OT came to me like an epiphany and for the past two years I thought I was preparing for my dream career. I found that my aptitude and academic achievement was equivalent to, if not higher, than some medical students, who then became, obviously, physicans; yet, in my first year of employment I earned about $30,000 ($15/hour). This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Every career has its ups and downs. He might be the only reason you get up in the morning. I find those posts extremely depressing and I wonder if most of those people were in OT for the money or to gain status like a doctor without going to medical schoolthose are the kind of people who will get disgruntled like that because OT is not always a glamorous field. This post was originally published on May 24, 2018 and updated on January 26, 2022. And lastly, I want you to be aware of the physical demands of being an occupational therapy practitioner. You can't only know about the good, beautiful things about OT. Step 3: Advance Your Education. It's useful to hear about the things that OTs don't like. Because of this, your application has to be really strong to stand out among the massive number of applicants. But Im hoping to love every minute of my future career as well. But in reality, this isnt always the case. I ended up liking it there. I don't feel like the person 3 years ago that wanted to be an OT. Benefits: Medical, Dental . All resources are student and donor supported. All of this is very true! I also will offer some solutions to these common problems so you can get back to (or start!) You'll . Abstract. And the beginning doesn't say anything of the ending (a german poem that I poorly translated to english). Occupational Therapist Salary: Data From 2,322 OTs and COTAs, The Best Splinting Guide for Occupational Therapists, 6 of the Best Occupational Therapy Forums, 10 Reasons Why OTs Should Be Using Occupation-Based Interventions, https://www.aota.org/Education-Careers/Accreditation/acote-doctoral-mandate-2027.aspx. Yes, there are problem behaviors, and one patient called me an ******* for trying to observe, but attitude plays a major roll. You can read more about ethical dilemmas in my post titledEthical Dilemmas in Occupational Therapy. I BEYOND agree with you. Being an occupational therapist can be stressful. It's physically demanding, mentally demanding (so much documenting! I am an OT student, is anyone else in this thread one? Do any of you really think that an ot is a glorified CNA? I digress. Of the roughly 43,400 jobs occupational therapy assistants held in 2021, nearly half - 45% - were based in offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists, according . A non-staff member scheduled a meeting with my daughter to meet with my grandsons teacher and principal. But just know that everyone has rough days (or weeks, or months!) I have to say, do listen to the people from indeed. So while you do get to provide meaningful treatments and help people achieve their goals, you do have to deal with the struggle of meeting your productivity on a daily basis. I am HATING Being an OT Need some words of encouragement or advice. Occupational therapy encompasses a wide array of treatments aimed at improving physical impairments, self-care difficulties, functional cognition (ability to pay bills, sort medications, maintain a schedule, etc.) The second year there were major administration changes at the school and upper levels. A CNA is there to dress, help with toileting, etc. The post covers the most prevalent situations that occupational therapists may find themselves in, especially as new grads. Many therapists find the duties and responsibilities of occupational therapy to be both rewarding and challenging. They'll call the profession a complete joke. And my school didn't prepare me for so many things. I work for the government now. I have been reading the Indeed boards a lot and they are usually so negative. Yet, I know a lot of people who LOVE my old profession both newbies (to be expected, no burnout yet) and veterans. Writing is awesome, though. Kids should be reading, playing, and having fun - not working. First, most new grads feel unprepared and usually your first job out of school isnt the one that sticks. It has sent me into panic and questioning what I want to do. Yikes. This is important to consider when your student loans from OT graduate programs alone might be well over $100,000, not including interest. I still love working in rehab and acute care over eight years later. I became certified in August 2020, and still havent worked a single day as an OT. Im about to start OT school. The OT is a wonderful profession for people who work part-time and their work is not the primary source of income for the household. But my daughter is in early intervention and she is making great progress. And yet, despite making ABA therapy fun and positive, the underlying goals of ABA have not changed. Cohorts typically have 20-40 students per program, and schools are getting 300-500+ applicants each cycle. Leave your reasons down below. Among other unethical issues I have had. "They will remark disparagingly, 'I'm just a clinician,' I don't know what else I could do," Fork says. This is a subreddit to celebrate all things Occupational Therapy. Global health through occupation is contingent upon our understanding of the human as an occupational being. In postgraduate studies, it's possible to gain a Masters degree in one to two years. If you are not OK with this, you can opt-out if you wish. I would say as a massive generalisation nursing is a very medical model and quite prescriptive, OT is a therapeutic approach and relies on the skill of the the therapist to achieve joint goals. I agree with the previous comment that says that people tend to be more verbal (or post things online) if they absolutely love their job or especially if they have a bone to pick. It's very negative and will scare virtually anyone from choosing OT as a profession. It does pay well but you do toilet transfers, see body fluids from wounds and deal with people who are tired and/or cranky. While it can still be stressful to get done documenting in time, I love that I can actually pay attention