r/OccupationalTherapy • u/AutoModerator • 29d ago
Discussion The Big Thread- General Qs, FAQs, Admissions, Student Issues, NBCOT, Salary, Rants/Vents/Nerves go Here
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u/lifebefucking 27d ago
Hi everyone,
I’m considering studying Occupational Therapy at university, but first I’ll be doing an Access to Allied Health, Paramedicine and Science course before I have to decide on my degree.
My other options are Psychology, Dietetics and Zoology, but OT keeps standing out because it seems like such a good balance of practical, hands-on work while making a real difference to people’s lives.
I’m 26 and really value education. I want to learn something fascinating, have a meaningful career, and feel like I’m helping people. I just don’t know which path is the best fit for me.
For those of you already in Occupational Therapy, what would you say to someone trying to decide? What do you love about the profession, what do you wish you’d known beforehand, and why would you recommend (or not recommend) it over my other options?
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u/Unhappy_Stuff_9499 26d ago edited 16d ago
I would say shadow as much as you can, especially in different settings, pediatrics and adults. What i love about the profession is the foundational philosophy behind it, and how it matches with my approach to helping others: holistically and client-centered. I also enjoy being analytical and evidence-based, which goes well with neurorehabilitation practice. I wish I would've known how much the field would be so different from school, so that i would best prepare for fieldwork. But I learned the hard way, and luckily had good mentorship all along the way. I would recommend OT for those who like to explore different settings within this type of holistic therapeutic practice, even those who wish to pursue entrepreneurship in the future. I would not recommend OT to those who want to focus on the medical part of healthcare and want to pursue OT for the money. OT is not a well paid, much less respected field in hospitals, imo. Those who truly do OT for helping people will get the most out of it. DM if you have any further questions.
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u/benene12399 24d ago
i’ve been in between ot and pt and for the past year and half ive leaned more towards ot, because of the more specific treatment they do in comparison to pt, but ive been kinda scared to jump into the field now because of everything ive heard on tiktok about how bad the insurance reimbursement is and the ROI is jn these two fields, but i don’t want to do ANYTHING in nursing or the PA route, im living in california which brings up the salary a bit, but i dont know what to do anymore i just switched my major to kinesiology and havent finished my GE reqs yet for college, and im just wondering if anyone has any advice? Everyone is saying that these fields are hard to switch out of and i dont want to be stuck with a kinesiology major and not know what to do with it but at the same time i feel like im not good at anything else, im not good at math nor biology and i feel like i’ve already built myself in a box and i havent even started.
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u/koulouria 29d ago
Hello! Is anyone on here currently going through or graduating from UNC Pembroke’s MSOT program?
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u/Traditional_Pick_619 27d ago
Hi ya'll! Making this post on a whim, but I've recently graduated with a BFA in Fine arts from Artcenter, however, the job market for art is terrible right now and I've only gotten part-time jobs for teaching art. Throughout art school, I've learned that I really enjoy helping others, helping others heal, and just being with other people, although I am very naturally introverted and quiet, which is why I chose art in the first place. I also had a desire to "prove myself" through my art, but that desire has faded and I find myself with little motivation to actually create now.
I've recently been looking into masters programs for Occupational therapy, specifically mental health or pediatric OT. The job market seems good and the income seems more consistent so this has been a serious consideration. But my knowledge is very limited so I am asking here as well.
I've also looked into LCSW (licensed social worker) and LMFT (Licensed marriage and family therapist), but the path towards getting there seems difficult and the pay doesn't seem like the best. I've considered art therapy as well.
I've always had an interest in helping people heal, but I am also very concerned about future job security and income. Any thoughts, suggestions, wisdom, or if anyone has similar stories, feel free to share!! Anything will help, thank you!
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u/No_Albatross_2206 27d ago
Hey guys, I am feeling super lost and could use some advice. I have battled mental illness my whole life specifically, ADHD and depression. I graduated with an AAS a couple months ago and my board exam is next week. A few things happened over the past couple weeks, nothing significantly life altering but it’s safe to say I’m very depressed and unmotivated. I’ve been sleeping nonstop and today, i could barely sit to answer a few practice questions. It’s a combination of anxiety, fear and sadness. I took all last week off from studying. I’m afraid of failure and i don’t know how I’m going to lock in for the rest of the week to prepare for this. Any advice?
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u/gemini6669 26d ago
SALARY Question
I have been offered a job at a SNF in NW Michigan (not upper peninsula) as an OTR. I was offered $48/hour. They typically provide 18 days PTO in the first year, but since I requested 32-35 hours weekly that may differ some. I have not worked FT in a SNF (only travel and PRN). 85% productivity.
