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

[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. 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. Except for all the Medicare guidlines which can be a pain to deal with.

Amen to that!!