Changing careers, OT/PT/Social Work/Counselor?

[Syndirelah]

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to plug the collective wisdom of the board....

I currently work as a military bandsman (bandswoman...!), a career for which I have worked very hard. But it's looking like looming budget cuts will affect my position within the next few years, and I'm researching alternative career routes. I do love music and performing, but I'd like to move into a field that isn't so isolating and where I can interact and help people.

My father passed away a few years ago after battling leukemia, and I left grad school and moved home to help out at the time. I spent a year sitting in the hospital, meeting and watching social workers, doctors, OT's/PT's, counselors.. and I really appreciated the work they did.

Ive been researching pre-requisites and programs, and I'm wondering if anyone with experience in any of these fields can offer insight? I've read that social work is often too exhausting and the burn out rate is high, plus a poor salary in relation to the level of education. So I'm leaning towards the other ideas, and my current interest is to work in a mental health or hospital setting. Any ideas on how to go about shadowing current professionals? Or how to find a volunteer position?

I have a Bachelor of music and a master of music degree, both with good grades, but lack LOTS of science pre-requisites. I can receive Tuition Assistance that will pay for courses towards a one-time certification. Does anyone know of a certificate that will satisfy degree requirements for some of these programs?? (For example... what is a certified Medical Assistant??). I will also receive the GI Bill, which will/should cover most tuition for the grad program.

Anyone who can offer some guidance, I appreciate your wisdom very much!!

Jen

[Owlie]

PMing you, at least with possible PT. Maybe give someone there a call and tell them about your background and what you want to do?

[Chicken Little]

If I were doing it again with medicine, I would become an ultrasound tech. Period.

I'm an RN.

[oxysback]

How cool! My sister and her husband, and my dad (who is now retired), are/were career Air Force Band members. Wonder if you know them? My sister and her hubby are stationed at Travis currently.

[NbyNW]

I have a friend who is a music therapist. I don't know much about it, but it sounds like something that could combine your background as well as your new interests.

[Catrin]

I have a friend who is a music therapist. I don't know much about it, but it sounds like something that could combine your background as well as your new interests.

+1 on this idea. I've a very talented nephew who is on this path - much to the chagrin of my sister (who thinks he should be on a more lucrative path). Music therapists seem to have a very unique place and are able to do a lot of good!

[Crankin]

I am a career changer; I was a teacher for 31 years, I went back to school to get a degree in clinical mental health counseling. I went to school full time for 3 years, as I wanted a program with 2 internships.
I looked at a lot of quasi medical fields. But, I didn't have the science background and I don't even like science... even though I think I would do fine as a PT or ultra sound person! I always liked the emotional aspect of teaching, working with families, etc. The other teachers hated "morning meeting" where we shared stuff, and I loved it.
So, here's my take on it. I also looked at social work programs, but their path to the same end is a little different. A lot of social workers do "case work," not clinical work. If social worker wants to have a private practice there are considerable post degree requirements to get the independent license. Of course, there are many career paths without it. With a degree in "professional counseling," basically you graduate with a masters and can take your licensing exam any time after that. You do have to work the equivalent of full time for 2 years (3300 hours), at least in my state, to get your license. But, you can work in a clinic, doing counseling. My take is that my degree is a bit more clinically focused than social work, from the get go.
Do I make a lot of money? No, not now. But, once I am licensed, I can do whatever I want. Since I am "older," I probably will not open a practice, but I will have the flexibility of joining a group practice, and just working a couple of days a week. That is the best thing about this field; you have flexibility and you don't even need to work at one place. You can put together whatever you want.
The work is demanding. If you have any "stuff" related to your own mental health or relationships, etc., you need to work on that. In fact, most programs encourage or require their students to be in therapy. You also need to know how to separate yourself from your work. Cycling is the perfect antidote.
Just a thought. My university has one of the best programs in the country in expressive therapy. You get your degree in music therapy/expressive arts and also take all of the classes I took for a counseling degree. There are other schools that have this, but I suggest you look up Lesley University in Cambridge, MA, to get an idea of what expressive therapists do. It's much more marketable than a degree just in music therapy.