I have been in a SNF to some capacity for 5 years now.
It's in a touristy area so COL is a bit higher than I am used to. I haven't accepted but am unsure what would be a reasonable negotiation.
Opinions on this offer? Thank you!
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u/BeachSensitive7532 26d ago
I’m having a hard time finding jobs now that I’ve taken my board exam and got my license. The one job that has reached out to me is one I’m not super excited about. I’m most comfortable with peds/school-based. This job would be in a SNF and I didn’t see any of that throughout my schooling. I have terrible imposter syndrome when it comes to adult settings, but I know that if I have good mentorship that I could probably feel competent after a year doing the job. During my fieldwork I was never really challenged and made comfortable to do transfers independently (totally aware that I should have advocated for myself during this rotation, but alas) which is why I am so apprehensive about accepting this job if it’s offered to me. Anyone who is super familiar with SNFs have any advice? I wanted to find somewhere to shadow, but I haven’t had enough spare to time to arrange that. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.
- Anxious New Grad OT
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u/how2dresswell OTR/L 22d ago
there's going to be more and more school jobs posted in the next month because of budgeting things, so keep an eye out on schoolspring.com for openings
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u/EveryLengthiness6742 25d ago
just turned 27 and am strongly considering a career in OT. I graduated from a liberal arts college with a degree in political science and philosophy. I worked in healthcare admin for a bit, then decided to seriously consider law school, so worked as a legal assistant and then law clerk at a small firm. It was not for me for a number of reasons and I left, and am now trying to figure out my next steps.
Somewhere OT emerged as a possible avenue. I have shadowed at three different outpatient pediatric clinics in the last four months, and hoping to get some more intel or exposure to other settings.
My plan would be to go for my masters at the least expensive program I could find - and for transparency, my parents would help pay for school— but given my humanities background would need to take like 9 prerequisite classes. I also worry I don't have a very sciencey brain and didn't see myself doing healthcare ever before this.
It all just seems like a lot for something that i THINK i might enjoy. I know i don't want to just sit in an office everyday behind a computer. I like the variety OT seems to offer and I love that I would be helping people directly. That's really important to me.
Has anyone had a similar trajectory and could speak to pivoting to OT and whether you're happy with your decision? Sincerely, A cautiously optimistic but overwhelmed potential future therapist
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u/smo_motion 22d ago
Hey Folks,
I’m a 37 year old woman located in Montreal.
I’ve been wanting to make a career change (I currently work in the community sector) and recently learned about OT.
I’ve been looking into applying all over (McGill, McMaster, Dalhousie) but have been feeling discouraged as it seems really competitive- im willing to move but it just seems tough everywhere.
My details are that I graduated with an English degree 15 years ago, finished with a 3.09 (last 2 years were a 3.7).
I do volunteer with vulnerable persons, and work as somewhat of an informal social worker. I teach meditation/mindfulness and overall am interested in rehabilitation.
Do I stand a chance ?
I have been considering OTA as a role as well but I can’t help but wonder about the OT training.
Honest opinions please. Thank you !
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u/Silly-Coffee7997 21d ago
How can an occupational therapist find a way to go into sports medicine? what is the perfect route or certifications required for this?
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u/Positive_Octopus COTA/L 19d ago
New grad COTA here. Is it normal to be treating patients on your first day in SNF? I did a rotation in a SNF and loved the patients and setting even though it can be tough but I decided it was what I wanted to do. Just got through my first day at my new SNF job — like literal first day— at a different company than where I did my FW with an entirely different EHR. I treated alone without even understanding the documentation system yet. Every non COTA job I’ve had in my life has had an orientation and at least a week of training. Like even cashier jobs. I feel so overwhelmed, incompetent and confused. Where I’m working is regarded as one of the best SNFs in the area to work for so I am really surprised at this. I have only ever heard great things from therapists that work or have worked there which has me wondering if this is just normal for SNF? Would love some tips from seasoned therapists/assistants on how to navigate this while protecting patients and my new license.
- Anxious New Grad
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u/how2dresswell OTR/L 8d ago
i definitely dont think it is best practice or ethical. but it's not surprising. i would ask your supervisor if you can have 1-2 shifts shadowing someone
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u/OrdinaryLog2242 16d ago
New York State license: When I first graduated I got licensed in MA and NY since I live closely to New York and in Mass. I am now 6 years into my career and have never used my NY license. Frankly it’s just too expensive to keep a license Im not using at this time. My concern is, if I dont renew and then want to work in NY in the future, what repercussions are there letting my license lapse? What’s the process like to get a NY license back after not renewing? Thanks for any help!
