Officers for Pi Theta Epsilon 2007-2008

The mission of Pi Theta Epsilon is to support the practice of occupational sciences and the practice of authentic occupational therapy by promoting research and other scholarly activities by its members. In this way, the organization serves not only the profession, but helps to insure quality health care services for the general public. The purposes of PTE, as stated in the society's Constitutions, are:

• To recognize and encourage scholastic excellence of occupational therapy students
• To contribute to the advancement of the field of occupational therapy through scholarly activities, such as research development, continuing education, and information exchange between student and alumni members; and
• To provide a vehicle for students enrolled in accredited programs in OT to exchange information and to collaborate regarding scholarly activities.

History of Pi Theta Epsilon

Pi Theta Epsilon is the national honor society for occupational therapists. Established in 1958, at the University of New Hampshire (UNH), Pi Theta Epsilon has evolved into a nationally recognized organization. The Alpha chapter at UNH, which served as national headquarters for Pi Theta Epsilon between 1959 and 1970, is still alive and well. 

Beta chapter, formed at Colorado State University, was the second chapter of the honor society for occupational therapy students with Gamma chapter at Kalamazoo State (now Western Michigan) University as the third and Delta chapter at Texas Woman’s University following as the fourth chapter. These pioneer chapters recognized that in a true profession, scholarship and research are necessary components in the development of the profession’s knowledge base, as well as in the development of a scholarship-based practice standard for providing care. 

However, the society had no national structure and apparently no way to develop one. In 1988, the American Student Committee of the Occupational Therapy Association (ASCOTA) asked the Board of Directors of the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) to sponsor Pi Theta Epsilon toward achieving recognition as a national honor society. In response to ASCOTA’s request, an advisory committee was established.  Work was undertaken by the student leaders to increase the number of existing chapters, incorporate the society, register its trademark, and apply successfully to ACHS.  By March 1995, all of these goals had been accomplished except ACHS membership, which was finally achieved in February 1996.  By March 1995, there were 43 chapters!

In 1990, a constitution was adopted through ratification by all existing chapters. A uniform dues and fees structure was adopted through the constitution, thus creating the first fiscal base for the organization and putting it on the road to financial independence.

A quarterly newsletter was adopted as the primary means for fostering communications between chapters and between chapters and the national society. The Scroll & Pen serves as the vehicle for soliciting nominations for officers, promoting the agenda for the annual national meetings, and alerting members to important events such as nomination deadlines for the President’s Award, the Award of Excellence, and the Mary J. Bridle First Research Award.

The Executive Committee posed three purposes as the focus of the organization during the next several years: To stimulate, recognize, and reward clinical practice that demonstrates authentic occupational therapy; to stimulate, recognize, and reward educational systems that support scholarship, research, and critical thinking in students and faculty; and to stimulate research through a program of awards and mentorship.

On November 23, 1993 the Pi Theta Epsilon Service Mark was published in the Trademarks Official Gazette. A Certificate of Registration was issued soon thereafter.

PTE Eligibility Requirements

• Demonstration of superior scholarship

• Scholarship rank of 35% or higher among classmates

• 3.5 GPA since entering the occupational therapy program

• Completion of credit hours used by the institution to designate one full academic term equivalency in an entry level baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate program in occupational therapy

• At least one entire semester must remain after initiation before leaving for a fieldwork placement

• A piece of scholarly written work, completed while enrolled in the occupational therapy program, must be submitted as evidence of the applicant’s abilities

• Submission of a short essay (250 words) stating why he/she wishes to join PTE

Community Service

By choosing a career path that is dedicated to helping others, Pi Theta Epsilon members find it important to participate in several community service projects throughout the year.  The 2007-2008 community service projects include sponsoring a can food drive, Coats For Kids drive, Trick or TKE, developing communication boards for patients in hospice, and backpack awareness.

Survival Kits and Tip Sheets for Peers 

In addition to providing extra learning opportunities, the members of Pi Theta Epsilon also provide peers with survival kits for Level II fieldwork and tip sheets for incoming occupational therapy students. 

Leadership for Future Occupational Therapy Students 

As leaders, Pi Theta Epsilon members conduct Pre-Occupational Therapy Association meetings.  They present informative occupational therapy seminars to the Pre-Occupational Therapy Association members in order to prepare them for the application process into the USA Occupational Therapy graduate program.