Other OT-Related Information Ask an OT about anything OT!

[amjadjamal]

Hey Dan, or anybody else tell me if my concern is actually legit:

As we all know the PT programs are all DPT now. So its quite possible that the OT programs will all be OTD only in the future. Is it possible, when OTD is implemented as the only OT degree like DPT, people who are grandfathered in with the masters will not be given a preference. I mean to say, for example, if someone with the MSOT decides to leave their job and they apply to another post and another person with an OTD is applying to the same post they will be favored more than the MSOT person because the other person has a doctorate?

will there be something like that?

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[ot_pedi10]

Dan, do you know any traveling ots? What is it like? Do they pay well?

 

[lcs2074]

Hey Dan, or anybody else tell me if my concern is actually legit:

As we all know the PT programs are all DPT now. So its quite possible that the OT programs will all be OTD only in the future. Is it possible, when OTD is implemented as the only OT degree like DPT, people who are grandfathered in with the masters will not be given a preference. I mean to say, for example, if someone with the MSOT decides to leave their job and they apply to another post and another person with an OTD is applying to the same post they will be favored more than the MSOT person because the other person has a doctorate?

will there be something like that?

I work as an aide at a Rehab Clinic and from talking to PTs there about it, including the manager who has a masters in PT, there is very little difference in preference. Experience is WAY more important in most settings. I've met many successful OTs in various settings (outpatient stroke rehab, inpatient childrens hospital, hospital acute care, school-based to name a few) that were grandfathered in with a bachelors, and not having a masters hasn't set them back at all. As with PT, the main settings where you definitely want to have a doctorate in OT are in research and academia. Not to say that it never happens that an OTD would be chosen over a masters in two similar job applicants, just that its not especially beneficial overall, especially when the masters individual has that extra year of work experience and OTs in general are in such high demand.

 

[tbmflsm]

Thanks for the info Dan.

What happens when a patient refuses to do OT and your decision vs the company and what's right for the patient?

I read in some forums, OTs in some settings are sent home from hours cut, only evals, etc. Should future OTs worry?

Are OTs paid a salary vs hourly in some settings?

 

[narrowback]

Hi Dan, thank you for all this great info! I'm a really prospective OT student (will be starting shadowing to see if OT is right for me). What about working with the elderly was enjoyable to you? Why did it motivate your work? What sort of things did you do? I ask because elderly folks are a dear group to my heart and one I'd like to work with.

 

[otunderdog]

Hi Dan! I just wanted to thank you for all the time and thought you've put into answering our questions here!

I was hoping you could go also share your experiences in how being an occupational therapist affects life outside of work? Of course, I don't want personal/extreme details (that would be creepy of me to ask ) but I am interested in getting a realistic feel for the profession - just like everybody else! With your posts about how stressful being an OT can be, I've certainly realized that being an OT is not all rainbows and fun (which is something many OT schools seem to market to prospective students).

Do you find time for hobbies/interests/anything not OT related? Do you ever find yourself bringing work home with you? Any sort of regrets in terms of the profession? Any other input/advice you have to make sure the profession doesn't overtake one's life?

Again, thank you again for your advice and input!!

 

[dtkt0511]

Dan,

Maybe you can help me. I'm not an OT, but I have a question about OT law. I have searched high and low but can't find it in writing on a credible site (.gov or .edu).

How many COTAs can a single OT supervise? Is there a limit? Is it state to state? We are in West Tennessee.


Thanks for your time.

- Dee

 

[gialuan]

I'm a new grad OT who just started working on May 1st. I have SNF and hospital-based experiences. Both of my level IIs were in hospitals- acute care and acute rehab; work experience is in SNF and just finished my first week at an inpatient rehab hospital.

I attended a meeting at my local YMCA regarding initiating some trial program for children with autism. Based on my level I fieldwork at a sensory gym, I suggested something along the lines of a sensory room as an idea. I can see this turning into an opportunity to provide consultative services if the program takes off but there's a problem- I have no peds experience or broad knowledge in this area besides my level I sensory gym fieldwork. Do you think it's wise for me to pitch the idea of being a consultant for this program despite my limited knowledge and my new grad status? I was thinking I can volunteer my expertise for the pilot program and if it takes off then I can start talking money. How should I approach this?

 

[phxOT]

Hi Dan,

I'm starting school next month and am interested in commissioning in the Navy as an OT. Do you have any thoughts on this? Do you know anyone who has done it? The commitment would be for three years after I graduate so if I ended up not enjoying it I could move on. As of right now, I would like to work with veterans, especially those in the Wounded Warrior program. Hopefully you have some insight! Thanks for all your posts, they are incredibly helpful!

