Once in the OT program, my roadmap became a study plan. My roadmap outlined the courses in which I wanted to excel and highlighted the courses that I foresaw presenting increased challenge. This structured approach was instrumental in my academic success as I was able to organize my course load personally and academically to ensure my success in courses that required increased attention. While my OT roadmap was instrumental in facilitating my 'triumphs',  I must acknowledge that my academic success can be attributed to the support from my peers and the close community we developed throughout DU 2024 cohort.  

Throughout my roadmap, I outlined multiple opportunities to gain hands-on clinical experience.  Hands-on experience allowed me to expand my clinical reasoning skills and apply my classroom knowledge to real-life patients. Opportunities such as the hands-on simulation lab with the DU nursing students, skill checks, and community practice labs provided me with a foundation to develop my clinical reasoning skills prior to entering level II fieldwork experiences. In my level II acute rehabilitation fieldwork rotation, I applied my neuromotor toolbox skills to inform intervention plans for stroke patients. Each opportunity to gain clinical experience enhances my clinical reasoning skills and demonstrates to me, my growth and progress in critial thinking and skilled observation that I have developed thorughout the program.

My roadmap emphasized the importance of networking and engaging in professional development activities throughout my OT program.  From the start of the program, I saw the value in connecting with peers from other OT cohorts and faculty for mentorship and guidance.  Participating in inter-professional engagements with other OT cohorts, nursing students, PA students, and psychology students has expanded my network and allowed me to grow as a profession, further preparing me for upcoming research conferences and level II clinical rotations. 

As I near the completion of my didactic coursework and complete my level II clinical rotations, I will start preparing to take the national boards exam to attain my occupational therapy license.  While I plan to dedicate isolated time studying for the exam, I will rely on the foundation of the past 3 years of coursework surrounding psychosocial, adults and seniors, and pediatrics to drive my success. I will also remain grounded and confident in the clinical reasoning skills that I have developed throughout the program thus far and the support of my peers as I embark on my NBCOT preparation journey. 

As I approach the conclusion of my didactic coursework, I will begin the journey of preparing for the national licensing board exam. To initiate this process, I took the OT knowledge exam as an assessment of my readiness. Taking the exam provided valuable insights by highlighting both my areas of strength and areas which are in need of further development.

It was evident that the clinical reasoning section of the exam presented the greatest challenge for me, and my strengths encompassed the domains of pediatrics and rehabilitation with adults and seniors. This outcome was largely anticipated, given my extensive background and experience in pediatrics along with the recent culmination of my fieldwork experience in an acute rehabilitation unit for adults and seniors with strokes. However, program development, policy issues, and psychosocial topics were areas of relative weakness and suggested to me my opportunities for growth. To account for my areas which need further development, I plan to dedicate additional time of studying to these areas of OT service delivery. 

In reflecting, I found success in my ability to interpret questions and exercise my best judgment, often relying on my instinct when selecting answers. Concerns regarding time constraints were alleviated as the practice exam unfolded due to its non-consequential nature, which I attribute to there being low stakes associated with the practice exam. Understanding my own tendencies, I acknowledge my tendency to take a methodical approach when answering questions on NBCOT exam. However, I hope to remain cognizant of the potential pitfalls of this approach, which may involve excessive second-guessing. I am committed to retaining the ability to trust my instinct and maintain a balanced pace when answering questions to achieve a comprehensive blend of thoroughness and efficiency.

Though I had hoped to do better in realm of clinical reasoning, I found the practice exam very impactful in allowing me to understand the format of the exam. It offered a valuable glimpse into the critical thinking required and the necessity of drawing from my clinical experiences when responding to NBCOT exam questions in the future. As I progress in my preparations, I will take from the lessons learned from the OT knowledge exam regarding aspects of the exam that were successful and some aspects of the exam which highlighted areas for growth. 

The OT knowledge exam served as a crucial initial benchmark, providing me with a foundational platform necessary to build a structured study plan and a roadmap for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination. Reflecting on the initial exam, I recognize the importance in developing a comprehensive study plan that encompasses a breakdown of topics which I must dedicate increased effort towards. 

In my NBCOT study journey, I plan to thoroughly study all topics, however I recognize the importance of addressing my weaker areas as identified by my performance in the first OT knowledge exam. Consequently, I will prioritize these areas during my study journey. Periodic practice exams will serve as vital milestones to gauge my progress in each section, enabling me to allocate additional time to sections in which I am less proficient.

In formulating my NBCOT roadmap, I will design a structured weekly schedule. This will be complemented by the establishment of clear objectives for each study session, with a focus on monitoring and tracking my progress through regular practice exams. This approach not only fosters familiarity with the exam question formats but also enhances my clinical reasoning skills.

Additionally, I am committed to maintaining the supportive network that has been instrumental throughout my MSOT journey. I will continue to draw on the collective knowledge and expertise of my peers and faculty members. Establishing study groups and participating in preparatory classes with my peers will ensure a supportive environment and mutual accountability.  As I dive into studying for the NBCOT I will remain confident in the foundation of knowledge that I have developed throughout the 3 years of the program.

During my first year as an OT, I hope to cultivate my clinical competence through a multifaceted approach that emphasizes practice, collaboration, and mentorship. To reinforce my clinical proficiency, I intend to immerse myself in diverse patient populations, broadening my experience and honing my skills. Simultaneously, I am committed to seeking mentorship and guidance from seasoned occupational therapists who serve as valuable resources within my professional network. It is imperative to acknowledge that collaboration stands as an indispensable element in the expansion of my clinical reasoning skills. In my first year as a licensed OT, I will prioritize the collaboration by actively seeking mentorship and guidance from my colleagues as a means to navigate my initial year into this dynamic profession.

During my second year as an OT, I am committed to professional development that combines continuous education and specialization to enhance my clinical proficiency. My particular passion lies in the realm of sensory integration and sensory modulation disorders, prompting my intention to delve deeper into these areas. In the coming year as an OT, I intend to actively explore advanced practice opportunities by enrolling in a sensory integration certification course. This deliberate focus on specialization aligns with my overarching goal to become a more effective OT, enabling me to offer enhanced services to my clients. This dedication to staying current with the most up-to-date research and techniques is fundamental to delivering the highest level of client-centered care.

In my third year as an OT, I am committed to the ongoing enhancement and broadening of my clinical proficiency. To achieve this, I will actively engage in continuous professional development by taking relevant educational courses and specialize in specific areas of personal interest. Further, I aspire to extend my involvement in advocacy and leadership roles within the occupational therapy field. I am eager to contribute to the profession by offering mentorship to Level I fieldwork students, should the opportunity arise.

As my tenure as an OT advances into the third year, I also intend to embark on a more comprehensive exploration of my long-term career aspirations, with the potential to start my own OT clinic. I plan to develop my own therapy day care for children with diverse needs. I plan for the day care to also integrate neurotypical chilren to ensure a mutually beneficial enviornment that allows for enhanced deveopment in a multitude of ways.