OBJECTIVE. This study determined the current status of the occupational therapy workforce in the United States with a demand-based report using current job data. METHOD. A 31-question survey was sent to rehabilitation administrators and managers from a proportional random sample of 556 facilities that hire occupational therapy practitioners in 29 states. Data were collected from November 2005 to February 2006 using structured mailing and follow-up procedures. RESULTS. The response rate was 55%. The vacancy rate was 8.9% for occupational therapists and 7.7% for occupational therapy assistants. Forty-five percent of respondents predicted an increase in occupational therapy positions in the next 2 years, and 30% predicted an increase in occupational therapy assistant positions. Sixty-seven percent reported difficulty hiring occupational therapists, and 62% reported difficulty hiring occupational therapy assistants. DISCUSSION. This study identifies a serious shortage of occupational therapy practitioners at a time when predictions of workforce demands continue to grow.

PURPOSE. To provide a model for assessing occupational therapy workforce needs by using a demand-based approach to determine current workforce status in the Northwest region. Regional information may have implications for addressing national occupational therapy service needs. METHOD. A questionnaire was sent to a proportional random sample of 234 facilities that hire occupational therapy practitioners. Data were collected in July–August 2003 using structured mailing and follow-up procedures. RESULTS. Response rate was 79%. Twenty-four percent reported occupational therapy vacancies and 11% occupational therapy assistant vacancies; 48% predicted an increase in occupational therapy positions in the next 2 years and 41% an increase in occupational therapy assistant positions. Sixty-three percent of respondents reported difficulty in hiring. DISCUSSION. This study identifies an occupational therapy workforce shortage in the Northwest. Management of a shortage is critical, for even short-term adjustments could lead to permanent changes in service provision. This study demonstrates the importance of current information on the status of the national workforce and serves as a model for future studies.