 

[tropicaldoc]

Hi Dan,

You have the most helpful threads I've read about OT. Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. Your answers are very inspiring.

I volunteered with the OT team at a rehabilitation clinic back home for about a year, after I graduated in Sociology. My volunteering experience made me realize that I wanted to do something like that for a living, to help people recover their health and achieve their full potential. I moved to the US 3 years ago, and I have been taking pre-reqs. I still need to take Psychology, English Composition, and Biology before my application to a Masters in OT. So far, I have 3.8 cummulative GPA from bachelor and post-bac. Once in the US, I volunteered at a pediatric clinic for a year, and I was a pre-school teacher for 8 months. I know I need to keep working on building my application. However, I wonder how the life of an OT is from the first day of OT school. I would appreciate if you could answer a few questions for me:

1- How do OT's enter the workforce after graduating? Do they get residency training and a job position right after school like MD's , or do OT's have to get in internships for experience before they can be considered for a job?

2- If I were offered a job as an OT right after my graduation, what would be the lowest worst possible salary I could get?

3- In your opinion, which are the best programs in California, around the Bay Area?

4- What can I do to strengthen my application?

 

[sb0106]

Hi!

I was wondering when you think it is appropriate for someone who is shadowing you to ask for a LOR? After how many hours? THANKS

 

[Info Seeker]

Hi Dan,

My question may have been asked before, but I haven't had a chance yet to read through this entire thread. So forgive if you've already answered this question but here goes. I am a prospective ot grad student with an undergrad degree in human services. I am studying for the gre and getting ready to take my pre reqs, those will not be an issue. Right now I am trying to get observation hours. How do I actually convince these places to allow me to observe shadow? The people I've spoken to don't seem to understand what I'm trying to do. From what I've read on here and other sites, I got the impression that volunteering at hospitals and nursing homes to observe an ot was commonplace but in my first few attempts, the places I contact don't seem to understand what I'm even talking about. I am new to this field and unfamiliar with the procedures that entail this type of volunteering. I've volunteered in other capacities before but not in this field. How do I go about actually getting into places to volunteer?

 

[Rachel Chen]

Hi Dan,
Thanks for opening this thread. It's really helpful for all of us who have questions about OT. I became a paraplegic two years ago due to a automobile accident and now I am in my junior year in college and I am considering some career path. Occupational therapist popped up in my mind. I wanted to ask your opinion about a para being a OT. Obviously I've personally worked with OTs and I think it is something that is doable and interesting to me. However, when I was doing some research, it says OTs require a lot of physical strength and standing. Thus, I wanted to ask your opinion about it. Thanks so much.

 

[NG0103]

Hi Dan!

This thread is exactly what I've been looking for! It's so hard to find sincere answers sometimes. I have a few questions if you have the time to help out!

1. I have a BS in Psychology and a minor in Education with experience working with infants. I've heard about neonatal OT, but have had no luck researching more on the profession and what it actually looks like. I'm dying to shadow, but unfortunately have not met an OT who knows of anyone working with such young infants. Do you know anything about this field? Would it be a realistic option? And what does it look like?

2. Also, I am in the process of applying to for grad school, but the tuition is just so high. I don't want to make a mistake by choosing an expensive private school (although I absolutely love their program) if I won't be making enough to be afford the payments on the loans. Realistically, how much can an OT grad expect to make their first year out of school? Geographically speaking, where are the better paying jobs?


Thank you so much in advance!

 

[c2902]

1- How do OT's enter the workforce after graduating? Do they get residency training and a job position right after school like MD's , or do OT's have to get in internships for experience before they can be considered for a job?

