Hello everyone! Let me preface this by saying I was unsure which forum I should post this in, be it the OT or MPH forum. I have cross posted in both the OT and MPH forums, but my understanding of both jobs is that they can differ widely outside of Canada. I am a student with the ultimate goal of becoming an MD, but have considered both of these programs as fallback in the event that my plans to study medicine do not come to fruition.
I have held year long positions with philanthropies that deal with health promotion and data analysis of marginalized populations. Volunteering involves teaching, therapeutic activities for patients, etc. So while I do not have direct experience with either career, I have skills that I believe would translate well to either degree. I could discuss my educational background and GPA should anyone feel they are relevant.
I currently have an offer for a MPH with an epi specialization that comes with a rather large stipend, and an offer for OT without funding. I am attracted to the MPH, but specifically epi, due to my love and experience with large data sets. I am attracted to OT because I value the clinical nature of the position and the patient interaction. Both degrees cost a similar amount and offer careers with similar starting salaries and levels of growth from what I can tell. I have had conversations with two OT and am yet to have my call returned from an epidemiologist or someone with a MPH. That being said, I do know individuals that have graduated from a MPH, albeit in health promotion, and they are underemployed and not working in their field.
My largest concerns with MPH is it seems that you need to already be gainfully employed by a healthcare agency to get the most out of the degree. Second, while I do have a background in stats, I do struggle to learn math. That is, that the degree is to supplement your existing role and provides a designation. I'm not even quite sure I could work as an epidemiologist with a MPH in epi instead of a research based MSc. While public health is attractive, I would not want to work in health promotion if it means my job revolves around promoting basic information (don't reuse needles, wash your hands, etc.). Moreover, I have heard second hand that there tend to be a lack of research opportunities in public health.
My concerns with OT are regarding job growth and employment opportunities upon graduation. Second, being honest with myself I am not the strongest in anatomy and physiology. I understand their may be a growing demand for MPH grads given the current climate, but I'm unsure that will be the case in two years upon graduating. Within OT, I would like to work in mental health and I imagine with the aging population, more opportunities will arise. I enjoy the option to practice privately in OT, and I'm unsure whether the same option exists with a MPH.
Regarding costs, the OT degree would cost me more in the long run. The city has a higher cost of living, I would have to pay double rent on placements, and I do not have a stipend or any scholarships to date. The MPH city has a lower cost of living, and I am offered a stipend that will essentially cover my rent for the year in exchange for working 10 hours a week. Placements in both degrees are not paid. I understand that if I ever get into an MD program, it will be even more expensive, but as it currently stands I am very heavily leveraged by debt.
My decision deadline is this Saturday, so any input would be greatly appreciated.
I have held year long positions with philanthropies that deal with health promotion and data analysis of marginalized populations. Volunteering involves teaching, therapeutic activities for patients, etc. So while I do not have direct experience with either career, I have skills that I believe would translate well to either degree. I could discuss my educational background and GPA should anyone feel they are relevant.
I currently have an offer for a MPH with an epi specialization that comes with a rather large stipend, and an offer for OT without funding. I am attracted to the MPH, but specifically epi, due to my love and experience with large data sets. I am attracted to OT because I value the clinical nature of the position and the patient interaction. Both degrees cost a similar amount and offer careers with similar starting salaries and levels of growth from what I can tell. I have had conversations with two OT and am yet to have my call returned from an epidemiologist or someone with a MPH. That being said, I do know individuals that have graduated from a MPH, albeit in health promotion, and they are underemployed and not working in their field.
My largest concerns with MPH is it seems that you need to already be gainfully employed by a healthcare agency to get the most out of the degree. Second, while I do have a background in stats, I do struggle to learn math. That is, that the degree is to supplement your existing role and provides a designation. I'm not even quite sure I could work as an epidemiologist with a MPH in epi instead of a research based MSc. While public health is attractive, I would not want to work in health promotion if it means my job revolves around promoting basic information (don't reuse needles, wash your hands, etc.). Moreover, I have heard second hand that there tend to be a lack of research opportunities in public health.
My concerns with OT are regarding job growth and employment opportunities upon graduation. Second, being honest with myself I am not the strongest in anatomy and physiology. I understand their may be a growing demand for MPH grads given the current climate, but I'm unsure that will be the case in two years upon graduating. Within OT, I would like to work in mental health and I imagine with the aging population, more opportunities will arise. I enjoy the option to practice privately in OT, and I'm unsure whether the same option exists with a MPH.
Regarding costs, the OT degree would cost me more in the long run. The city has a higher cost of living, I would have to pay double rent on placements, and I do not have a stipend or any scholarships to date. The MPH city has a lower cost of living, and I am offered a stipend that will essentially cover my rent for the year in exchange for working 10 hours a week. Placements in both degrees are not paid. I understand that if I ever get into an MD program, it will be even more expensive, but as it currently stands I am very heavily leveraged by debt.
My decision deadline is this Saturday, so any input would be greatly appreciated.
