Occupational Therapy, Cardiff University (1994) Answered May 10, 2018 Very hard work as you need to work hard academically, get on with patients, their families, consultants, nurses…. On top of the 40 hours a week for your Level II fieldwork, you can expect to spend several more hours per week treatment planning and researching, so outside work at this time is not recommended. But so is physical therapy school, nursing school, medical school, pharmacy school, physician’s assistant school, etc. I tell prospective occupational therapy students that if you have a solid GPA (preferably above a 3.5 to be competitive), get solid grades (mostly A’s) in your OT school prerequisites, especially in anatomy and physiology, AND you get accepted into OT school, you can totally handle OT school, and the challenge is absolutely worth it. As I began interviewing, I learned that some things were more important to certain schools than to others. That being said, depending on your academic strengths, OTA school may be easier for you than someone who is strong in subjects like economics and sociology and weak in science. They are required to earn an associate’s degree and pass the national certification exam before becoming a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). Career opportunities include: Occupational Therapy Assistants for acute and long term care facilities, schools and community agencies. We are glad to see you are interested in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program. I am in Occupational Therapy assistant school right now...If you think you have the drive to be an occupational therapist, it requires a Master's Degree, OTA requires an associates degree as of 2013, but it's suppose to be changing to a bachleor's next year. With that being said, the majority of occupational therapy school prerequisites are similar. Not only do OTAs enjoy careers devoted to helping others live their best lives, they can often make a pretty nice living in the process. And if you’re thinking about applying to occupational therapy school but still aren’t sure, what questions do you have? The CCRI Occupational Therapist Assistant Program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). This career field allows you to have a fruitful career while making a meaningful difference in the lives of countless children, adults, and seniors with disabilities. Program Information. However, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) only 4% of COTA work in an educational setting. In this article, I’ll go into what the challenging aspects of OT school are along with what you can expect throughout your OT program. Your Level II fieldwork is the point in school that you will really gain solid skills and a foundation to practice as an OT. But so is physical therapy school, nursing school, medical school, pharmacy school, physician’s assistant school, etc. Jacquelyn Nichols, Occupational Therapy Assistant Student Erie Community College, Williamsville, New York. If you have to work, it is possible to work a few hours part time until you start Level II fieldwork. ACOTE contact information is: ACOTE, c/o Accreditation Department, American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814-3449. If you’re considering a career in occupational therapy, now is the time to get started. The CCRI Occupational Therapist Assistant Program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site. The future is bright! What OT topics are you most interested in? Working in the occupational therapy field can be one of the most rewarding careers out there. You can expect to study several hours most evenings, often after eight hour days of classes and labs. We're celebrating their work for #OccupationalTherapyMonth. I get a lot of pre-occupational therapy readers here at My OT Spot, and a common question I get from the pre-OT crowd is, “Is occupational therapy school hard?”. You might also have to take an online elective during each fieldwork, which involves more homework outside of clinicals, which is tough but still doable. or in maintaining your GPA? As a state school, CCRI provides you with an affordable, high quality education for under $13,000, thousands of dollars less than other private schools. Talk to any OTA, though, and you’ll see the highly practical aspects of the job present a tremendous opportunity for multi-talented individuals who like achieving goals as much as they like caring for others. I was wondering if anyone has gone for this and what they think of it. In my experience, and in many OT graduate programs, the most challenging classes are front-loaded in the beginning of the programs. Competition is fierce, and most who apply for such programs do not get into them the first time they apply. And if you do choose to earn your OTR, you can advance within the field. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Every OT job in the adult setting – whether it’s acute care, inpatient rehab, outpatient therapy, or skilled nursing – will all have a productivity requirement. Pediatric occupational therapy assistants have an opportunity to make a positive difference in young lives who could use a helping hand and a smile. Yes, Occupational Therapist Assistants can work in schools. The short answer is: YES, occupational therapy school is hard. While it’s not easy, the OT school curriculums do do a good job of providing you a solid foundation as you begin your occupational therapy career. I did not work at all during both of my Level II fieldworks, which I’ll go into next. I created this article to provide an overview of OTA salaries in the US. If you’re considering a new career in healthcare, you love kids, and you don’t want to spend years in school, consider becoming a pediatric OTA. For example, an electrician must complete three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. If you want to learn more about occupational therapy school, be sure to also check out these resources. OT school is not for people who just want a career that pays well. I was wondering if anyone has gone for this and what they think of it. Students who searched for Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant: Job Description & Requirements found the following information and resources relevant and helpful. Has occupational therapy school been challenging for you? However, Teri Black points out, “There is career mobility but not as many … Anything less than a 77%, you have to take the class over. Documentation may be