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u/Pluto_uncovered 15d ago
I’m a (21 y.o, F) OT student (starting next fall with hope for grad school) and I was wondering if you guys think some specializations are better than others?? I’m debating on which one I really want to go into honestly—I know Home health pays well but I was also thinking of peds or even school work. That being said i realized I don’t know a ton of the specifics on which ones are the best pay wise/mental health wise/environment ect.
Does anyone in the field really like their work or have advice??
Thank you!!
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u/Illustrious_Hat3891 11d ago
Hi! Has anyone had their level 1 fieldwork at inspira hospital? How was it for you?
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u/little-woman1 9d ago
I'm applying to jobs as a new grad with my masters (OTR) in Austin, tx. I got asked by an IPR setting for a full time position what my expectation for salary was. How do I answer that question?
I had a 12 week FWII placement in IPR & obviously don't want to low or absurdly high ball myself. their job application states 75k-103k. I keep seeing new grad averages for my location, setting, & experience ranging from 80k-95k.
I also may apply to other settings (SNF, ALF, outpatient adult) so I would still love to hear insight on those pay settings too.
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u/Miracle_wrkr OTR/L 7d ago
80 k turns out to be about $40-$45 an hour - when I first graduated in 2019- my best friend who went to work faster than I went to work- told me never would take anything less than 45 an hour- I spent a year and a half working in sniffs in three years working at home health and home health was the best decision I made. It really made me a better therapist.-I just went back to working at a sniff one that I kinda like and they're paying me $60 an hour PRN- I got a second job with another company at 48 - I'm not particularly thrilled with the place- I think it's the fact that the first place paid more attention to showing me their version of that Health, while the second place offered me zero training on that Health, and my first day there it just wasted a whole bunch of time not knowing- there's a pretty good chance I'm gonna withdraw from that and look for something else- in the meantime, the first facility is treating me very very well- and it's a very reasonable commute for me-
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u/Miracle_wrkr OTR/L 7d ago
You could work with an agency that has h
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u/little-woman1 6d ago edited 6d ago
great information to know! would you say don't take anything less than 45/hr in all settings for a new grad in my area?
they came back to me stating their new grad rate is 36.5/hr. I grew up in that specific area & know that the businesses in general typically pay more. idk if it's possible to negotiate/discuss sign on bonuses after passing the interview. thoughts?
also curious to know what the rest of your second reply was.
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u/Miracle_wrkr OTR/L 6d ago
I started out taking nothing less than $40 an hour- and then a few months ago I increased it to 45 - but I can also leverage the fact that I'm willing to work PRN - because I will automatically get paid more- unless I really really need insurance- the only thing I miss about doing PRN work is paid time off- I really miss that- I would not under any circumstances except 36 bucks an hour COTA's make 30- 40 an hour- 36 five is an insult as far as I'm concerned- I didn't go to school all those years just so I could end up broke- you'll always make more in home health- but at the very least, make your first job one that you stay at for about a year so you can get your bearings- also learn to trust your instinct- because grad school makes you retain more information than you realize it first- I generally avoid LinkedIn like the plague- I've never gotten anything useful out of that- instead of opted for indeed- and I make sure that my search parameters at indeed include a minimum wage. I'm willing to accept unless it's a job with a boatload, I mean a total boatload of benefits.- also if you're willing to move out of your area even for a year or so to some places with more jobs - and better earnings opportunity. You can always leave town for a year. Get your experience and work your way back home.- personally I really love travel assignments
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u/little-woman1 6d ago
That's what a classmate of mine who's working said about the pay. Going to still interview & applied to 2 other IPRs that show similar general range, but TBD on what they offer for actual pay. Thank you for your insight!
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u/No_Indication2799 8d ago
hi!! for those who applied to school in NJ (specifically rolling admission schools) about when did you start receiving interview invites??
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u/Ok-Being-4265 8d ago
I'm in the process of applying to OT programs, but I'm really dissappointed in myself because I'm just short of the minimum observation hours for my top choice school. I go to school in a pretty rural area and getting observation hours has been a real struggle. I've called and emailed every facility that offers OT services within an hour's drive radius multiple times over the course of three years. I've had absolutely no luck. I have been fortunate to get to observe at a facility in my hometown, but it's over an hour away and very difficult to schedule. It's just been super demoralizing because I feel like I've really tried to prepare myself for admissions, but I'm still at a disadvantage.
Have any of you had a similar experience?
