strata EMR & Billing and achieving a 99.99% reimbursement rate for your PT, OT or SLP Clinic head over to stratapt.com and speak to an expert!  

If you have any questions, comments, or ideas, reach out at hello@stratapt.com