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Show Your Appreciation for Occupational Therapy

They put the FUN in FUNctional

From the lens I want to be an Occupational Therapist!.

I created this lens as a tool for people interested in a career in occupational therapy. When I began my journey, I quickly noticed that this field, which has recently began booming with an influx of interested individuals, has relatively few tools available to the general public about career opportunities.

Here is your opportunity to post your comments, questions, or general observations of this page. If there is something you were hoping to find but didn't, please let me know that too so that through collaboration and expansion, this lens will become an extensive resource for planning a career in the OT field.

(Please note that in order to filter spam, your post will not automatically display, but it should normally be posted within 48 hours.)

  • Christina Apr 14, 2012 @ 2:05 pm | delete
    I noticed that there is no specialization for adults (non geriatric). Is it reasonable to pursue OT if I'm interested in working with adults with Aspergers and autism. Or will there not be any work for me if this is my specialty? Also, do some OT's also get certified as Expressive Arts, Music, or Drama therapists?
  • cherangelry Apr 14, 2012 @ 5:02 pm | delete
    There may not be a "specialization" for working with adults on the autistic spectrum, but that doesn't mean there aren't opportunities available. Right now the population of adults isn't nearly as large as it will be in the decades to come so I would imagine the demand for this type of specialty may one day make itself more mainstream. Right now it falls under the category of "emerging practice areas". As OT develops and adapts to the needs of the populations we serve, it is being applied in new and diverse ways. Also, keep in mind that even if you "specialize" in school or choose a more specific area of practice after you graduate and are licensed, you can work in ANY area/specialty without additional training. Also keep in mind that the outline of specializations on this page is a general overview and in no way comprehensive. If you are looking for a more comprehensive resource, I would suggest purchasing Willard and Spackman's Occupational Therapy - 10th Edition (listed as the Featured Resource above).

    And, yes, some OTs also get certified in other disciplines, however it can get tricky to hold multiple certifications due to billing purposes in varying environments. For example, sometimes insurance will not re-imburse for co-treatments (which if you are one therapist utilizing two therapists, it creates a similar situation). More often though, OTs hone their skills in utilizing tools such as music and other creative interventions to accomplish functional goals.

    The other piece to consider before pursuing dual certifications is that each discipline writes discipline-specific documentation and it may be more trouble than it's worth jumping back and forth in your mindset. (Trust me, documentation is a pain enough, much less doubling it with another discipline's responsibilities). But, like I mentioned above, it is possible. Some carry dual certifications and wouldn't have it any other way. It may be worth keeping as an option, but personally if I were you, I would explore first the intervention tools you can use within OT and then explore further certifications if you feel you need them to accomplish your career goals and serve your preferred population.

    Thanks for the great questions and so excited to see people getting pumped about this amazing profession!
  • Lisa Feb 23, 2012 @ 2:24 pm | delete
    I love this, so helpful. As for the pre-req courses, are those what generally you need to complete BEFORE you apply to a master's program?? Thanks!
  • cherangelry Mar 19, 2012 @ 6:48 pm | delete
    You need to at least be on track to complete all of your pre-requisite courses by the time the Master's program begins. For example, if it starts in the fall, you should plan to have them all done by the previous summer semester. It's cutting it close, but trust me it happens (I know because that's how I did it!)
  • SmartyGirlRenee Feb 18, 2012 @ 1:07 pm | delete
    my awesome mom-in-law is an occupational therapist. she does yoga to stay fit. what do you recommend?
  • cherangelry Mar 19, 2012 @ 6:46 pm | delete
    I love yoga too! But I also love walking, swimming, and strength training for keeping in shape. This job is certainly physical in nature and I have to be ready for almost anything!
  • sarahrk Jan 5, 2012 @ 7:02 pm | delete
    This Sounds like an interesting career. What kind of degree do you need for this.
  • cherangelry Mar 19, 2012 @ 6:43 pm | delete
    You either need an associates degree in occupational therapy to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) or a masters degree in occupational therapy to become a Occupational Therapist.
  • amana0409 Jan 4, 2012 @ 7:50 am | delete
    Hi, Thank you very much for this information its very informativr. I am student looking towards a MA in OT now I am currently doing my BA in English:writing concentration/adolscence education and I have a few questions:

    1) By attending a prestigious school would it advanced me in landing a job or a higher salary or growth in the field? For example, I like Columbia University but its expensive even though they have a scholarship program and I am still wondering if I should go for it.

