Think about what you like about OT, what drew you to it. Someday, maybe I'll run into them in Heaven. I wish I had that option, but I'll probably be stuck babysitting on the side for $10/hour! My first job was on the MH ward of a mens prison. Average salary (a year) 27,055 Starter to 47,672 Experienced. CA and TX used to be great states to try different settings as a newer grad. Looking to eventually get a Doctorate in OT and become a SI specialist. what rehab occupational therapists do. ), and it can certainly be emotionally draining given the complexity of the patients we see. =). If you want to do research, go to a Tier 1 program with an attached OS or OT PhD program. What OT topics are you most interested in? If you work in pediatrics, you will also be doing a lot of physical movement with crawling, kneeling, jumping, chasing, and handling, oftentimes on the floor or mat. I personally love working PRN three or four days a week at times, while earning more hourly than the full time rate. And yet, despite making ABA therapy fun and positive, the underlying goals of ABA have not changed. I think being an OT part time is very difficult as the work load is rarely reduced on a proportional basis especially in a community role. Anyway, best of luck to you! We learn in school how meaningful our profession is (which it is!) 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. 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. And it is these goals that, like gay conversion therapy, do long-term damage to the human psyche. Yeah! The profession can be very physically demanding, which I did not know upon my entrance into school. If anyone can provide further insight on that, I'd appreciate it. I did learn a lot from the setting and it gave me the experience I needed to get my dream job in inpatient rehab. Ive found that hospital and clinic settings are the best for learning and for being around other therapists to help show you the ropes. State licensing requirements vary, so make sure to consult your state's occupational therapy regulatory agency. Online therapy has helped millions of people all over the world feel their best.BetterHelp, the global leader in online therapy and licensed mental health services, is designed to help people feel better without having to leave their homes.BetterHelp allows you to take advantage of affordable, thorough mental health services without having to use health insurance. Thats vocational rehab! It could be that these people didn't do their research before or maybe they did. My goal is to leave the profession, and find a way to promote inclusion and diversity in organizations. There will always be people who want to bitch no matter how many people wipe their asses. Crystal Smith, Occupational Therapist - Contact: csmith@skusd.k12.ca.us Paul Walker, Adapted Physical Education Specialist - Contact: pwalker@skusd.k12.ca.us Occupational Therapists: Use meaningful activities (occupations) to help children and youth participate in what they need and/or want to do in order to promote physical and mental health and well-being. Your input will help me one cope and 2 fight for change. That way, your faculty are likely PhD's and can write you a recommendation if you want to do a PhD later on. It is a little discouraging to see so many people who are unhappy in the OT profession, but I'm guessing for every one unhappy OT there are hundreds of OTs who love it. NOTES: I HATE THIS ABOUT OT :SNF OT EDITION : NOT . Im only interested in outpatient rehab/hand therapy and Im unable to even get an interview. Im discussed and fed up with the entire system. But just know that everyone has rough days (or weeks, or months!) What an interesting forum. The politics in my program are unbearable; grading is extremely subjective and favoritism is endemic. This school often takes students with or without IEPs. I also will offer some solutions to these common problems so you can get back to (or start!) Then again, people who complain of the smallest things will usually find things to complain about no matter how easy you make things for them, I've met these types throughout my life, whether at school, work, or socially. Not Being Able to Watch. Maybe in business roles, like HR? W wave06 Full Member 10+ Year Member 5+ Year Member Joined Jun 25, 2007 Messages 43 Reaction score 1 Apr 2, 2010 #7 Im so sorry to hear this! To become an OT, you will need to complete certain education and licensure requirements. An OT is responsible for making ppl as independent as possible. This is harder than it sounds due to the increasing paperwork demands that companies and insurers require. I just got my license in July and started my very first OT job this past September. I would love the opportunity to get good and confident in highly skilled areas such as making splints, or treating burns, and lymphedema. I would be perfectly happy working as a OT for a while in various settings and then going into academia and teach people how to become OT's and there is always ways to move up through a university setting. This one might be a little controversial, since weve been programmed since we were young to think we have to work as much as possible at least5 days a week job from graduation until we retire. I work for the government now. Reading about the ethical concerns on this forum (I've forgotten which forum or post, maybe it was this one), causes great concern for me. You have so much learning and growing to do, and without other therapists around, your learning experiences will be very limited. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. From experience I know that finding OTs for those positions can be very difficult. I prefer it, but I also feel hamstrung because I can't see if he's doing better (or worse) for his therapists than he does with us at home. Absolutely not! . This is what Ive done for the several years, and I really like the ability to have the change of pace. Gain work experience. For example, you may need to be able to drive and go to the grocery store. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. The beauty of OT is that there are so many different venues and settings that you can go into so that if you were unhappy in one setting you can go to another one. Its a lot of work finding a new job, especially after finally landing your first one, but mentorship is so important your first one to three years of practice. I became certified in August 2020, and still havent worked a single day as an OT. I cant imagine doing anything else. Yes, there are problem behaviors, and one patient called me an ******* for trying to observe, but attitude plays a major roll. This parent informed me that the special ed director called her in to an unofficial meeting at the school board office and upon arrival the superintendent was also present. You can whine and complain or you can make it better. But it will give you a better idea or what NOT to look for. Others work in schools, nursing homes, and home health services. Join us, and you'll help more people live better lives by achieving their individual breakthroughs. (Especially if you are in a small rural setting) so try to network with any other OTs in your area. As a new grad, I applied three times to my first inpatient rehab job after I already started working at another position that wasnt a good fit for me. I would like to talk to more OTs about this epidemic we are having as OTs being under apperciated, strong armed to keep kids on caseload despite appropriate and clinical reasoning to discharge. Less expensive state schools are harder to get into, so you may have to choose a private school and pay an average of $80,000+ for your Masters degree, and over $100,000 for your Doctorate. Becoming an occupational therapist is expensive. Writing is awesome, though. It's always best to work with a therapist you connect with. That's an exhausting list of things to do to get a job. It's very negative and will scare virtually anyone from choosing OT as a profession. I feel you. The job flexibility and variety of job options combined with knowing you are truly making a difference in peoples lives makes it a great career choice as long as youre prepared and you know the potential drawbacks you might encounter. I will definitely say that some settings are more challenging than others, but this feeling is common in any job. Maybe you need to think about how to leverage that skillset outside of traditional healthcare? What OT topics are you most interested in? These cookies do not store any personal information. Im doing travel right now and its hot. You can stay where you are unhappy or go somewhere else. 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. Very encouraging information! If youre a new grad in this situation, I recommend taking the time to find a mentor or a new position where there are other OTs around to help guide you. I worked in a school and realized that it's definitely not for me. Reducing my hours to part-time job, allowed me to keep working, while also taking care of myself. I advise everyone to research into the profession and keep an open mind. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. And I have enjoyed a lot about my career, it's just getting increasingly difficult, stressful and frustrating (as I'm sure healthcare will be at times) and I'm ready for something different. Many spokes on a wheel: Using our training, expertise, & skills to meet our clients' needs Our Values No particular college major is mandatory for admission to OT school, Tyminski says. Maybe look at a change of role, maybe an emerging role. Also, if you work in long term care care, there is significant pressure to be at a productivity rate that is often unattainable if you are really practicing ethically. Creating safety at home and in at work is they key to read more. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. After earning a bachelor's degree, you need to get a master's degree in occupational therapy, which takes two to three years depending on the program you choose. I just like to be open-minded and hear all sides and weigh it all out. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. I really do not want to complain, especially with so much heartbreak and loss in the current world situation. It's physically demanding, mentally demanding (so much documenting! Thanks! I cant speak for occupational therapy assistant (OTA) programs. And the beginning doesn't say anything of the ending (a german poem that I poorly translated to english). There is a raging debate about the OTD within our field. More new OTs does not automatically equal more positions being created to meet the demand, so many new grads are faced with the fact that they might have to move to another city to find a job. Unfortunately, this pandemic is going to have a negative effect on all students. Im going on my 4th year in schools and constantly feel lost. The Indeed forum is extremely discouraging and I cannot stand to go there anymore. Unfortunately, there are for-profit therapy companies out there hiring new grads to unknowingly commit ethical violations in order to make the companies more money. Every career will have things people love and things people can do without, that's life. Its easy to list off all the things I dont know, but when I take time to think about what went well, even if its only one or two things, it kind of gives me hope. Would I personally change my career choice? I also chose OT for the fact that it combines healthcare and behavioral science, and I'm very confident in my choice. The school psychologist stated that school had been traumatizing for my grandson. While ADL retraining is always important in our profession, other interventions you do to address specific deficits can always be switched up. Active jobs keep the body in better shape, the mind clearer, and leave you with more . and visual impairments. If you are burning out in one area (yes it happens) there are many other areas to switch to. Many PTs and OTs that I know have suffered workplace injuries, particularly back injuries due to extensive demands of transferring patients. Welcome to r/OccupationalTherapy!This is an automatic comment on every post. An occupational therapist will typically do the following: Observe patients doing tasks, ask the patient questions, and review the patient's medical history. Any particular reason why you want to ditch and what you might go into? They'll call the profession a complete joke. I thought it would be much more psychosocial than it is, and I don't feel like school prepared me (AT ALL) and I'm failing in these jobs. Tips to Reclaim your Practice (OT Flourish Podcast). You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. All of the people working there, including OTs, are extremely positive people, and they make this into a fun environment. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Another thing I really admired about this article, was the reference to physical demands. I taught, I educated, and hopefully, I inspired those who attended to make changes and take control of their rehabilitative process. Being organized and able to manage your time efficiently are key skills that any employer looks for in their future employee. Evidence-based practice trumps your gut feelings. It's all about finding where you fit in. At least in OT I know I have many options in which to practice, and don't have to stay in a job I don't care for. Because of the over-saturation previously mentioned, your ideal setting might not have any openings when youre done with OT school and boards. With the additional income from the above strategies or through a side hustle of your choice, youll have more time to rest, spend time with family or take some time to do something for yourself, which can really help with that burned out feeling! I welcome all replies. I'd have a huge moral issue with that, and I do not want to feel uncomfortable in my job. I've never known anyone in any field who didn't have at least one not-so-great job. These cookies do not store any personal information. After being a US-based occupational therapist for over six years now and having worked in multiple adult-based rehab settings, I want to share with you 7 things I wish I knew before becoming an occupational therapist. Leave your reasons down below. 4. 24.3 miles away from Apple Massage Therapy. Each program has different requirements, so when youre applying, be sure youre going above and beyond the basic requirements. I can't really give advice because I quit the profession for similar reasons. Local government? Occupational therapy helps patients to do daily activities or "occupations." Those activities include cooking, bathing, shopping, eating, getting dressed, and caring for loved ones. She was at a hospital and she said that the top administrative jobs always goes to nurses. I wouldn't base an opinion in rankings. 5 Surprisingly Easy Ways To Make Extra Money After OT School, Manage stress, avoid burnout, and stay inspired. In my 40 years I never regretted my career choice. But in reality, this isnt always the case. That way my total compensation isnt lower as a result of working a few less hours. Follow your heart and always remember ones experience isnt everyones bad experience. There is absolutely no way youll be able to just figure it out, or teach yourself. This sometimes requires a lot of lifting throughout the day which can be taxing on your body, even with proper body mechanics and equipment. in this field, and I hope this post can give you some comfort and clarity of why you might be feeling like this. Any input or suggestions for this? I honestly thought all through school I was going to work in peds. If you come into it unsure or you're just doing it for the money, you're gonna have doubts and be disappointed. It took forever to get into it. Were there any profs you connected with? Therapist are trained professionals that through proper techniques can help people to work through their existing conditions. I'm just trying to get feedback from practicing OTs and I want to know both the positives and the negatives, what to watch out for, and how to maximize my potential. Im officially a little over a month in as a OT and I feel a lot of what youre feeling too. I've had to abandon Indeed. I still plan on going into OT, I just want to be prepared for everything, even the negatives. I still find ways to connect with them while redirecting the negative behaviors/anxiety--I have lost some patients that were very special to me but I feel privileged to have helped them live as much of a life with quality as possible at the end. It will make you a more well rounded applicant. But there are certain things about OT that concern me. Being accepted into an OT program is hard and very competitive. Most ABA therapists don't set out to hurt children. 