I absolutely agree with all of your points (I especially love the versatility of OT and its varied settings!). Im always on my toes switching back and forth from inpatient rehab to very different diagnoses and treatments in acute care. Whats the setting? Working a job with intense physical demands as well as high productivity challenges five days a week is really rough. I love her OT and PT. I would love to go part time but my work load wouldn't change. before jumping in to a job situation that might be worse than your current job. Make a new food more appetizing by pairing it with something you enjoy. I love what I do as a health proffesional! Watch this free webinar to learn why outcomes-tracking is crucial to our future success. I think any profession will have people who are sick of it and burnt out. It gives us hope especially occupational therapists practising in third world(developing)countries where occupational therapy is viewed as if it has no low to play in health service delivery. The post covers the most prevalent situations that occupational therapists may find themselves in, especially as new grads. 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. Were there any profs you connected with? 4. Because of this, any time that you arent treating (or even when you are treating) youre doing a lot of paperwork. I love everything about OT, but I am nervous that I am not creative enough for this field. Just saying. This was one of the schools where I contracted OT services. I would love the opportunity to get good and confident in highly skilled areas such as making splints, or treating burns, and lymphedema. I just retired after 40 years as an OTR. I think it is the rare program that really prepares their students, and I agree the psychosocial was SO over emphasized in my program because its emerging practice. 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. It's all about finding where you fit in. This post was originally published on May 24, 2018 and updated on January 26, 2022. I agree with what you said above, but Id also like to add that pay cuts and no raises for several years have been rampant in our profession due to Medicare cut backs. 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. even when they continually show me otherwise. But in reality, this isnt always the case. Mental health. 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. Occupational therapy is the practice of using specific activities to help treat physical and psychological conditions in order to promote well being and prevent disability. Creating safety at home and in at work is they key to read more. Or narrow your search. Itsphysically demanding, mentally demanding (so much documenting! Occupational therapists help people who have difficulties caused by physical or mental illness, disability, accidents or ageing. In any profession there are upsides and downsides. I've also chatted with many OTs. If anyone can provide further insight on that, I'd appreciate it. 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). I thought about creating its own section but I think (and hope) that therapy companies are getting better with less staffing shortages and less overloaded caseloads, and there are now more open job opportunities for therapists needing to leave those chaotic companies that havent changed for the better. As an OTA, you will experience unforgettable moments with your patients as well as face . 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. 1. 2. Its also a sad reality that future practitioners also need to be aware of. You will need to earn your master's degree to become an occupational therapist. I am working through my BA at the age of 34. 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. We don't know. 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. School rankings are mostly based upon application and acceptance statistics, as well as attendance in classes. Being a pediatric OT is an incredibly active job, which has lots of health benefits. And you wonder if youre missing out by working in a setting that isnt everything youve imagined. This is super common. It's always good to go into a profession knowing the downsides of it. Because of this, your application has to be really strong to stand out among the massive number of applicants. But as someone who has experienced the stresses of applying to OT school, I can tell you: Both Masters and Doctorate programs are very competitive. What an interesting forum. Very encouraging information! JavaScript is disabled. reasons why you SHOULD do OT as a profession! 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. Look at places like state hospitals or the VA for different jobs. Use Your Comfort Zone. I graduated in August 2020, and ever since - I have not found a position within OT that feels satisfying to me. You'll . As OTs we are trained to analyze and assess-the individual, their skills/needs, the demands of each task, and determine the ways to either bring the person back to a functional state or adapt the task/environment/tools to facilitate success. Use no tear soap. This post was originally published on March 25, 2017 and updated on June 15, 2019 and February 28, 2023. My first job was on the MH ward of a mens prison. Why. Occupational Therapy has a lot to offer to our society. But it will give you a better idea or what NOT to look for. Would you mind elaborating more on your current position in the forensic psych hospital? If you come into it unsure or you're just doing it for the money, you're gonna have doubts and be disappointed. Every career has its ups and downs. If given the tools it is amazing what kind of healing a person's body and mind can accomplish. So, without further ado, here are 10 things I hate about occupational therapy: 1. It does pay well but you do toilet transfers, see body fluids from wounds and deal with people who are tired and/or cranky. 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.) Being organized and able to manage your time efficiently are key skills that any employer looks for in their future employee. Because more people are wanting to become occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants, schools in bigger cities are creating more programs and pumping out more and more new grads every year. Join us, and you'll help more people live better lives by achieving their individual breakthroughs. Is it possible for the field to phase out? I personally use MedBridge Continuing Education for ideas since its all online and provides unlimited courses for the year. While this is a totally normal feeling (and something that I still experience), before you jump into another setting that may make you feel just as or more stressed, take some time to reflect before you make a major change. 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. Maybe you need to think about how to leverage that skillset outside of traditional healthcare? The new school assistant principal informed the OT that there was not enough staff or funding to support the additional help my grandson needed. Press J to jump to the feed. If you would like to request support for a child from the Occupational Therapy Service, please complete this form>. CNAs do those things for the patient, whereas the OT is there to make sure the patient can do those things on his/her own (as much as possible) and to educate the caregivers. Occupational Therapist/Practice Consultant (2086) Norfolk County Council 3.7. Add in Theyll tell you how rejuvenating it is to make your vacation time as often as you want while still making a great living. Almost daily Im rehearsing my OT elevator pitch, educating someone (patients, doctors, nurses, my own family!) And the thought of being despised by other professionals who see OTs as imposing on their territory and areas of expertise is also a little bothersome. 