Hi there, I'm not Dan, but I was perusing this thread (he hasn't responded in awhile, it seems), but I can answer this question for you. When you are in OT school, you will be required to do four fieldwork rotations, which begin your second year of the program (for an MSOT, anyway). They can be in just about any area of practice that you like, as long as your school can set up a contract at a site and as long as the school does not have any other stipulations as to where you must go. However, it's sometimes recommended that you spread out your experiences and don't focus on one population or area of practice for all four sites (ie, don't do all pediatrics). ACOTE (the accreditation body for OT schools) now requires that one of the four have a mental health focus, however, this may not be at an actual mental health facility, since even in a major city, those jobs are few and far between, due to lack of funds. So in reality, you will probably be at a site, say a SNF, where you will focus on the mental health aspects of your client. The four rotations are divided into two sets - Level I and Level II. ACOTE has published standards for Level I vs Level II, but basically, Level II means more independent work compared to Level I, from what I understand. I am only just beginning my second year and have not yet started fieldwork, but my sites are being locked down as I speak! (I have my last Level II already under contract!) However, once you have completed your fieldwork requirements, that's it. Once you pass the NBCOT, you can theoretically get a job right away. Most programs will probably tell you to choose Level II sites in an area of practice where you'd like to get a job - many students I've talked to say they get job solicitations from their fieldwork sites before they graduate. There are a few specialties that require additional training and certification - ie, to become a CHT (certified hand therapist), you have to have been working for, I believe, five years, and then there is additional study and testing required. But unlike med school, we are trained as generalists, so that if you want to switch from one area of practice to another, it's possible without doing another residency. Obviously, personal experience, volunteering and jobs outside of school probably help boost your chances if you want to go into a certain area, but upon passing the NBCOT, you are eligible for licensing and employment.

Re: the salary question - the answer is "it depends". Depending on where you live and what area of practice you want, it varies. Schools typically pay less, SNFs pay well, you can make a lot of money if you want to travel to under-served areas of the country (ie, the middle of nowhere). I would research what the salaries are for your area. And whatever you do, DON'T read the message boards on Indeed.com - it's full of burnt out angry people griping about stupid stuff.

 

[NG0103]

Hi C2902, thank you for offering your perspective and answers based on your experience. Which websites do you believe give fairly accurate salary descriptions? Indeed and BLS show a difference of over 20k in my area. Also, do you know if it is very rare or even impossible to get fieldwork in neonatal?

 

[c2902]

Hi C2902, thank you for offering your perspective and answers based on your experience. Which websites do you believe give fairly accurate salary descriptions? Indeed and BLS show a difference of over 20k in my area. Also, do you know if it is very rare or even impossible to get fieldwork in neonatal?

Looking at current job postings is probably a quick and easy way. I honestly have not researched any major websites, beyond looking at what the major outlets report as average salary, and again, it depends where you live. I think too many people who post to this site are too hung up about "how much it pays". While I get that grad school is an investment and it has to be worth it, you're going to make a living wage as an OT regardless, and there is potential to make a pretty decent chunk of cash after some time, depending on the area of practice.

I don't know specifically about fieldwork in neonatal, sorry.

 

[dylanh]

wonder where dan is now. he gave some valuable information that can be used for PT as well, I guess.

 

[LunaOT]

Alright, more questions!

• I am not a certified hand therapist (yet), although I am about to apply to take the test for it. I work with hand and upper extremity work daily, though. I am a certified myofascial pain specialist for the upper extremity and I treat exclusively hand patients refered from pain management interventionalist MDs.
• CHT (certified hand therapist), in general, start off around 85k, which is pretty damn good considering that's the low end! The high end, I've seen, is 110k. You need quite a bit of experience and a lucky break, though. You most likely won't find that kind of salary without a management position, though.
• As an OT who makes around $125k (this is not meant to be a braggart comment), I can say its possible to do! To be perfectly forward with you, you are going to need experience, (documented and certifiable) expertise in the field, and most likely a management position. I made a post about it to explain the how and why it can be hard to obtain and how you can get there (and how I ended up there); I'll quote it below:

• If you want a blueprint to get into six figures at or under 40 hours a week, I can't necessarily spell it out for anyone because there was many different factors that landed me where I am (experience in nearly every OT field, clinical certifications and expertise, multiple different jobs performing different roles, and a very strong grasp of how reimbursement and productivity maximization works), but perhaps if someone asks nicely enough, I can shed some more insight.

• There really isn't such thing as an OT salary cap...but before I get carried away with that fairy tale statement, I should actually explain how, invisibly, there is. For clinicians, there is a cap that depends heavily on how much your services are getting reimbursed for, times the amount of patients you see. Assuming you're being paid as a clinician (as 90% of OTs are), IN MY EXPERIENCE under the best circumstances (I once worked a SNF PRN that gave me 40 hours a week at $55 an hour, which was fun while it lasted) and my official gross was roughly 109k, if I recall correctly. Of course, once the gaps in the full time staff were gone, they were happy to see me go as I was robbing them blind. If you are management/administration/private practice owner/educator/researcher or any other position that doesn't get paid based upon insurance reimbursement of service, then the sky is technically the limit. Beileve it or not, even MDs are stymied by the same reimbursement problems...and they're getting the much shorter end of the stick at the moment.
• The job market. It all depends on the field you want to go into. There are so many SNF jobs that companies are constantly trying to outdo each other to get their hands on you, no matter if its full time or PRN. Acute inpatient hospital jobs are also wide open. Outpatient jobs are a little bit more difficult to find, as are school jobs. Pediatric jobs are either absurdly abundant or very rare, depending on how close to a city you are. Management jobs are also fairly open if you have the experience (strangely, jobs will ask for management experience for even entry level management jobs). Private practice jobs are difficult to come by, but always worth it. Psych jobs are also very difficult to find - the present figure of OTs in psych rests at 3% as of last year. However, no matter what, the market is so good that if you want to switch jobs, you'll always find at least something.

