Abstract
The purpose of this pilot study was to explore occupational therapy students' beliefs and attitudes about working with older patients and the students' intentions to engage in gerontological practice. Thirty-seven occupational therapy students participated in focus group interviews stratified by grade levels. Participants reported feeling less prepared to work with older patients than with other age groups, in terms of both professional education and exposure to older patients. Participants' responses and recommendations were consistent across groups and addressed issues at both societal and professional preparation levels. Three salient themes were identified in the data analyses.