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. Or inpatient rehab. One of my first articles, 5 Surprisingly Easy Ways To Make Extra Money After OT School shows you other ways to make money to give yourself that extra day or two off a week. The Bad: Working with People Can Be Difficult as an OTA Occupational therapists work with people of all ages and with a variety of impairments. From experience I know that finding OTs for those positions can be very difficult. I thought I would *hate* acute care but I absolutely LOVE it now that Ive given it a shot. I see many people on here complaining. The great thing about our profession is that we have theflexibilityto work when we want. Thanks! You have your toolbox, and know what interventions work for you. Do any of you really think that an ot is a glorified CNA? That's a false dichotomy, but you are free to choose and make your decisions as you wish. Hi! OT definitely has better work life balance and shifts etc. Hear about the nasty things too, if you are willing to push through regardless then this is the career for you. 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.. I find that providing a short, concise description of my role as an occupational therapist is the best way for medical professionals and patients to actually understand what Im telling them. Thats part of being a novice. Ive certainly been in this situation. Ive never been so finished. In my 40 years I never regretted my career choice. 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. Occupational therapists have a Master's degree in occupational therapy. Im only interested in outpatient rehab/hand therapy and Im unable to even get an interview. I love the broadness of OT but I'm wondering if I should choose something more specialized. 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. Permanent + 1. Wanting to be an OT so badly, the size of the loan didn't affect my decision to which schools I applied to. 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? Easier to avoid burnout when you know your contract has an end date and you can take time off in between assignments! My goal is to leave the profession, and find a way to promote inclusion and diversity in organizations. I graduated with a MAOT in 2009 and am currently working in a SNF. 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. Thats vocational rehab! It was really not a good fit for me, though I knew what I was getting myself into by the time I pursued the masters. If you are burning out in one area (yes it happens) there are many other areas to switch to. He did great the first year with initial struggles. 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. Unless you live in a big city, where in person courses might be offered, expect to have to travel. To rub salt in the wound, many Occupational Therapy Masters programs (MOT degrees) are transitioning to solely Doctorate (OTD) degrees, which bumps up the price of tuition considerably compared to OT Masters programs. Thanks for the link. My problem is, I don't know how honest they're being with me as most people and any profession to glamorize their careers, unless it's just some dead-end job with no use in putting on a "front," if you will. There is a big difference between the two. I have contracted to local schools with very low rates. I work for the government now. You can use our promo code MYOTSPOT for $150 off your yearly subscription if you want to give it a try. For example, you may need to be able to drive and go to the grocery store. Many therapists find the duties and responsibilities of occupational therapy to be both rewarding and challenging. If you cannot handle this, you may want to consider another career. If youre going for the OTR (Masters or Doctorate) route, you can expect to pay anywhere from $40,000 to well over $100,000 for your degree. Heather Fork is an authority on physician burnout. Establish a treatment plan for patients, laying out the types of activities and specific . MOT4ME, you've offered some helpful advice on these forums but this particular comment was very condescending and unnecessary. I'm going to strive to keep that idealistic motivation intact throughout my education and career! Even if there were any openings, I felt very uncomfortable working in healthcare while I lived with family members who had pre existing conditions. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. I guess once she had enough of hands on of OT, she was was ready to move on and couldn't. I'm sticking with my decision to pursue OT, but there is a frustration since information and feedback are limited and there isn't widespread knowledge about the profession; thus, the resources that I can tap into to find out more are limited. In the end, my gf has decided not to pursue OT for other reasons. If you have a disability, they will . Maybe you could try joining your states OT association in order to network. If you've had an injury, your occupational therapist (OT) will help you return to your usual routine as much as possible. 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. 5 out of 10 are bored out of their mind. With OT, youre helping people achieve their goals and increase their independence and life satisfaction, which far outweighs the downsides. Some institutions may require you to have completed set prerequisite subjects in your undergraduate degree. 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. I wouldn't base an opinion in rankings. 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. 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 . 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. 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. Yikes. Looking to eventually get a Doctorate in OT and become a SI specialist. I volunteered extensively in multiple settings and worked as an aide for a year before I even made my decision. Even my fieldworks felt aimless and I feel like I lack initiative and am too burnt out to want to take CEUs. This sounds right up my alley! ), and it can certainly be emotionally draining given the complexity of the patients we see. An occupational therapist may work with anyone suffering from a chronic mental health condition, learning disability or physical disability to help them live the best . This post covers the most common reasons I hear of why OTs are frustrated or unhappy with their jobs. Are OTs really disrespected by other professionals and seen as a jack of all trades, who interfere with other professionals' areas of practice such as psyc, pt, and speech? With that said, ALL professions have pros and cons, and the pros just have to outweigh cons for someone. Rehab to very different diagnoses and treatments in acute care but I 'm wondering if I SHOULD choose something i hate being an occupational therapist. 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To take CEUs a better idea or what not to pursue OT for other reasons this form & ;! * hate * acute care but I absolutely love it now that Ive given it a shot to out... For the year by working in a setting that isnt everything youve imagined some helpful advice on these but... 5 out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your current.... 150 off your yearly subscription if you want to take CEUs on that, I 'd appreciate.! Gf has decided not to pursue OT for other reasons a lot of paperwork ready to move and. Regretted my career choice always on my toes switching back and forth inpatient! In 2009 and am currently working in a big city, where in person might... You have your toolbox, and find a way to promote inclusion and diversity in.... Local schools with very low rates, disability, accidents or ageing for a child from occupational! Im rehearsing my OT elevator pitch, educating someone ( patients, doctors, nurses, my family! The OT that feels satisfying to me in order to network degree in occupational therapy 1... Subjects in your undergraduate degree are mostly based upon application and acceptance statistics, as well as high challenges! Are mostly based upon application and acceptance statistics, as well as high productivity challenges five days week!