Value, learning, and relevance of non-clinical rotations among Filipino occupational therapy interns

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/jpts20572617

Keywords:

internship, Philippines, qualitative research, health professional training

Abstract

Background: The Occupational therapy (OT) program in the Philippines culminates in a year-long internship program that allows students to work with clients of varying ages and settings to improve their OT knowledge and skills. During internship, interns undergo rotations in various practice settings of OT, which include but are not limited to clinical rotations, such as community rehabilitation, physical dysfunction, psychosocial programs, and pediatric clinics. Outside of clinical settings, OT can also engage in non-clinical roles – which are practice settings that do not involve direct care and interaction with the patient or client. In the Philippines, non-clinical rotations may include academe, organization, and research. Most of the studies that tackled OT internships mainly focus on featuring clinical rotations, which shows the scarcity of data and information involving non-clinical settings.

Objective: In line with this, the purpose of this study is to determine the relevance of non-clinical rotations to OT internship and practice.

Methods: The study utilized a descriptive qualitative approach, with participants focusing on Filipino students currently taking or finished the OT program and who have completed a non-clinical rotation for at least a month. Six participants were interviewed for at least an hour using an interview guide. Recordings were transcribed and undergone thematic analysis.

Results: Four themes emerged including (1) OT beyond clinical settings, (2) detachment from clinical experiences, (3) self-sufficiency for professional readiness, and (4) addressing structural gaps.

Conclusion: The findings of this study can contribute to enhancing non-clinical rotations and improving OT internships in the Philippines.

Author Biographies

Marielle Estoesta, University of Batangas

Marielle Estoesta is an Occupational Therapy graduate with clinical and nonclinical internship training across various practice settings. Her academic and clinical background spans assessment, intervention planning, and client-centered practice.

Ian Lambert Dizon, University of Batangas, College of Allied Medical Sciences

Ian Lambert Dizon Holding a degree in Occupational Therapy, Mr. Dizon completed diverse fieldwork spanning clinical facilities, non-clinical environments, and community-based rehabilitation (CBR). His core competencies center on evidence-based practice, personalized evaluation, and tailored intervention strategies aimed at optimizing functional independence across pediatric populations, physical rehabilitation, and mental health care settings.

Amber Justine Guevarra, University of Batangas, College of Allied Medical Sciences

Amber Justine A. Guevarra Ms. Guevarra is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy (BSOT). Throughout her academic journey, she underwent clinical and non-clinical internships at various healthcare and community-based centers, where she gained practical experience in patient care, occupational therapy practice, and community engagement. Through these experiences, she developed a broader perspective on occupational therapy and its application across clinical and community settings.

Anna Melise Saberon, University of Batangas, College of Allied Medical Sciences

Anna Melise L. Saberon Ms. Saberon is a dedicated Occupational Therapy undergraduate with diverse internship experience across pediatric and physical dysfunction settings. Skilled in clinical evaluation and treatment planning, she applies evidence-based practice and aims to contribute to field-advancing research that improves functional outcomes for her clients.

Rod Charlie Delos Reyes, University of Batangas, College of Allied Medical Sciences

Rod Charlie Delos Reyes, PhD is a licensed Filipino occupational therapist who has a decade of practice experience. He is currently an adjunct faculty at University of Batangas.

Karen Kae Estanislao, University of Batangas, College of Allied Medical Sciences

Karen Kae T. Estanislao is a licensed Filipino occupational therapist with 10 years of clinical practice experience. She currently serves as the Program Head and faculty member of the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy program at the University of Batangas.

References

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Published

2026-10-10

How to Cite

Estoesta, M., Dizon, I. L., Guevarra, A. J., Saberon, A. M., Delos Reyes, R. C., & Estanislao, K. K. (2026). Value, learning, and relevance of non-clinical rotations among Filipino occupational therapy interns. The Journal of Practice Teaching and Learning, 24. https://doi.org/10.1921/jpts20572617

Issue

Vol. 24 (2026): Advance publication

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Articles

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Copyright lies with the journal. Enquiries regarding reproduction should be sent in the first place to enquiries@whitingbirch.net.
Received 2025-11-08
Accepted 2026-08-10
Published 2026-10-10
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