Amy of NJ: I hope someone will be kind enough your question as I am also in the same boat. I have a bachelor's degree in commerce and currently in therapeutic massage program. I love doing massage but I also want to add a health related degree to my future massage practice. I am torn between going for nursing or occupational therapy right now. I hope someone could share insights.
Mika Faith
of NC
@
Oct 08, 2009 13:54:32 PM
Thinking of a Career Change
If I could get some input from OT's currently working in the field. I am currently a Massage therapist p/t and ork f/t doing medical billing. I have my BS in Digital Media. while I love Massage and helping people through massage I am missing being creative on a regular basis. I am trying to find away to bring my love of helping others & my love for creativity together. Would OT be a good balance for this? And what are the education requirements if I already have a bachelors degree?
Amy
of NJ
@
Oct 04, 2009 21:55:39 PM
OT
WOW JK of ME sound like an OT who really doesn't know what you are doing...you claim to know starting to ow so much about the profession but you are spreading negativity. The"baby boomers" are just starting to come out now and we OTs are very vital in helping this generation aqge in place.OT has been around since WWII, which is probably way before your time. But I really feel bad for any patients you may have treated. Its so funny you mention other disciplines we rip off (PT, psych, nursing...) that is what makes us so unique, we treatthe person as a whole not just their diagnosis.Why dont you do the OT profession a favor and find a new career and if you are not an OT PLEASE stay away. Just be kind to the next OT you may encounter when you suffer an injury, because an OT will probably be involved in your case...smile!!!!
mm
of FL
@
Oct 01, 2009 19:55:47 PM
refreshing
4JK@ME
Thanks for the honesty. I probably won't like the job if it requires a substantially small amount of science.
AfghaniPrincess
of NY
@
Sep 30, 2009 15:15:04 PM
Response to JK of ME @ Sep 26, 2009
JK of ME @ Sep 26, 2009,
It is unfortunate that you regret your decision to pursue a career in OT. Although OT's do work on interdisciplinary teams, the services they are trained to provide are unique and not offered by any other discipline. If that were true, than insurance providers and Medicare would not reimburse for those services
As far as checking resources, perhaps you could benefit from researching the articles that support occupational therapy services through evidence-based practice. You could begin your search with the American Occupational Therapy Association.
CC
of MI
@
Sep 27, 2009 00:46:47 AM
The OT profession is hokey
Everyone should checkout Indeed.com. Click on forums and then search for occupational therapy. There you will find the real deal about OT. It's not good. OT is basically a rip off from many other fields (PT, psych, nursing etc). There are very, very few things about OT that is scientific and believe me, the world would not fall apart if the OT profession went away. It would actually make the world a better place and Medicare would not have to pay for the ridiculous services that OT supposedly provides.
BEFORE you spend all of your time and money on an OT or OTA school, please do your research. I have been regretting my career change since my first day of work.
JK
of ME
@
Sep 26, 2009 13:25:26 PM
Rankings of OT programs
Hello,
I've been very inspired by reading all the comments about the OT profession. Thanks to everyone who posted such great comments. Several people have mentioned specific OT programs/schools. Is there a list out there that ranks OT programs? If so, I'd be grateful if someone could post it. Thanks and continued success and fulfillment to all you OT's. And thanks US News for putting this together.
Lorne
@
Sep 19, 2009 10:41:39 AM
Advice?
I am a freshman in college pursuing a masters degree in Occupational Therapy. I was just curious to if someone might have advice to whether or not I should even try to go for a doctorate degree? Any advice?!
Juli
of KY
@
Sep 11, 2009 01:24:25 AM
Great Carreer!
I've been an OT for 34 years and couldn't be happier with my choice of profession. I've worked with individuals from ages 2 to 104, in their homes, the hospital, schools, clinics, community based health programs and private practice. The profession's diversity has enabled me to take on entirely new challenges throughout my career - this has kept it interesting! I continue to be amazed every day by the incredible individuals that are put in my path. And, I was able to raise two children, on my own for several years, with my earnings. One of my favorite compliments is: "You OTs! You always think outside the box!" Best career? You bet!
Advocate
of WA
@
Sep 05, 2009 17:06:48 PM
Looking for OT and OTA programs
For those of you who asked about where to find OT and OTA programs, your best source is the website of the American Occupational Therapy Association, www.aota.org. Click on students at the top, then schools, it will give you a list by state with the websites to link to to look at prerequisites, program description, application instructions, and more. There are many programs around the country for both OTs and OTAs. Some offer weekend or part-time programs. Many have competitive admissions, others not as much, you need to look at each school you are interested in to get more details.
Do your homework, make your plans, don't give up, as this is a very rewarding career. I have been an it for almost 30 years and now I teach others to prepare them for the career I have loved. We are helping people in many ways, and learning from them too. It is not for everyone, but it could be right for you. Go observe at your local hospital, school or clinic and find out more. Good luck! Gail Fisher, University of Illinois at Chicago
Mika Faith of NC @ Oct 08, 2009 13:54:32 PM
Amy of NJ @ Oct 04, 2009 21:55:39 PM
mm of FL @ Oct 01, 2009 19:55:47 PM
AfghaniPrincess of NY @ Sep 30, 2009 15:15:04 PM
CC of MI @ Sep 27, 2009 00:46:47 AM
JK of ME @ Sep 26, 2009 13:25:26 PM
Lorne @ Sep 19, 2009 10:41:39 AM
Juli of KY @ Sep 11, 2009 01:24:25 AM
Advocate of WA @ Sep 05, 2009 17:06:48 PM
Gail Fisher of IL @ Sep 02, 2009 09:35:49 AM
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