requested by the Program Director for any absence/s. Comparing Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs. Yes, Occupational Therapist Assistants can work in schools. After you’re finished with the hard sciences, the program may feel slightly easier. If you’re wondering if going through the rigors of an occupational therapy graduate program is even worth it, and aren’t really that interested in occupational therapy, I would recommend you think twice about applying. Feb 21, 2020 - Wondering if occupational therapy school is hard? away from my house I would love to go for occupational therapy assistant. Today our guest blogger shares the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of working in occupational therapy. An occupational therapy assistant (OTA) works with an occupational therapist (OT or OTR) to treat patients who have difficulty performing daily living and work activities due to illnesses, injuries, and disabilities. What Occupational Therapy School is Really Like. Also, OT’s can work in a wide variety of settings, meaning there are always work opportunities. Occupational Therapy Assistant, Associate of Applied Science. As a state school, CCRI provides you with an affordable, high quality education for under $13,000, thousands of dollars less than other private schools. The Occupational Therapy Assistant School at CUKC Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a nonprofit, private, healthcare-focused university located in Overland Park, Kansas. What would be most helpful for you? OTs often work with people with mental health problems, disabilities, injuries, or impairments. Yes, absolutely! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Occupational therapy school is SO competitive, since many applicants are applying as soon as they can as opposed to when the supposed deadline is. How hard is it . Featured Schools. A license is required to practice as an OT in Alabama; The candidate can appear for the licensure examination after clearing the entry-level OT degree from recognized OT schools. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The job outlook is great, the pay is good and the work is rewarding -- when it comes to working as an occupational therapy assistant, it's hard to find any drawbacks, but this career isn't for everyone. Not Too Hard . i mean what's more challenging, the prerequisites? Although occupational therapy assistants work under the direct supervision of occupational therapists, they are highly skilled medical professionals. Course Modules. He or she will then report the client’s progress back to the OT, who will adjust the treatment plan as necessary. Advancement: As mentioned above, as an assistant you can always continue your education to become a registered occupational therapist. That said, there are many job opportunities for Occupational Therapist Assistants to work for an agency that outsources a variety of special education and OT services. The following OTA associate-degree-level programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE®). The first of which I can attribute to productivity. You will have some experience working with patients before Level II fieldwork thanks to Level I fieldwork which is usually only one day a week per semester, or just one full week per semester. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The goal of physical therapy is to help people recover from injuries, regain movement or relieve pain. Care Support; Occupational Therapy Assistant; Occupational Therapy Assistant Theory; Infection Prevention and Control; Communications; Human Growth & Development Find out more about the average occupational therapy assistant salary and learn where the best-paying metropolitan areas are for a occupational therapy assistant across the country. Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) have some of the most fulfilling roles in the healthcare world. They include classroom instruction in subjects such as psychology, biology, and pediatric health. , Bsc o.t. Getting into occupational therapy school is hard. Social time is definitely more limited than in your undergrad days. Occupational Therapy Assistant Work Problems. You need to problem solve, think on your feet and be flexible. Phone 800-889-3282; Application Apply Now; Email DWilliamson@goodwin.edu; Find more information in the academic catalog.. When I began applying to OT school, it seemed like no schools were exactly the same. You will have to come up with appropriate treatments for multiple patients a day. If you are not willing to work hard, … However, even though OT school is hard, it is not impossible. I never took or learn about kinesiology. Absence on a weekend lab day counts as 3 class absences. I tried not to work more than 10 hours a week, and many weeks I opted not to work at all when I had huge loads of thesis research and studying. How long you have been out of school 3. First, getting into an OT program is difficult. Occupational Therapy Assistant Work Problems. Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Guide (2019) Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) have some of the most fulfilling roles in the healthcare world. Between working toward an impressive application and cramming in as many extracurriculars as possible, preparing for your admissions interview may seem low on your list. in Occupational Therapy Assistant degree at CUKC includes 16 core courses along with the four-to-five months of required fieldwork experience. Here you'll find the answer to this question along with what to expect as an OT student. But as someone who has experienced the stresses of applying to OT school , I can tell you: Master’s and Doctorate programs are very competitive . I know that it is a needed job and they make pretty good money. These cookies do not store any personal information. I also know that they work with people who have physical or mental disabilities to help them gain independence. I know that it is a needed job and they make pretty good money. The first year of an occupational therapy assistant program is typically devoted to classroom work. 30 Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs available in South Carolina on Indeed.com. How to Get Into OT School-Everything You Need to Know, 7 Steps to Get Into Occupational Therapy School, 5 Big Mistakes I Made Applying to OT School, Self-Care Tips & Strategies for Occupational Therapists and Students, 5 Hand Dexterity Assessments for Occupational Therapists, 