Entry Level OT jobs?

[OTStarr]

I need some expericence with Occupational Therapy (well the medical field as a whole) I am in undergrad obtaining a degree in Health Sciences w/ a concentration in Occupational Therapy (graduation to confer May '14). I am starting to volunteer at a local Rehab facility shadowing an OT, but is that enough? I feel as though I should be working in the setting or maybe when I graduate to get a certification in something related. I currently work as a shipping specialist at Fedex Please Help lol

Im also new to this site.

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[raquel]

I need some expericence with Occupational Therapy (well the medical field as a whole) I am in undergrad obtaining a degree in Health Sciences w/ a concentration in Occupational Therapy (graduation to confer May '14). I am starting to volunteer at a local Rehab facility shadowing an OT, but is that enough? I feel as though I should be working in the setting or maybe when I graduate to get a certification in something related. I currently work as a shipping specialist at Fedex Please Help lol

Im also new to this site.

I'm a little confused as to what you're asking. Health sciences is broad, if your ultimate goal is to be an entry level OT, you have to get your masters degree in the field first.

 

[Sunny324]

If you want to get some entry-level work experience that will give you a broader perspective in health care as well as improve your chances of admission to an OT master's program, here are some job titles you could look for: certified nurses assistant, rehabilitation technician, patient care technician, residential care provider, and patient care provider.

Look for these jobs at nursing homes, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and mental health centers.

 

[jewel11786]

You can also try Rehabilitation Aide, Physical Therapy Aide, or Occupational Therapy Aide.

 

[BHSUStudent]

I worked as a Direct Support Professional and did many of the same duties as an OT and Nurse (helping with ADLs, IADLs, teaching skills, administering medications). As a result, I got 560 hours of direct experience with the developmentally disabled.

Currently I work as an OT aide PRN.

Buy an Intro to OT book, read it while you job shadow, and try to apply the material to the setting that you observe. You will learn much more from your job shadowing experience that way.

Shadow a variety of settings. You want inpatient as well as outpatient, nursing, pediatrics, geriatrics, etc. Since OT is broad, you will want to make your observation just as broad so that you will acquire a comprehensive understanding of the profession.

As an undergrad you can get certification in first aid and CPR for healthcare professionals, which is something you will need in OT school.