    2) Can you choose more than 1 speciality? When I go for my MA is my concentration my speciality?

    3) I still don't quite get what Geriatric specialty does for patients?

    4) How do I explain the difference between an OT and a PT?

    5) Can OT reach to high postions like director?

    6) Can we go into research postions that research in new ways of helping the patients' with their issues etc.?

    7) Which setting is the most paid and will give me flexibility? What is the highest pay an OT can receive?

    8) I want to know how creative an Ot can get? Is there certain protocols you have to follow or do you create the therapy that is best fit for the patient?

    9) I would like work with children and adolscent with or without diabilities and disorders which speciality do you think is right for me?

    10) I really need some volunteer experience, do where I can shadow an OT?

    Any advice and tips will be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for your help. ;)
  • cherangelry Mar 19, 2012 @ 6:40 pm | delete
    Thanks for all the questions and I will do my best to respond.

    1) Not really. Your earning in this field really relies on the area you choose to work in and your determination to make yourself an expert. Areas which are more difficult to work in such as home health and skilled nursing facilities tend to pay more. As long as you go to an accredited school and pass your certification exam, no one cares where you got your degree.

    2) Some programs are set up to give you a "specialty" area such as pediatrics, hand therapy, etc., however once you are certified as an OT, you are able to re-define your specialty at any time. For example, an OT who chooses to work in the school system for the first job can choose to work in a nursing home in 5 years or so. (This flexibility is one of my favorites about this profession!)

    3) A geriatric specialty just means that during your course of study you will focus on the aging population and the OT needs which may arise as a result of chronic illnesses, generalized weakness, adult-onset disorders, etc.

    4) There are many differences between OTs and PTs. PTs look at how the physical body is moving. They focus on specific body functions such as the amount of bending or stretching a specific joint can do. They look at balance capabilities and suggest mobility devices (like a walker, cane, etc.) that can help someone improve their mobility. Occupational Therapists are more concerned with what a person can do within their environment. For example, if someone has weakness in his/her legs, are they still able to perform personal care activities? What about the activities they enjoy doing? We look at a holistic view of the person in their environment and play problem-solver to allow for the highest level of participation in "occupational performance" (self care, leisure, etc. activities that the person needs or wants to do for themselves).

    5) OTs can have a ridiculous variety of titles, including director, CEO, owner, etc. There is quite literally no limit. This being said, it takes time, the right opportunities and of course, the right type of person to achieve this level of success.

    6) Research is very much encouraged, especially right now in the current climate of OT. We are always looking to increase our knowledge of evidence-based therapies and you can certainly get involved. Traditionally research happened primarily from the university professors, but there is a greater push for practitioners in every area of OT to be doing research to further our understanding of how OT works and what interventions are best. If you seek out opportunities, you will find them!

    7) There is no such thing as the "highest paid" exactly as it varies incredibly. Approximately $100,000 is near the top end but not really the top. As far as flexibility goes, it depends on what you mean. I would encourage you to investigate all settings as they are all unique in ways they are flexible. For example, if you work in a hospital, you may be able to flex your time for middle of the week errands more easily than in an outpatient setting but you give up occasional weekends and/or holidays to do so.

    8) OTs breath creativity, although the reigns on creativity vary within each setting and occasionally from employer to employer. As long as what you are doing is within your scope of practice and you are documenting it in a way that makes insurance want to reimburse you, I say go for it.

    9) I wish I could look into my crystal ball and tell you what is right for you, but you will have to figure that one out. The good news is no matter what you pick now, you can change your mind later!

    10) Since you are interested in children and adolescents, I would google pediatric outpatient clinics in your area and give them a call until you find someone who is willing to let you shadow. Another place to check out would be your local hospital. They will probably have you focus on the general adult population at first, but if you mention an interest in pediatrics they may be able to redirect you in that direction as well. Another place to check out OT in process is any skilled nursing homes in the area. Most OTs love sharing what we do because it's a great profession.

