Lifelong Recognition and Professional Advantages
Pi Theta Epsilon membership provides the lifelong honor and privilege of belonging to a nationally accredited professional honor society. Beyond this prestigious recognition, members in good standing gain access to exclusive opportunities, resources, and benefits throughout their occupational therapy careers.
Scholarships and Awards
Apply for PTE-exclusive funding opportunities:
- Mary J. Bridle First Research Award – $2,500 annual grant supporting first research efforts
- Martha Kirkland Scholarship – Financial aid for PTE members pursuing OT education
- President’s Award – Recognition for outstanding chapter scholarly activities
Grant for Excellence in Interchapter Collaboration – Honors collaborative initiatives between chapters
Continuing Education (Lifetime Members)
Complimentary Online CEU Courses
Value: $99+ Lifetime Members receive complimentary online CEU courses through OccupationalTherapy.com. This benefit begins when you complete your OT program, supporting your professional development throughout your career.
Leadership Opportunities
Serve as an Elected Officer
Develop leadership skills by serving in elected positions at the chapter or national level. Leadership experience enhances your resume and builds connections across the profession.
Recognition and Regalia
Honor Cord
Wear an honor cord at graduation to signify your membership in this elected honor society.
Membership Pin
Display the official PTE membership pin on professional apparel. Pins are available through the AOTF marketplace.
Certificate and Membership Card
Receive a personalized PTE certificate for your member induction ceremony and an official membership card.
Professional Journal Access
OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research Subscription
Value: $108 Receive a one-year subscription to OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, AOTF’s peer-reviewed scientific journal. Your name will be printed in OTJR’s annual list of inductees, providing national recognition.
Networking and Professional Development
Annual AOTA Conference Events
Connect with the national PTE community through:
- PTE Annual Business Meeting featuring guest speakers in occupational therapy
- PTE Reception for networking with past and present OT members
- Special PTE Session at the AOTA Annual Conference
These events provide valuable opportunities to build professional relationships and stay connected to the PTE community.
Federal Employment Advantage
Potential GS Level Upgrade
PTE members seeking federal employment may be eligible for a General Schedule (GS) level upgrade according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s General Schedule Qualification Policies, Section 4. This section reviews Educational and Training Provisions based on class standing, grade point average, or honor society membership, which may result in a higher level of pay.
Note: This is federal policy, not a PTE-managed benefit. Direct questions about this policy to the Human Resources department associated with the position you’re applying for.
Member Communications
PTE News
Stay informed through the official PTE News newsletter, featuring:
- Important deadlines and announcements
- Member spotlights and achievements
- Upcoming events and opportunities
- Chapter news and activities
Academic Requirements
To be eligible to join Pi Theta Epsilon, a student must have:
Academic Standing
- A ranking within the highest 35% of their class in scholarship
Program Progress
- Completed the number 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 remains after initiation before leaving for a fieldwork placement
Note: An eligible student need not apply for membership in the semester in which they become eligible, but may apply any time until the beginning of the final academic semester/quarter before beginning fieldwork.
Application Requirements
As part of the membership application, a student should send:
- Scholarly Work Sample
A graded piece of scholarly written work completed while enrolled in the occupational therapy program
Personal Statement
A short essay (250 words) stating why they wish to join PTE
Review and Selection Process
Application Review
A Review board will look over all candidate applications and nominate qualified students for membership. Nominations of student members shall be made by the Review Board.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Pi Theta Epsilon does not discriminate against any prospective member based on race, gender, religion, ethnicity, disability, or age.
Association Membership
The Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS) does not permit a national honor society to require membership in any other organization, such as the American Occupational Therapy Association or the American Student Committee of the Occupational Therapy Association.
Special Eligibility Considerations
Part-Time Students
Part-time students are eligible for membership. Part-time students are those for whom the total span of time allotted to complete all requirements for the degree program is greater than the usual number of required semesters or quarters.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have completed the number of graduate credit hours used by the institution to designate one full academic term equivalency in an entry-level post-baccalaureate program in occupational therapy
- GPAs for part-time students shall be figured separately for each student, relative to a current full-time class in the program
- Part-time students enrolled in the program shall not be considered as a “class” but must meet all other eligibility requirements
Lapsed Members
Lapsed members (those who have not continued to pay chapter dues as alumni) may rejoin the local PTE chapter of their choosing by paying only the current year’s membership fee. No reinstatement fees shall be charged by any local chapter. Membership in a local chapter automatically bestows membership in the national society.
Membership in Pi Theta Epsilon is extended to eligible students by individual chapters in accordance with national criteria specified in the constitution of the society. Recognized chapters are affiliated with accredited educational programs in occupational therapy and established through an application and approval process. Students interested in membership should consult with designated advisor for their chapter. Educational programs interested in starting new chapters should see Chapter Resources.
Once inducted into PTE:
- Pay membership dues on the PTE Store.
- A chapter representative sends an Annual National Dues Payment and Membership Form for the entire chapter to PTE.
- Or by check, mail to:
AOTF/Pi Theta Epsilon
12300 Twinbrook Pkwy., Suite 520
Rockville, MD 20852
Include Chapter name, school, and induction date. If a chapter representative is mailing checks for the whole chapter, please mail with an Annual National Dues Payment and Membership Form Checks should be made payable to AOTF with PTE in memo area. - By phone — Call the PTE National Coordinator at 240-292-1077.
To order pins and cords:
Pins and cords need a minimum of two weeks’ notice for delivery.
- Order online at the PTE Store OR
- Send a Pin and Honor Cord Form with payment to AOTF/PiThetaEpsilon.
YouTube Channel
Pi Theta Epsilon recognizes that development of research and integration into daily practice is important to advance the field. We have launched an educational webinar series to disseminate research tools directly to chapters and webinars. All webinars are viewable on the PTE YouTube page.
Featuring, PTE Presents: Data Driven Decision Making, clinicians Patti Faller and Elke van Hooydonk from Children’s Specialized Hospital of New Jersey, describe their process for incorporating evidence into daily practice.
Ready to Join?
Contact your chapter’s faculty advisor to learn about the application process and upcoming induction ceremonies.
Questions About Membership?
Contact the PTE National Office:
Email: pte@aotf.org
Phone: (240) 292-1077