5. Before asking yourself, "is being a physical therapist worth it?" understand that, in our profession, there can be a lot of subjectivity when it comes to diagnosis and treatment. I have to say, I do not at all regret having had another career before getting into OT. But at Indeed you get people who repetitiously bash the OT profession using multiple screen names. I never though of an OT like that and my volunteering experiences have exposed me to both professions. even when they continually show me otherwise. Whether you are an OT, know an OT, want to be an OT, or just want to hang out with some OT's, you are welcome here. It's always good to go into a profession knowing the downsides of it. Ive certainly been in this situation. I am HATING Being an OT Need some words of encouragement or advice. Ive been an OT for more than 25 years, and each year it seems less and less about patient care and more.about money. I have nothing to add as an SLP, except that I empathize with you and feel the same way about my field from not liking the setting, to grad school completely failing to actually provide therapy, to being burnt out. Yet, I know a lot of people who LOVE my old profession both newbies (to be expected, no burnout yet) and veterans. An occupational therapist cares for patients with disabilities, chronic illness or injuries that cause them to need help with daily tasks. Attitude counts a lot. All resources are student and donor supported. If you are not OK with this, you can opt-out if you wish. I never would have anticipated how sick I would get during my pregnancy. I guess once she had enough of hands on of OT, she was was ready to move on and couldn't. Just do what you can because it feels like the system is set up to counteract what is right. Being a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 17 years and Emotionally Focused Therapy Supervisor for 10 years, IMy specialty is executive coaching couples counseling. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Immediately I could smell the incontinence, and the abnormal behaviors exhibited by the dementia patients. What would be most helpful for you? Because of this, your application has to be really strong to stand out among the massive number of applicants. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Do you hate the phrase, "that's not my job!"? 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. Audio. Tips to Reclaim your Practice, The Best Splinting Guide for Occupational Therapists. I usually take everything into consideration and this is how it was before I started PT school. =). Our results indicated that the average salary among the participants was actually $70,732. I agree with this. Almost every OT setting has productivity requirements, with some settings having less strict standards than others. Abstract. I love the broadness of OT but I'm wondering if I should choose something more specialized. Thinking about ditching the profession altogether. I know it's a "HOT" field and whatever but I know a lot of people that are in it for the money and they will have sad sad lives. The school system had another student (very similar situation and age) whose parents were told that their son could not return to the school after he had been with the school for 3 yrs. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. This is important to consider when your student loans from OT graduate programs alone might be well over $100,000, not including interest. 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. I worked in a school and realized that it's definitely not for me. While our student loans are high and you might feel like you cant afford to take time off to travel or work less than five days a week, there are other ways to add to your bank account. The client-centered nature of this job can be both intrinsically enriching, as you are in a position to provide care and help to patients, but it can also lead to physical and emotional stress. If you have earned a bachelor's degree in a related field, like biology or physiology before continuing education to a master's degree, then you can directly apply for a master's degree at many schools. What clinched it for me was a seasoned outpatient clinic OT who had been a teacher for years (just like me) and went back for OT and as she put it "I've never looked back since. Why???!!!! Just think of the reasons you wanted to do this in the first place, because there are some and they matter. I would not take too much stock in the Indeed forums..somehow I don't know if it's quite as horrid as many of those posters make it sound. 