Willard Said:

Where can I go to gain volunteer/observation experience in occupational therapy?

We Answered:

hospitals are pretty much your best bet, although this would entail the TB test, paperwork, background check etc. I know it sounds like a pain in the butt, but think of it as a way to get into the OT program. Like a stepping stone. It really isn't that bad.
places you could possibly shadow:
outpatient clinic
hospital
school - i did most of my hours in a school setting
mental health facility

Terry Said:

Occupational Therapy School and Height?

We Answered:

Nope, if they do its called discrimination. One of the best Physical Therapists I had was 4'11".

Her table was lower then most, so she was in high demand for people that are in wheelchairs. Also if you learn Physical therapy, you will learn you use your body weight not your muscles.

Brett Said:

Anybody here in school for Occupational Therapy?

We Answered:

Occupational therapy is a Masters entry program at this time. I was out of undergrad for three years before returning to school in an OT program. I was a good student in undergrad and enjoyed college. I found graduate work quite challenging and had to work much harder then I ever had in undergrad. The learning curve was much steeper and the expectations were much higher. It was certainly doable, but it was a challenge. The career made school completely worth it though.

Natalie Said:

Does anyone know anything about occupational Therapy ?

We Answered:

I would think that would be an option, but unless you want to wait until you're out of grad-school to become an occupational therapist, well I certainly wouldn't do it that way. I'm a bit confused why you wouldn't major in occupational therapy now, rather than sociology, and after 4 years jump right into your field. Unless it's different in a particular area than as in a rehabilitation center...let's say at a nursing home, the sociology degree wouldn't really be valuable.

Daniel Said:

How long do you have to go to school for occupational therapy?

We Answered:

am not sure about the average salary, but I can tell you how much my friend makes $45/hour when she works at local nursing homes and about $70 per home health visit (visits are generally 45 minutes). I will say, on average, you get paid more when you work at a nursing home. I have another friend who is working in a private school for autistic children and she makes $42/hour. she went to school for 7 years - 4 years of undergrad and 3 years of grad school, however many schools are offering a 2 + 3 year program (2 years of undergrad pre-requisites and then the 3 years of grad school and you graduate with an entry level master's degree. The anatomy classes (especially neuro-anatomy) were pretty tough, but if you really applied yourself, they were fine. Everyone passed in here class - you had to have a C+ average to graduate.

witch is wierd


Good Luck!

Stella Said:

How to tell if an occupational therapy school is a combined bachelors and masters program?

We Answered:

Here is a link to all of the MOT schools in the US. It lists where it is a combined BS/MOT or an entry level MS.

http://www.aota.org/Students/Schools/Ent…

Tommy Said:

What work should one do while getting master's in Occupational Therapy. Should I invest in becoming an asst?

We Answered:

NO no Pamela, DO not become a COTA!!! save your money and your time and go straight to OT school!!! In the long run, the pay off will be higher. The truth is that I have NEVER worked with a COTA who does not regret their decision to go to COTA school versus OT school. Nor have I ever worked with an OTR who started off as a COTA. You do not need the experience ahead of time (you will need some volunteer hours to get into OT school).

Good luck, go for the real thing!!