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.

[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.

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.