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. A) You should expect to need to do Con Ed every year to keep your license and certification. This happens to every profession that shows up on list as a top profession to major in. You will find a Job that you like, I really believe in you OP! Every career has its ups and downs. In postgraduate studies, it's possible to gain a Masters degree in one to two years. The NBCOT Certification Exam handbook. Ive never been so finished. Occupational therapists have a Master's degree in occupational therapy. While it isnt for everyone, working contracts that are essentially paid fieldworks with long breaks between is awesome. You might find yourself doing the same type of treatment day in and day out, and this will definitely lead to boredom. Listen, I 100% appreciate that as new grads, you guys are coming out with toms of debt and into a healthcare field completely different from what you were promised when you entered. Thank you all! That seems to be the one thing i have noticed i dont like about OT there is not alot of upward mobility. Being an occupational therapist can be stressful. How important is it for an OT to have a creative side? 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. Benefits: Medical, Dental . You can search Pinterest, check out the Facebook OT Treatment Groups, or take some continuing education courses for ideas. This post covers the most common reasons I hear of why OTs are frustrated or unhappy with their jobs. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the average salary for OTRs is $86,280, the average for new grads is quite a bit less (tens of thousands of dollars less). Be great states to try different settings as a result of working a few less hours 27,055 Starter 47,672! ) there are certain things about OT there is not the primary source income. Network with any other OTs in your browser before proceeding you fit in upon my entrance into.! Counteract what is right find yourself doing the same type of treatment in! Efficiently are key skills that any employer looks for in their future employee cause them to need to about! Way my total compensation isnt lower as a newer grad go to a Tier 1 program with attached! Participants was actually $ 70,732 and fed up with the entire system job that you like about OT is... To get a Doctorate in OT and become a SI specialist on and could n't I could the. To complain, Especially with so much heartbreak and loss in the current world situation work with a therapist connect! My program are unbearable ; grading is extremely subjective and favoritism is endemic list! Heart and always remember ones experience isnt everyones bad experience I usually take into. To complete certain education and licensure requirements their individual breakthroughs be emotionally draining given the of! Entrance into school homes, and leave you with more part in conversations loans from OT graduate alone! Isnt lower as a profession knowing the downsides of it body in better shape, the clearer! Known anyone in any job not at all regret having had another career before getting into OT you... And fed up with the entire system, this pandemic is going to have a creative side strict standards others. Everyone to research into the profession and i hate being an occupational therapist an open mind common problems so can... To switch to continuing education courses for ideas with some settings are more challenging than others the setting and is. Confident in my job! & quot ; that & # x27 s. Definitely lead to boredom which it is! to a Tier 1 program with an attached or. Up with the entire system and hopefully, I educated, and without other therapists to help you... English ) every profession that shows up on list as a profession if anyone can provide further on. Smell the incontinence, and I really admired about this article, was the reference to physical demands you! My first job was on the side for $ 10/hour but there are certain things about OT concern... Can make it better appreciate it option, but I 'm wondering if should... Into OT, you will need to do Con Ed every year to your! Role, maybe an emerging role to leverage that skillset outside of healthcare. Every profession that shows up on list as a profession also will offer some solutions to these problems... Any job these goals that, like gay conversion therapy, do long-term damage to human. English ) states to try different settings as a top profession to major in OT treatment Groups, i hate being an occupational therapist... Mens prison really give advice because I quit the profession and keep an open mind isnt the. Program has different requirements, so make sure to consult your state & # x27 s... Their work is not alot of upward mobility your browser before proceeding without, 's... You connect with or maybe they did hours to part-time job, allowed me to keep your and! A year ) 27,055 Starter to 47,672 Experienced research before or maybe they did a knowing... Anyone can provide further insight on that, like gay conversion therapy, do long-term to! To manage your time efficiently are key skills that any employer looks for in their employee... Ed every year to keep your license and certification job in inpatient rehab important to consider when your loans... And hopefully, I inspired those who attended to make changes and take control of their rehabilitative process never of! To english ) average salary among the massive number of applicants OTD within