[sempronialou]

Seeing as how you have a degree in music and are looking into the different types of therapies, have you considered Music Therapy? That is what I do. You could do a grad equivalency program that cuts out the undergrad work. You still have to do all the music therapy requirements and a 6 month internship afterwards. If you're interested, I can give you more info.

[Melalvai]

What branch are you in? What do you play? I was 02D--french horn player. It always cracked me up that they have a specific MOS for each of the instruments. I was in the Kansas Army National Guard (part timer!)

[PamNY]

No advice, but wanted to wish you good luck. I had a similar experience when my mom was ill -- the work of the OT was extraordinary (and very tough). I would certainly have looked into that as a career if I were younger.

Music therapy sounds like something you should consider. My mom lost most of her ability to speak, but she could still sing and enjoy music. Music was very important for her, and for other patients I met during her illness.

[Irulan]

One thing is for sure, I do NOT want a doctorate/PhD, or to work in academia.

PT (Physical Therapist) is a 5 year PhD program now, or it is at the U in my area that has the program. Now THAT is a well paying job once you get established.

I'd check and see how valid your credits are. If they are over a certain age, many colleges reject them and make you start all over.

[Crankin]

This was my second master's, and I was not the only one.
I do in home therapy with my clients and I have never felt unsafe. If you work for a supportive agency, the first thing they tell you is don't go if you feel unsafe. There are lots of different settings to use this degree in. Hospitals usually only hire social workers , though. Not psychiatric hospitals, regular ones.
I know several successful grads from Lesley who have thriving private practices, after just a few yrs. You do not need a PhD to be successful.

[indysteel]

This may be a longshot, but what about becoming a physician assistant? My understanding is that PA will likely be utilized more and more as our healthcare system changes.

[OakLeaf]

Well, this one wasn't on your list, but I've often said that if I had to start over again, I'd be an optometrist.

You're a health care professional with all that that entails. You get to work with people and genuinely improve the quality of their lives in a very tangible way. But if someone has a serious issue you refer them out, and there's nothing you ever have to deal with at 3 a.m. :D :D

[indysteel]

Well, this one wasn't on your list, but I've often said that if I had to start over again, I'd be an optometrist.

You're a health care professional with all that that entails. You get to work with people and genuinely improve the quality of their lives in a very tangible way. But if someone has a serious issue you refer them out, and there's nothing you ever have to deal with at 3 a.m. :D :D

That's funny. I've thought the same thing myself. My eye doctor laughs at me because I ask SO many questions when I see him (and I have a lot of eye issues). But I find it all so fascinating.

[Wahine]

PT (Physical Therapist) is a 5 year PhD program now, or it is at the U in my area that has the program. Now THAT is a well paying job once you get established.

I'd check and see how valid your credits are. If they are over a certain age, many colleges reject them and make you start all over.

Both the education requirements and pay vary quite a bit. I am an experienced therapist and I don't make any more per hour than a Journeyman carpenter does around here. I am not dissing carpenters, I'm just comparing my income to a job that costs a lot less to get into and requires less education.

I have a friend that graduated a few years ago with a Doctorate in PT, her student loan was $130 000 when she graduated and she is struggling to pay back her loan and her rent.

I'm not trying to discourage you from PT. I love it. I just wanted to point out some realities.

Now, a PT assistant program is shorter in time and costs less. I have had a couple of friends do that and they are quite happy.

[sempronialou]

When I went for my undergrad for Music Therapy, I had no guitar skills, and very little piano. That's why they have you take guitar and piano classes in addition to your other classes. I also took lessons on top of those classes on my own time to get some extra help. You will also learn some other basic classroom type instruments. I have pretty decent guitar skills now after 10 years in the field, but I mostly use guitar. I feel pretty confident on it. My piano skills are kind of weak. It's not something I use as much since I'm mobile and can't drag a keyboard around. But in our scope of practice, we have to be functional. It doesn't mean you have to be Les Paul or Billy Taylor.

Anyway, if you are interested, find a music therapist in your area to job shadow for a day. It will give you an idea if this is something you'd like to pursue. If you were in my area, I'd be more than happy to take you around for a day.

As you go through the program, you'll get a better idea of what population, setting, and age group you want to work in. You'll get lots of field experience through observation and practicum. Then during your internship, you will get to work in a setting of your choice. It will be a chance to sharpen your musical and therapeutic skills. It is a growing field, and I see jobs popping up quite often.