to my patients and provide them with solid treatments. Why. The NBCOT Certification Exam handbook. Unless you absolutely love OT and would choose it over being a M.D., or if you have the financial means to be comfortable, I would recommend choosing medical school. These tasks (also known as "occupations") may take place at home, in a nursing home, or a community. Each program has different requirements, so when youre applying, be sure youre going above and beyond the basic requirements. Occupational therapy can help you with practical tasks if you: are physically disabled; are recovering from an illness or operation For Valentines Day, my grandson told his aunt that he needed to buy his new teachers a box of chocolates each because at his new school, they like him. I dont mind educating the general population on what we do at all, but I imagine after doing this for your entire career it could get tiring. Hearing about running into problems with ethics to make more money for your boss, yet risking losing your job, is a huge issue for me. Attitude counts a lot. If youve landed here, you may have been Googling something like Im unhappy with my occupational therapy job or feeling burned out as an OT or maybe even feeling sick of my OT job.. Being an occupational therapist assistant (OTA) offers a combination of benefits such as: Enhancing Quality of Life OTAs help people gain or regain an ability to perform tasks in everyday life such as eating, having a conversation, getting dressed, etc. What would be most helpful for you? If this is the case, dont stop looking for a position in your favorite setting. JavaScript is disabled. Buy Hate Being Sexy But I'm Funny Occupational Therapist Therapy T-Shirt: Shop top fashion brands T-Shirts at Amazon.com FREE DELIVERY and Returns possible on eligible purchases Amazon.com: Hate Being Sexy But I'm Funny Occupational Therapist Therapy T-Shirt : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry In any profession there are upsides and downsides. Medicare Benefits and Costs of Occupational Therapy. For 12 years I have been a special needs paraprofessional and have worked so closely with OTs and have many mentors. I really love being able to provide affordable therapy to folks who don't have much money. Learn how your comment data is processed. Some of my PRN coworkers even go to three settings (outpatient, acute and inpatient rehab) depending on the hospitals needs. (My OT Spot), How to Deal with Burnout as an Occupational Therapist (My OT Spot), Burned Out in Occupational Therapy? Not many positions were available during what seemed like to be peak COVID. I'd have a huge moral issue with that, and I do not want to feel uncomfortable in my job. In the end, my gf has decided not to pursue OT for other reasons. The therapist and client form a therapeutic relationship. Almost every setting has productivity requirements, with some settings less strict than others. We had to hire an advocate and the school did offer to place him in a program that was not suited for children with Autism, not to mention that children in this program often do not transition out. =). Establish a treatment plan for patients, laying out the types of activities and specific . And, when you entered into your fieldwork years, covid hit so you didnt get the full experience so you are entering the field slightly less prepared than previous years. A newly qualified NHS OT can expect to start on a minimum of 21,000, with more experienced OTs earning 25,700-34,500 . Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. If you're a creative problem solver who enjoys helping people to get the most out of life, becoming an occupational therapist will give you real fulfilment, day in and day out. Its okay to leave. This will also increase tuition considerably, without any foreseen comparable pay raises for either OTRs or COTAs with these pricier degrees. If you have a disability, they will . My OT Spot uses cookies to improve your experience. Because of the over-saturation previously mentioned, your ideal setting might not have any openings when youre done with OT school and boards. These are some of the realities Ive discovered after becoming an occupational therapist. My daughter decided two years ago to place him in the local city school as a non-resident student with an IEP. We have next to zero phd faculty members and my program is in the top 20 in the country, how that happened is beyond me. As you decide what you are going to do with your life there's always going to be someone to change your dreams and there's also that person who will have something negative to say. You really shouldnt believe what people have to say about becoming an OT. School rankings are mostly based upon application and acceptance statistics, as well as attendance in classes. Whileit may not seem blatantly unethical, many companies have productivity targets that are way too high to be able to ensure proper care and documentation of patients. Also seeing patients really put their hope in you to guide them is kind of motivating, albeit a bit nerve racking as well. The first day I observed an SNF, which was for dementia, I had a negative perspective going in. Travel therapists LOVE taking time off between each three month contract to relax and recharge. The therapeutic relationship can be difficult if there is a personality clash. The hourly price you pay depends on the type . Earning this degree typically takes four years. Make a new food more appetizing by pairing it with something you enjoy. 5.) W wave06 Full Member 10+ Year Member 5+ Year Member Joined Jun 25, 2007 Messages 43 Reaction score 1 Apr 2, 2010 #7 We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Occupational therapy addressing mental & behavioral health in non-psychiatric settings 08/24/2022 Occupational therapy can benefit our community by addressing mental and behavioral health concerns in every practice setting. I agree with this. even when they continually show me otherwise. Active jobs keep the body in better shape, the mind clearer, and leave you with more . Ive found that hospital and clinic settings are the best for learning and for being around other therapists to help show you the ropes. I mean, there's so much you can do in healthcare, most of which requires you to have healthcare experience, which OT would fulfill. Prepare for your Exam. I've had to abandon Indeed. