Student Resources
Online Continuing Education
TNOTA is proud to partner with Aspire OT to offer our virtual continuing education course library. As a member benefit, most courses are free for TNOTA members (login required). Members will also receive discounted access to Aspire OT's course content. New courses are added monthly.
For a complete guide on registration, accessing courses, and finding all your Aspire OT certificates in once place, click here or the Aspire OT TNOTA Member Guide link below!
OT/OTA Licensure
TNOTA and TN Board of Occupational Therapy FAQ
Starting OT School
What I Wish I Knew Before Starting OT School
Resume & Interview Tips, Job Search, & Salary Guide
General Resume Tips
Resume Tips
Interview Tips
AOTA's OTJobLink (Click “Career Resources” and look under “The Interview Process”)
Occupational Therapist Resume Tips
Occupational Therapist Resume Samples
AOTA Resume Sample
AOTA's Curriculum Vitae Glossary
Navigating the Job Search
AOTA's OTJobLink (Click "Job Seekers”)
TNOTA's Job Board
Salary Guide
Occupational Therapy Salary Guide
Student Health Insurance Guide
A Student Health Insurance Guide
Telehealth
TNOTA Student Forum Discussion Board Post on Telehealth (must be a TNOTA student member to view)
TNOTA Advocacy Resources
AOTA Telehealth Resources
Telehealth Occupational Therapy Guide
Telehealth Occupational Therapy
Telehealth and Occupational Therapy
Advocacy
TNOTA Advocacy Resources
AOTA Advocacy & Policy
Diversity
TNOTA Diversity & Inclusion
TNOTA DEI Resources
Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD)
COTAD Mentorship Program
COTAD Chapters
Implicit Bias
2020 has been an incredible year of change and awakening that is causing organizations, institutions, and individuals to examine their beliefs and systems. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is one of those organizations. In August 2020, AOTA released its “AOTA’s Guide to Acknowledging the Impact of Discrimination, Stigma, and Implicit Bias on Provision of Services”, which defines key terms and lists next steps which all occupational therapists and practices should take. The entire article can be found at the following link: https://www.aota.org/~/media/Corporate/Files/Practice/Guide-Acknowledging-Impact-Discrimination-Stigma-Implicit-Bias.pdf
It is imperative to highlight one of the terms defined in this thoughtful document: implicit bias. “Implicit biases do not require one’s active awareness. Hence, they are also known as unconscious biases because of the underlying thread of behavior and actions (Blair, et al., 2011). Practitioners can form inaccurate views about various clients and fellow practitioners because of implicit biases. The AOTA document states, “Such views affect the therapist-client relationship beyond that of cultural competence (for example, unconsciously creating barriers to treatment, like overlooking necessary treatment interventions or providing appropriate referrals)” (AOTA, 2020).
As therapists and professionals dedicated to high standards, we must examine our individual implicit biases to ensure we are providing high levels of care to all our clients, cultivating strong relationships with our peers, and ensuring occupational justice for all. Accessing and reading the AOTA article referenced above and taking The Implicit Association Test (https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html) developed by Harvard University are excellent steps in the right direction.
References:
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2020). AOTA’s guide to acknowledging the impact of discrimination, stigma, and implicit bias on provision of services. Retrieved from: https://www.aota.org/~/media/Corporate/Files/Practice/Guide-Acknowledging-Impact-Discrimination-Stigma-Implicit-Bias.pdf
Blair, I., Steiner, J. & Havranek, E. (2011). Unconscious (implicit) bias and health disparities: Where do we go from here? The Permanente Journal: 15(2): 71-78.
Please email [email protected] with any questions!
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