Here is some more information from the American Music Therapy Association: http://www.musictherapy.org/

You will be able to find a music therapist in your area and programs that will work for you. I love what I do. There are some days that it can be challenging and tough, but to see the responses I get from patients I work with. To help lift someones mood, decrease their anxiety, decrease their physical pain, or lets me know I'm doing the right thing. The music therapy profession is not for everybody, but it can very rewarding.

If you have specific questions, feel free to ask.

[ridenread]

Hi, I am an OT and would highly recommend it! I am a pediatric OT and have spend most of my 26 years as a therapist working in early intervention. There are so many opportunities for OT's in so many different settings. You can find OT's in schools, hospitals in several departments, mental health clinics, rehab clinics, early intervention and even some optometrists hire OT's!

I would suggest calling the OT department at facilities near you and asking if you can shadow a therapist for a day. Let them know that you are considereing a career change and want to learn more about OT.
Be sure to check out OT's in a variety of settings to get a full idea of all the things the profession can offer.

[Crankin]

As far as I know, from my friends who were in my counseling classes, those in the expressive therapy program did not have such a rigorous practice schedule! At least, at Lesley, it seems they are more concerned with using the arts as a vehicle for therapeutic experiences. You don't even have to be an "expert" to enter the program, as they have an integrated arts track that I considered applying to, using writing as my main expressive art. The one person I know well (she works for my agency) that went through the ET program, was in the art track. She did not have a undergrad degree in art, but she was talented. She does the same job as me; just a different way of getting there.

[Wahine]

My friends that did PTA did it full time. It is a good compromise. You can do all the treatments, just not evaluation and treatment plan changes. And if you have a good job with education support, the ongoing growth you can experience while working is great.

[solobiker]

I am an OT have been one for over 18 years. I have only worked with the geriatric population and love it.:D Except for all the Medicare guidlines which can be a pain to deal with. The pay is not too bad depending upon where you practice...Hospital vs Nursing Home vs Home Care. There a lots of options. I too second the assistant programs. I have worked with many PTAs and COTAs that love their jobs and they say they like the fact that they don't have to do the evaluations, care plans...etc so they can spend more tme with their patients.

On a side note...and this is just me..I don't know with the way the health care field is going if there will be a strong "need" for music therapy. I am not knocking it at all...I just have seen a lot of changes and cut backs. Good luck with your decision. Let me know if I can answer any OT based questions.

[Wahine]

I am an OT have been one for over 18 years. I have only worked with the geriatric population and love it.:D Except for all the Medicare guidlines which can be a pain to deal with.

Amen to that!!

[sempronialou]

Sempro, Thanks very much for your response and your insight into Music Therapy. I would enjoy learning guitar, but the thought of more piano lessons (after three years of class piano) makes me sick! I have two main concerns with the MT route. I have spent the better part of my adult life in a practice room, and to be honest I'm really tired of it. I practiced a lot in graduate school, sometimes 6-7 hours/day (in addition to either full time school and working) when an audition was coming up. I gave it everything good I had to offer, and I got lucky and landed a job. But looking back, it has taken a pretty large toll on me personally.
Secondly, I really don't want to have the typical gypsy life of a musician.. and I to not want to be perpetually scrambling. I like routine, schedules, stability. In my heart of hearts, had I a second life (and infinitely more talent) I would love to sing/play guitar... but the last few years in search of a music job were incredibly taxing and demanding. I would hate to gain education in MT and be in the same situation. (and maybe this is just my bias). But maybe you can tell me that I am entirely wrong!
Jen

Since you've already been the requirements and prerequisites in music, you would not have to go through the jury process like undergrad and all that stuff. You could probably test out of class piano. You'd be going through a grad equivalency program. You'd still have to take the required undergrad music therapy courses, do your practicum, and 6 month internship once it is all done. On top of that, there'd be grad level classes as well. I know it sounds overwhelming, but I'm trying to lay it out. It sounds to me that you go burned out in music school, and I don't blame you. It burned me out a bit. I was so glad when I finished all my requirements.

Music Therapy is not for everyone, but I kind of got the feeling that it would combine all your interests. Do some observation and job shadowing in each field to get feeling of how it feels and what you want to pursue.