Best Careers 2009: Occupational Therapist

25 yrs and OT, and still loving it!

If you are someone who enjoys diversity, loves working with people, can problem-solve..on the spot..then you would like OT! I've worked with all ages from high-risk infants to a 109 yr old woman! You don't have to work in just a hospital or nursing home either, there are many ares of practice outside of the medical arena where you can use your talents. I've worked as a consultant with contractors to build accessible homes, taught OT's and COTA's, served on state and national OT organizations, and consultant to wellness programs. There are many levels of OT practice from Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (AA/2 yr program) to PhD, and programs offered on-line or during the week-ends. Check out the American Occupational Therapy Association website: AOTA.org for information.

Julie of CA @ Nov 08, 2009 19:42:39 PM

lane

I truly dislike being an occupational therapist. It was a mistake to go into this field because it just doesn't make much sense to me and most jobs are in depressing nursing homes. Help. I want to get out of this job so badly.

lane of ME @ Nov 08, 2009 13:56:49 PM

dear frustrated

what school do you go to? I am worried about going to a program I don't like. I think OT is what I want to do, but I trying to make sure I make the right decision.

sailing of MA @ Nov 06, 2009 13:13:15 PM

frustrated!

I am in OT school and I hate it! I don't know what to do?! I love helping people and gosh I have wanted this for soo long! I just hate the program so much, I don't even want to be an OT anymore!!! I material is not difficult, it is just so diorganized!! It's one the top OT schools too! The professors are TERRIBLE!! I can't even believe they are OTs! I am just devistated!!! Please help! I was thinking about nursing...! I want to be in health care...!

of @ Nov 06, 2009 06:49:10 AM

COTA/L

I also think it was a great choice. I also switched from nursing to OT. I love every thing about my job now. I get the one on one I never got in nursing. I make more money as a COTA than I did as an LPN and an RN. I work part time in a nursing home and part time in a school. I make $35-$40 an hour as an COTA. I was only making $26 an hour as an RN at Northwestern Hospital and I was working horrible hours. THANK GOD I FOUND THIS OUT ABOUT OT

Julie of IL @ Nov 06, 2009 06:39:41 AM

OTD OTR/L

I was a nurse before becoming an OT and it was the best move I ever made. I doubled my salary, no more midnights or 3-11 shifts and half the stress. I get the respect I never got in nursing. I feel like I really help people get back to living as independent as possible. I watch my PT co-workers put ankle weights on patients all day long, and wonder why the patients hate their PT. I help them get dressed or take a shower or I help them figure out ways to be indpendent. I think being a OTR or an OTA is a great career for anybody who really likes helping people.

ERIK of IL @ Nov 06, 2009 06:33:45 AM

Thank you everyone!

I am 21 and currently work in the corporate world but have been researching for a long time now to find a job I will really enjoy. I have had a long list and all your wonderful comments about OT's has helped a lot. Yes there are a couple of negative comments but hey I know the career isn't for everyone!

After a lot of soul searching, I have decided to apply to study OT at Uni next year here in Australia! Although I did a lot of research, I also took a lot from your comments so I just wanted to say a big thank you!

Wish me luck ;)

Louise @ Nov 05, 2009 07:26:27 AM

sorry

I am an OT and hate it so much. It seems most jobs are in nursing homes now and the days are so depressing and boring. It is about the same type of work as a nursing assistant. The jobs consists of dressing, toilets, bathing, dealing with wiping butts, simple exercises, and documentation, documentation, documentation. It has no redeeming qualities that I can see. Most people end up burnt to a crisp after doing this for awhile. If they do not get out of it soon enough life becomes a downhill battle.

ciera of NE @ Nov 03, 2009 07:05:45 AM