Dr. Sarah Corcoran is a Clinical Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy at Saint Joseph’s University whose work focuses on fostering connection and belonging in occupational therapy education. She teaches across the curriculum, including courses in rehabilitation, therapeutic groups, and leadership, with a focus on preparing students for clinical practice through active, hands-on learning and the intentional development of professional identity and community.
Her scholarship centers on professional belonging, cultural humility, and inclusive teaching practices in occupational therapy education. She is the lead developer of the Professional Belonging Scale for Occupational Therapy Students (PBSOTS), including initial and revised versions. Her work examines how educational environments support student engagement, identity development, and readiness for practice. Her research has been published in journals such as the American Journal of Occupational Therapy and the Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, and she regularly presents at national and international conferences. The PBSOTS is available for educational use here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15hUj2aVTcJ3GY8ZZcg3SqSCitkr8V0kp/view?usp=drive_link
Before joining academia, Dr. Corcoran practiced as an occupational therapist in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and home health settings. She also served as a performance improvement specialist, leading quality initiatives and clinical education programs. This experience informs her teaching and scholarship, particularly in rehabilitation and leadership practice.
Dr. Corcoran earned her Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Chatham University and her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from University of Scranton.
She is committed to creating learning environments where students and faculty experience a shared sense of connection, belonging, and growth.