    Good luck!
  • Jan Rob Oct 12, 2011 @ 4:23 am | delete
    Healthcare education
    In today's environment, there is a shortage of Healthcare professionals in many countries.epecially in canada
  • cruiser123 Oct 3, 2011 @ 3:54 am | delete
    Nice lens for the guys who is seeking to make their career in therapy.It would be bery beneficial for them as tips provided are effective and creative.I have lenses on resume skills for professionals and beginners so as to create their resumes
  • Amanda Sep 26, 2011 @ 8:39 pm | delete
    So if I have an AA in Psychology, am I qualified to take the certification exam on the NBCOT site?
  • cherangelry Mar 19, 2012 @ 6:15 pm | delete
    Unfortunately, no. You have to have either an associates degree in an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program or a masters degree in Occupational Therapy to be certified to practice Occupational Therapy.
  • Melly012 Sep 12, 2011 @ 5:10 pm | delete
    Comprehensive resource you have here. Not everyone's cup of tea but is definitely a good profession to pursue.

    Melly Lifshitz
  • nolinel Jul 30, 2011 @ 1:55 pm | delete
    Great resource, thank you...
  • alohaturtle16 May 9, 2011 @ 1:27 am | delete
    Have very useful and great information, especially for people who just start looking into this interesting and exciting career. I love this website and please update it more often so we can obtain the latest news about OT. Thanks!
  • Margo_Arrowsmith Feb 2, 2011 @ 5:23 pm | delete
    Thanks for the information
  • darla Apr 26, 2010 @ 7:49 pm | delete
    I was wondering what school u suggest to go to become an OTA
  • cherangelry Aug 2, 2009 @ 5:11 pm | in reply to Toni | delete
    For every MSOT program I looked into, the BS degree did not have to be in a medically-related field. In fact, one of my current classmates got her undergrad degree in English! However, there are several pre-requisite courses that you may need to go take to supplement your original degree, which vary slightly by program.

    The length of programs vary slightly. Most of them are approximately 2.5 years. The first 2 years are intense year-round classes with lectures and hands-on experience mingled in. The last six months or so is a fieldwork section, which is much like an unpaid internship where you get to try out a couple of different settings.

    Unfortunately, I cannot comment or suggest any specific programs outside of the southeast. I would encourage you to look at the design of each program and evaluating it for how well it fits with your career aspirations. Definitely check out the AOTA website or feel free to message me again if you have more questions.
  • Toni Aug 2, 2009 @ 1:45 pm | delete
    Hi,
    I have a B.S. in elementary education and have recently become interested in OT (espeically for children). I have yet to look at the OT educational programs you mentioned (and will soon do that), but I was wondering if you could give further information on getting an MSOT? You said that an MSOT program is offered for those who got there undergrad degree in another field, but does that "other field" have to be medically related or can anyone w/ a B.S. start an MSOT program? Also, how long are MSOT programs (my guess is 2 years)? I got my teaching degree in AZ and currently live in MN, but will be moving back to the PHX area to pursue this field. Do you have any suggestions for me?

    Thank you so much!
  • spirituality Apr 16, 2009 @ 7:16 am | delete
    blessed by a squidangel
  • TherapyDept Mar 22, 2009 @ 9:58 am | delete
    Lovin' the Gingerbread Houses!
  • sherridan Feb 19, 2009 @ 2:36 am | delete
    What a comprehensive and useful site! I have recently formed a 'Career and Work Oracle' (http://www.squidoo.com/groups/career-site) and I should be honoured if you would submit this lens to the group.
    With thanks
    Sherridan
  • Spook Aug 6, 2008 @ 1:45 pm | delete
    Fantastic lens, full of great information.
  • NightSquid Jul 4, 2008 @ 7:12 am | delete
    Wow, You've done a really nice job here Cherangelry! 5 Stars
    Cheers
  • mulberry Jun 30, 2008 @ 8:41 pm | delete
    Great career info, this should be very helpful for those exploring this career field.
  • www.giftbird.com Jun 19, 2008 @ 12:55 am | delete
    I absolutely love your squidoo page. I am bookmarking for later use. I wish I found your page about a year ago when I started school since your resources are outstanding!
  • tdove Apr 16, 2008 @ 5:34 pm | delete
    Thanks for joining G Rated Lense Factory!

by

cherangelry

I am a recent graduate from the MSOT program at East Carolina University (Go Pirates! Argh!) While I was there, I completed my thesis comparing mediums... more »

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