Elizabeth LeQuieu, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, CLA, Associate Dean of Academics and Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy at Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE), recently co-authored a study examining career pathways and retention challenges among occupational therapy educators.
The article, “Exploring Career Pathways of the Occupational Therapy AFWC Role: A Review of Push, Pull, and Stay Factors,” was published in the 2026 fourth issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy.
The study focused on Academic Fieldwork Coordinators (AFWCs), who play an essential role in preparing occupational therapy students for hands-on clinical experiences. Researchers surveyed 187 occupational therapy educators across the United States to better understand the factors influencing their decisions to enter, remain in or leave these positions.
Among the findings, mentoring students was consistently identified as the most rewarding aspect of the role, while administrative responsibilities were viewed less favorably. Nearly one-third of current Academic Fieldwork Coordinators surveyed indicated they intended to leave their positions within two years, often citing heavy workloads and a lack of institutional support.
The research emphasizes the importance of structured onboarding, supportive leadership and strategies to improve faculty retention, helping strengthen the future of occupational therapy education.
Dr. LeQuieu co-authored the article alongside K. Persons, P. Laverdure and E. D. DeIuliis.
To read the full study, click here.