Donald Said:

which career do you think would be better for me: social work vs occupational therapy ?

We Answered:

Occupational Therapy is an art & a science.
Helps enable people to perform everyday activities, a lot that we take for granted, such as putting on our socks or taking a shower. OTs help people lead independent lives, which is very rewarding. You can work in: Hospitals, Hospice Care, Outpatient Clinics, Rehab Clinics, Mental Health, Community Centers, Rural Health, Schools....etc. Types of patients/dx you might see: Autism, Amputation, Disfigurement, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, Quadrapalygic, Cardiac issues, Dementia...the list goes on. There is a shortage of OTs nation wide, and this will increase as the baby boomers age.

The best thing I can suggest, and I absolutely suggest it, is go job shadow with an OT to see exactly what they do. I am job shadowing with 3 OTs right now, and there is far more to it than I had first thought. I have to have 30 hours of observations before I can get accepted into the OT program.

My mom on the other hand, loves her job too. She works in ICU & on the neuro floor at a hospital. My mom is very dedicated to her work, and usually puts in about a 10+ hour day. She has to see a lot, and deal with/make decisions for people. The pay for an OT will be higher, and you will be a practioner. In social work, my mom sets up transfers for people, hotlines people who she thinks are neglecting/abusing their kids, and she works closely with the healthcare team. She rotates with other social workers to be "on call" over the weekends/nights. (Does not mean you would be at another health setting).

I really think you should go job shadow with both OT and Social Work to see which you could see yourself doing. They both are one-on-one, but OTs are hands on. Good luck with your decision!

Connie Said:

Observational work experience for Occupational therapy in the UK?

We Answered:

Try a day centre they are very helpful with placements

Travis Said:

Besides a hospital, where can i do occupational therapy for work experience?

We Answered:

We have occupational therapy offices in our town, you don't need to be in the hospital.

Zachary Said:

Where do I find information on the importance of work life balance in occupational therapy?

We Answered:

Look into information by Gary Kielhofner and the "Model of Human Occupation." (MOHO) His is an occupational therapy frame of reference that focuses on the balance between work, play and self care as they are related to a person's values, roles, habits, etc. His work is highly respected int he field of occupational therapy, and you should find information about MOHO quite easily in occupational therapy literature.

Good luck.

Herman Said:

Masters in Social Work vs. Occupational Therapy?

We Answered:

Both of these are great choices. I am a Special Ed. teacher and my sister is a Social Worker so I have some experience with both of these occupations. I think that, all other things being equal (your interest level, abilities, and the like) you should consider Occupational Therapy. I think that there will be more and more jobs available in the field -- particularly for someone with experience and willingness to work with students with Autism. In general, the salary scale for O.T.s is probably going to be better as well.
Good luck with whatever you choose.

Lucy Said:

what is a good fallback plan if occupational therapy doesn't work out?

We Answered:

Occupational therapy is increasing in demand in most areas, such you should be OK. Can you do any internships (even unpaid) so that you get experience? Volunteer at a local rehabilitation hospital or veteran's hospital--they can always use volunteers. With all the wounded vets coming home and the aging population, it's a great field. I would also take some related classes if you can, just to get more exposure in case you want to cross-train in other areas.