PTE Overview

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Celebrating Excellence in OT Scholarship

Pi Theta Epsilon (PTE) is the specialized honor society for occupational therapy students and alumni. Since 1958, we’ve recognized and encouraged superior scholarship among students enrolled in accredited occupational therapy programs across the United States.

Our mission: Support the practice of occupational sciences and authentic occupational therapy by promoting research, leadership, and scholarly activities among our members.

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Member Spotlight

Emily Kringle, PhD, OTR/L

Emily Kringle’s journey with PTE began as a student member. It grew into leadership as Vice President, opening doors to mentorship, AOTF Board service, and ultimately an Intervention Research Grant that advanced her career as an occupational therapy researcher.

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Our Purpose

Pi Theta Epsilon exists to:

Recognize and encourage scholastic excellence

among occupational therapy students

Advance the field of occupational therapy

through scholarly activities, including research development, continuing education, and information exchange between students and alumni members

Provide a collaborative platform

for students in accredited occupational therapy programs to exchange information and work together on scholarly activities

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Our Ideals

We strive to:

  • Stimulate, recognize, and reward clinical practice that demonstrates the principles of authentic occupational therapy
  • Promote educational systems that support excellence in scholarship, research, and critical thinking in occupational therapy

Supporting Educational Excellence

PTE supports educational programs that prepare students to:

  • Stimulate, recognize, and reward clinical practice that demonstrates the principles of Become effective practitioners of occupational therapy.
  • Advance the science of occupational therapy through research
  • Strive to attain the ideals of PTE
  • Engage in ongoing scholarly development

We empower the next generation of OT clinicians and researchers through a comprehensive program of awards and mentorship.

Our History

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1958

Pi Theta Epsilon was established at the University of New Hampshire

1967

Yerxa, E.J. The American Occupational Therapy Foundation is born. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 21, 299-300

1975

The Foundation: The first decade: 1965-1975. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 29, 636-641

1967

Yerxa, E.J., Gilfoyle, E. Research Seminar. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy 30. 509-5144

1987

The American Student Committee of the Occupational Therapy Association (ASCOTA), now the Association of Student Delegates (ASD), surveyed existing chapters about standards for establishing a national honor societ

1989–1994

An advisory committee was established with an operating budget to support PTE activities. Work began to increase chapters, register a logo, and achieve recognition by the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS)

1995

In just a few years, 43 operational chapters existed across the United States

2013

PTE signed the Articles of Organization, establishing it as a division of AOTF as the National Honor Society Affiliates, LLC

Today

156 active chapters across the United States

Governance

Pi Theta Epsilon is governed by Bylaws upheld by elected officers who constitute the PTE Executive Committee. The annual meeting of chapter delegates is held at the AOTA Annual Conference.

2024-2025 Executive Committee

From left to right: Lauren Stone Kelly (Treasurer), Ann Bartman (President, Former Secretary), Brenna Merillat (Secretary), Tracey Recigno (Vice President)

Become a Partner or Sponsor

By partnering with PTE, you’ll support the practice of occupational sciences and authentic occupational therapy by promoting research, leadership, and scholarly activities among the next generation of occupational therapy professionals.

Contact: pte@aotf.org for more information

Learn More

PTE Scroll & Pen email newsletter PTE Awards Member Resources Chapter Resources PTE Store Calendar
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