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

[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.

[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.