12 Perfect Gift Ideas for Occupational Therapists [2020]. Attend a Tuesday virtual information session or schedule a one-on-one video chat appointment today.. Info Session RSVP Apply Today. These are the key factors. As previously mentioned, the ACOTE is the accrediting organization for all Occupational Therapist Assistant schools. Overall employment of occupational therapy assistants is projected to grow 28 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. It’s still possible to maintain some semblance of a social life, although it will probably involve more group studying and research than going out. The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Feb 21, 2020 - Wondering if occupational therapy school is hard? Occupational therapy (OT) is the use of assessment and intervention to develop, recover, or maintain the meaningful activities, or occupations, of individuals, groups, or communities.It is an allied health profession performed by occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants (OTA). If you know you do want to be an OT, I don’t want this article to freak you out or deter you from applying to OT school. Thank you! Most full-time OT programs suggest you don’t work during the program, since you will be spending A LOT of time studying and working on research. How to Get Into OT School-Everything You Need to Know (Guide from My OT Spot), 7 Steps to Get Into Occupational Therapy School (My OT Spot), 5 Big Mistakes I Made Applying to OT School (My OT Spot), Gotta Get Into Grad School Series (Gotta be OT). i am looking forward to transferring to University at Buffalo for their BS/MS OT program, so i was wondering, is this degree hard? Yes, occupational therapy is one of the fastest-growing careers, you get to make a difference in other peoples’ lives, and the pay is good. Until Candidacy Status has been granted by ACOTE, this school cannot admit students into the OTA program in Arizona. Maybe you’re set on becoming an occupational therapy assistant (OTA), or you’re still debating whether OTA is the right career for you. Working with medically complex people is not always easy in itself, and all healthcare programs want to ensure you’re fully prepared to take on the challenge. It takes a lot of work and motivation to get through an OT program, so if you don’t think you’ll have that drive to get you through, I suggest you consider another career. How hard is occupational therapy assistant school? For me, I have to maintain atleast a 77% in every class. Is Occupational Therapy a difficult degree? Your experience may differ a bit depending on your individual curriculum. For many students (myself included), gross anatomy, neuroscience/neuroanatomy, and kinesiology are typically the hardest of the classes. The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. If you’re not seriously passionate about becoming an occupational therapist, you will have a very tough time staying motivated throughout the program. OTs often work with people with mental health problems, disabilities, injuries, or impairments. Technology Center Room 8300 845-574-4436 f: 845-574-4462 [email protected] Additionally, there are 2 ACOTE Accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) schools in the state of Alabama, which offers an associate degree. Why is occupational therapy stressful, when reports say it’s not? If you know that occupational therapy is the right career for you, accept the challenge and know that you can do it! The OTA works under the supervision of an OT. The primary goal of an OTA is to enable individuals, groups and communities to participate in actitivies which are meaningful to them, reflect their beliefs and values, and produce a sense of accomplishment or satisfaction. These programs generally require 2 years of full-time study. As mentioned above, since occupational therapy is a healthcare field, all OT graduate programs want to be sure you’re prepared to work with people of all walks of life safely and competently, regardless of the setting. The short answer is: YES, occupational therapy school is hard. There are many reasons why OT may not be for you. C ... while others are heavier on reading, writing, and reflection upon experiences. I also know that they work with people who have physical or mental disabilities to help them gain independence. Productivity Targets. Occupational therapy focuses on helping people participate in the meaningful activities they need and want to do after an injury, disability, or other health condition. Students in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Rutgers School of Health Related Professions learn to make customized splints. Occupational Therapy Aide, 5 Important Things to Look For When Choosing an OT School. These programs want to ensure you’re equipped to competently and safely work in the healthcare field, so you’re going … If you are not OK with this, you can opt-out if you wish. This applies to both Master’s and Doctorate degrees. I just want to give a realistic picture of what you can expect in OT school. For example, say the programs you’re looking at have deadlines in December, but they start accepting applications in August. Can you please explain how is that class? However, it’s still going to be a challenge throughout the entire program with a lot of courses on research and theory, frequent papers, exams, lab practicals, clinicals, and working on a thesis depending on the program. The job outlook is great, the pay is good and the work is rewarding -- when it comes to working as an occupational therapy assistant, it's hard to find any drawbacks, but this career isn't for everyone. I found a local college that is 30 min. Major inspiration for my becoming an occupational therapy assistant came from the interaction with many health care professionals. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. However, like any other career, there is always some less-glamorous details that you should be aware of. The Anoka Technical College Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program is … Hard or complicate to understand? The occupational therapy assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). 'Ve read that if your GPA drops below a 2.8 then your dismissed the! I know that you should be aware of inspiration for my becoming an occupational therapy field can be one the! For any absence/s and you could be well on your way to starting a new career students the! 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