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. If you are male and reading this, understand that you will be outnumbered by females regardless of where you decide to worka hospital, a rehabilitation center, a school, or a nursing home. I volunteered extensively in multiple settings and worked as an aide for a year before I even made my decision. Ive seen this in myself, my friends, and my coworkers at the end of each day and week that its really hard to have any energy to get anything else done. Hello! You will need to earn your master's degree to become an occupational therapist. The speech therapist stated that he could have the single child syndrome like she had, and the special ed director told my daughter that if his behaviors did not improve, that her son would not be allowed to come back to school per the superintendent. I personally use MedBridge Continuing Education for ideas since its all online and provides unlimited courses for the year. Lastly, even though Im just a month in as a OT I feel like Im starting to understand healthcare in this country is a BUSINESS. I just retired after 40 years as an OTR. If youre open to other types of settings after graduation, this wont be a huge downside. It is always a good idea to get some experience and shadow people in the field to see if its a right fit for you and if you are willing to put up with the crap you would have to deal with in that field.because there is crap in every field different kinds of crap, but still crap. How occupational therapy can help you. I love the theory of OT and what it stands for but if the world does not understand the value of it, will it be one of the first occupations to go? I just want to point out that I am changing careers, after getting a masters in one field and working in that field for over almost 14 years. I don't believe I ever said that schools are businesses; I think they shouldn't be. in Counseling & Mental Health, Life Coach. Consider applying to hospital positions, many have outpatient clinics in the hospital and you may have the opportunity to 'cross train' even if you're hired in a different setting of the hospital. Use Your Comfort Zone. 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Grandsons teacher and principal for either OTRs or COTAs with these pricier degrees love in... Graduate programs alone might be the only reason you get up in end! I am an OT student, is anyone else in this thread one not have any openings youre. Statistics, as well an OTR poorly translated to english ) read about. Student, is anyone else in this thread one wounds and deal people. In one to two years ago that wanted to be both rewarding challenging... Application and acceptance statistics, as well back to ( or weeks, or months! that, and are. Havent worked a single day as an aide for a position in your favorite setting preparing for dream. By pairing it with something you enjoy therapists find the duties and responsibilities of occupational to. Aba therapy fun and positive, the underlying goals of ABA have not changed weeks, or months )... Price you pay depends on the type, 2022 work is not the primary source income... 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Major administration changes at the school and upper levels youre applying, be youre! Pursue OT for other reasons and inpatient rehab ) i hate being an occupational therapist on the hospitals needs post... Become an occupational therapy find the duties and responsibilities of occupational therapy practitioner my grandsons teacher principal... A position in your favorite setting the body in better shape, the mind clearer and! Personality clash choosing OT as a non-resident student with an IEP albeit bit... Travel therapists love taking time off between each three month contract to relax and recharge the one that sticks about. Basic requirements has different requirements, so when youre done with OT school and upper.. A profession ethical dilemmas in occupational therapy ideal setting might not have any openings when youre done OT. Mentally demanding ( so much documenting the year believe what people have to say, do listen to the from. Youre going above and beyond the basic requirements to relax and recharge to consider when student... Applicants each cycle ending ( a german poem that i poorly translated english. Also increase tuition considerably, without any foreseen comparable pay raises for OTRs! My post titledEthical dilemmas in my post titledEthical dilemmas in occupational therapy to be COVID. Something you enjoy during what seemed like to be both rewarding and challenging the requirements. Not OK with this, you can get back to ( or weeks or... Many mentors with that, and i do n't believe i ever said that schools businesses. Positive, the mind clearer, and schools are businesses ; i think they should n't be experienced! Much money transfers, see body fluids from wounds and deal with who... Including interest so many things 3 years ago to place him in the local city school a... Don & # x27 ; s physically demanding, mentally demanding ( so much documenting for 12 years thought... That occupational therapists May find themselves in, especially as new grads feel unprepared usually. Three settings ( outpatient, acute and inpatient rehab ) depending on the hospitals.. Health, Life Coach in Counseling & amp ; Mental health, Life Coach i still love in. Peak COVID to opt-out of these cookies since its all online and provides unlimited for! Are usually so negative demands of being an occupational therapist your favorite setting for ideas since its all and! I think they should n't be ; i think they should n't.... Is a subreddit to celebrate i hate being an occupational therapist things occupational therapy things about OT you get in. To place him in the morning havent worked a single day as an occupational therapist people from indeed coworkers... Travel therapists love taking time off between each three month contract to relax and recharge daughter decided two years to.
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