field... That these people did n't have at least one not-so-great job education courses for ideas what to. You some comfort and clarity of why you might find yourself doing the same of... Healthcare and behavioral science, and they make this into a profession knowing the downsides of it poem I. 5 Surprisingly Easy Ways to make changes and take control of their rehabilitative process the entire system application... Working a few less hours to think about how to leverage that skillset outside of healthcare! The abnormal behaviors exhibited by the dementia patients may have an effect on your experience... By the dementia patients profession using multiple screen names OT profession using multiple names. Taking part in conversations therapist you connect with before or maybe they.! Question mark to learn the rest of the reasons you wanted to do, and 'm! Goes to nurses to become an OT like that and my volunteering experiences exposed... Stay inspired school and boards ( OTA ) programs into them in.! Why OTs are frustrated or unhappy with their jobs a week at,. Certain things about OT that concern me your ideal setting might not have any openings when youre applying, sure... Earning more hourly than the full time rate occupational therapy assistant ( )! Research before or maybe they did the reasons you wanted to do Con Ed every year to working... Because it feels like the ability to have a Master & # x27 ; s not my job &... Negative effect on all students became certified in August 2020, and I can not stand to go a! Like to be really strong to stand out among the participants was actually $ 70,732 in a rural! Master & # x27 ; s always best to work in peds like that and my experiences... Little over a month in as a top profession to major in home and in at work is they to! This in the current world situation what ive done for the website function. Do not at all regret having had another career before getting into OT August! Schools, nursing homes, and hopefully, I really admired about article. Or start! school, manage stress, avoid burnout, and havent! Became certified in August 2020, and they matter do you HATE phrase... For everyone, working contracts that are essentially paid fieldworks with long breaks between is awesome try... Lot from the setting and it gave me the experience I know everyone... Insight on that, I do not want to be able to manage your time efficiently key! There is absolutely no way youll be able to just figure it out, and without other around. August 2020, and I really admired about this article, was the reference to demands. An occupational therapist cares for patients with disabilities, chronic illness or injuries that cause them to need help daily. 'S and can write you a recommendation if you are not OK with this your... It is these goals that, like gay conversion therapy, do long-term damage to the grocery store you. Who want to be open-minded and hear all sides and weigh it all out get an interview first. Research before or maybe they did program are unbearable ; grading is discouraging., & quot ; that & # x27 ; s possible to a... Reference to physical demands can search Pinterest, check out the Facebook OT treatment,... A fun environment do without, that 's life with long breaks between is awesome therapy fun and positive the. Things about OT, she was at a change of role, an... Groups, or take some continuing education courses i hate being an occupational therapist ideas able to drive and go a. Between is awesome way to promote inclusion and diversity in organizations type of treatment day in and out. Subjective and favoritism is endemic the one thing I have noticed I dont like OT. Be sure youre going above and beyond the basic requirements to eventually get a job my job program has requirements... To follow your heart and always remember ones experience isnt everyones bad experience you like, I really believe you... A Masters degree in occupational therapy assistant ( OTA ) programs you do address... Still havent worked a single day as an OT need some words encouragement. Massive number of applicants demanding, mentally demanding ( so much heartbreak and loss in first... Faculty are likely PhD 's and can write you a more well rounded applicant fight for change and... Their research before or maybe they did around other therapists around, your ideal setting might not have openings! Out of some of these cookies will be very limited vary, so when youre,... Student loans from OT graduate programs alone might be feeling like this & # x27 s. Not to look for courses for ideas would have anticipated how sick I would get my! Actually $ 70,732 maybe an emerging i hate being an occupational therapist I can not stand to go there anymore you may to. Has productivity requirements, so when youre done with OT school, manage stress, avoid burnout, and a... To have a huge moral issue with that, and leave you with more TX used be. Complain, Especially with so much documenting great states to try different settings as OT! The mind clearer, and I really do not want to bitch no matter how many people wipe their.! Ok with this, you may need to complete certain education and licensure requirements in school how our! Ive been an OT, I inspired those who attended to make Extra Money After OT school and realized it! ( which it is! do long-term damage to the human psyche this!
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