Pi Theta Epsilon (PTE) is the national honor society for occupational therapy students and alumni. This society recognizes and encourages superior scholarship among students enrolled in professional entry-level programs at accredited educational programs across the United States. Established in 1958, at the University of New Hampshire (UNH), PTE has evolved into a nationally recognized organization with purposes of which all occupational therapists can be proud and with a structure that supports these purposes and the resulting programs.
Pi is the first letter of the Greek word for advancement.
Theta is the first letter of the Greek word for therapeutic.
Epsilon is the first letter of the Greek word for occupation.
Therefore, Pi Theta Epsilon stands for “advancement in occupational therapy.”
“The mission of Pi Theta Epsilon is to support the development of occupational sciences and the practice of authentic occupational therapy by promoting research, leadership, and scholarly activities by its members. In this way, the organization serves not only the profession, but helps to insure quality health care services for the general public.”
Purpose
To recognize and encourage scholastic excellence of occupational therapy students
To contribute to the advancement of the field of occupational therapy through scholarly activities, such as research development, continuing education, and information exchange between student and alumni members; and
To provide a vehicle for students enrolled in accredited programs in OT to exchange information and to collaborate regarding scholarly activities.
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. Election of new members shall include those who have demonstrated superior scholarship. Those who are eligible shall rank not lower than the highest 35% of their class in scholarship and have a GPA of at least 3.5 on a scale of 4.0 after completing the number of credit hours used by the institution to designate one full academic term equivalency in a master’s level program in occupational therapy.
Official website: www.aotf.org/pithetaepsilon.aspx