Celebrating Outstanding Contributions and Breakthroughs in Occupational Therapy
Prestigious Awards for Amazing OT Practitioners
The recipients of our Impact, Innovation, and Excellence Awards demonstrate actions that truly support NBCOT's mission of serving the public interest by advancing client care and professional practice.
Award recipients receive their respective award, a featured spotlight in NBCOT publications and social media, and a press release to share the news with others. Additionally, their next certification renewal fee will be waived.
Award submissions will open in early 2025.
Innovation Award
Recognizes OTRs or COTAs who demonstrate the delivery of an effective, innovative, and evidence-based program or intervention that enhances the quality of life for a person or persons.
Impact Award
Recognizes OTR and COTA practitioners who have made exceptional, client-centered contributions, demonstrating dedication, hard work, and outstanding occupational therapy skills to improve their clients’ life satisfaction and engagement in meaningful occupations.
Excellence Award
Honors mid- to late-career OTRs and COTAs who have made sustained and outstanding contributions to occupational therapy practice through leadership, mentorship, scholarship, advocacy, entrepreneurship, or other efforts to support groups, communities, and populations.
Award submissions will open on February 3, 2025.
Previous Award Winners
Read all about the amazing impact and innovations these previous winners have been recognized for.
Tips for Submitting an Award Application
- Consider the award definition; make sure you are applying for the award type that best fits your application.
- Take time to develop thoughtful responses. Try not to rush to submit before the deadline.
- Stay on track; always connect your responses back to the question. Avoid simply restating the question in your own words.
- Make sure you have included details and examples where indicated. Avoid using broad or vague language.
- Keep your responses clear and simple to understand.
- Be objective about your work (or the nominee’s work).
Keep in mind: While it is nice to nominate someone in secret, consider working with the nominee where possible. This allows for a more detailed and well-rounded application.
*Please note that these are general recommendations and in no way guarantee an application resulting in an award.
Awards Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! We will accept applications from any individual. The only requirement is that the nominee be currently certified and in good standing with NBCOT.
If you have prepared your application materials (i.e., response to questions, attachments) ahead of time, then submitting all the materials should take less than 30 minutes.
No. The application platform saves your work as you go. You can enter and exit the application as many times as you need.
Yes! We encourage you to update and enhance your application then reapply during the application window.
Absolutely. The only requirement is that the nominee be currently certified and in good standing with NBCOT.
Your work as an impactful or innovative practitioner will stand out if it is descriptive, detailed, and provides examples to support your application responses. Consider involving a coworker or colleague to co-review your application before submitting. Use the “Collaborator” feature in the application platform to invite others to view and/or edit your application.
That’s okay! All types of evidence will be considered during the application review process. See the Innovation Award page for more information.
You can submit two separate applications, one for each person. Within the application responses, indicate that this was a collaborative effort between the two nominees.
No. You can nominate someone for work they have done internationally.
The application only allows for two uploads. If you wish to submit more than two statements, combine them into one file before uploading.
All award applicants are notified in mid-summer with a decision.