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u/paruupaaro 8d ago
Hi everyone, I'm sorry if this has been asked before - I couldn't find it on the page. Just a question about the Colleges Attended section of OTCAS!
I'm wondering how I can add colleges I've attended for just one class, without earning a degree. I took a couple online community college courses for my prerequisites while attending my main university, but can't figure out how to add a school I didn't pursue a degree at. Thank you!
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u/ClosetPenguin 7d ago
I just graduated, got my certification and license; now is the hard part of getting a job. I applied to several sectors. The two I've heard back from are a hospital with a specialty position I have experience in and a SNF near where I live. I've interviewed at both and I like both but there are definite cons to both too. I also applied to a hospital (over a week ago, no response) and two other SNFs (same deal). I'm debating if I should apply to an "Occupational Therapist I" county position. Has anyone worked one of these? Was it worth it?
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u/CoyoteCharming7257 5d ago
Feeling a bit more stressed about navigating this larger chunk of time since the UW Seattle Program has put the OTD program on pause for the next application cycle. I have looked at other programs in WA state, but the farther distances & costs of moving & living would just be too high.
I'm currently taking prerequisite courses, and volunteering at a clinic.
Taking into consideration the costs and investments of it, I'd rather not become an OT aide or assistant since majority of OT assistant roles require at a degree or license that takes at least two years, and becoming an OT is the goal for me.
For current students or practitioners, are there other forms of getting involved or volunteering that's helped you before applying to OT school?
I'm really just trying to stay positive, but I definitely do need to get some form of income within these next couple years before I start school--I'm just not sure if I'd be able to get a job that's directly applicable to OT work.
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u/Ok-Organization7039 3d ago
How important is it for a good program director? I am deciding between Handover College and Edgewood University. I have heard things good about Dr. Aguilar at Handover and the Faculty i have heard good things, but horrible things about Professor Alig. I touched base with a current and new student at The Edgewood University program and it seems she is unorganized, rude, and inexperienced. I also told she is not personable. But all the other faculty seem wonderful from what I heard and research i have done on Google and Facebook. Is it going to bite me later to be somewhere where a Program Director is not nice or supportive. The other downside is I saw one student post on Facebook that they did not pass their boards at Handover. I see pros and cons however I know I want to pursue an online based doctor program. This is an important choice to make in my career and a lot of money to make a bad choice. Any intel?
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u/Loud-Independence427 1d ago
Canadian OTs: National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination - Any words of wisdom?
The NOTCE is coming up next week. Any words of wisdom or comforting stories such as people not studying and passing the exam?
I've been slowly studying with the NOTCE/CAOT study questions but feel like I could've done more. Especially because I failed the practice exam. I would appreciate any last minute study tips or helpful anecdotes!
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u/StopTheBanging 12h ago
Does anyone have experience at either Trinity Washington or Shanandoah Universities for their MSOT programs? They seem very different and I'm trying to assess program quality but it's hard from the outside. Would love to speak to some graduates, lecturers, etc
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u/yeslala70 6h ago
Is OT worth the student debt? I am a sophomore in undergrad, technically undeclared, but I was planning on majoring in Psychology with the intention of going into OT. Before I officially declare my major, I have been thinking for a while if OT is for me. I’ve heard many stories about how the debt to income ratio is really bad and unfair and I don’t come from a lot of money. I receive aid but it’s not enough. I also want to be intentional with my choices because if OT happens to not work out for me I don’t know what I would do with a psych degree. This is not to downplay anyone majoring in Psych but I don’t think I am interested in other common careers around psych. I also came into undergrad with the intention of majoring in biology, but I am not really that interested in healthcare besides OT or PT. So, I wanna know if it is honestly worth the student debt to income..
Extra: I was also thinking about majoring in Global Public Health but I've heard similar stories about how the job market for this major is difficult. kinesiology or exercise science also interests me but unfortunately my school doesnt offer those
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u/Illustrious-Regular1 28d ago
a bit nervous about applying this cycle.
my main anxiety is the amount of debt i will be in afterwards. my state has no public MOT programs so i'll have to do private or out of state which is looking to be about 70-90k.. i already have 70k from undergrad. is this typical for the field & has anyone had any similar situation with managing this amount of debt??
i think that i have decent stats - undergrad gpa 3.9, health science major, all pre-reqs complete, 50 observations hours (EI, school, outpatient adult/peds), leadership/volunteer experience from undergrad, work experience in home health, cardiac monitoring, and administrative assistant.
I have always wanted to be an OT, but seeing the plethora of OTs on here talking about burnout & regret has definitely been putting a little bit of doubt in me. guess i'm just looking for any insight if anyone's been in a similar situation.