Dan, Thanks for the info. Just wanted to get your thoughts as to which area to pursue first. I've been an OT for many years and worked in most settings. However, I've really developed a keen interest in Myofascial/Trigger point therapy and taken a few courses so far. I am trying to decide for the long term if it is better to invest in hand therapy training or myofascial training both from an economic stand point and happiness stand point. I cannot work full time at this point due to still having many kid obligations. Do you prefer one field to the other and why? Also, do you have any recommendations in certain courses. Some of the MF courses seem outrageous. I'm also considering Pilates reformer training as it personally has truly helped my back recover. Trying to balance kids and work. Also, do you market your pain management skills to pain management docs?

 

[WMUOT]

Hey Dan I've just been accepted into OT school and know that the Level 2 fieldworks are not paid. What are your thoughts on that? and why haven't there been any changes? I'm sure it can be very difficult working full-time and not getting anything to pay for living expenses.

 

[beestrng]

@WMUOT

At least level II isnt too long.

Are you at eastern michigan?

 

[WMUOT]

lol No, when I made this account I was applying there and was confident I would get in but sadly did not, and I don't think I can change it.

 

[WMUOT]

Ok so every time I think I know the difference between PT and OT, I learn something else that contradicts it. When it comes to working in the industry a PT and OT in the same setting can basically do each other's job? Why is there a need for 2 completely separate associations, schools, etc...? Could someone shed some light on this? Like is there one sure fire thing that separates the two professions?

 

[beestrng]

pt treats impairment
ot impairment in action

OT improves functional abilities (loaded statement ik).

I go to a school where they teach OTs/PTs the first year or so together...there is overlap, but I feel both are different to warrant different associations, interventions are different and so on.

So from what I understand both OT/PT teach mobility but we need to have functional component to it. So get out of bed safely to do self care skills (brush teeth). There is a lot of other stuff involved obv like can the client hold on the the brush and needs a thicker one...

Task adaptation
safety

Most CHTs are OTs.

@c2902 seems like the only practicing OT here on the boards, he/she can confirm and maybe give a better explanation.

 

[mangoslush]

Hey Dan I've just been accepted into OT school and know that the Level 2 fieldworks are not paid. What are your thoughts on that? and why haven't there been any changes? I'm sure it can be very difficult working full-time and not getting anything to pay for living expenses.

I'm not Dan, but...it makes sense that fieldwork students don't get paid. Since Level II students require so much training, productivity for supervisors decreases when they take on an intern. It's a big reason why many potential clinical instructors do not take students.

 

[sngot]

Hey Dan I've just been accepted into OT school and know that the Level 2 fieldworks are not paid. What are your thoughts on that? and why haven't there been any changes? I'm sure it can be very difficult working full-time and not getting anything to pay for living expenses.

Like many mentioned before, you probably realize that Level II is continuous with your school and isn't really deemed as employment. That being said, the financial aid provided to full time students still apply. There are some facilities that provide either stipend or housing. It's not too common but they do exist.

 

[beestrng]

The OT is probably doing us a favor especially if they have productivity goals that need to be met.

 

[sngot]

The OT is probably doing us a favor especially if they have productivity goals that need to be met.

I agree- it must be rough juggling training a student and handling your caseload. I like to see it in the grand scheme a symbiotic relationship. Both the therapist and student become better through the learning process and both the facility and academic institution benefits through the engagement.

 

[WMUOT]

Makes sense, thanks everyone! I do have another question concerning negotiating power and new graduates from programs. Do any new graduates fresh out of their masters programs have any negotiating power when searching for jobs? If not, why? If yes, how can I make sure I am prepared when I am looking for jobs to get the best possible offer I can get.

 

[beestrng]

Makes sense, thanks everyone! I do have another question concerning negotiating power and new graduates from programs. Do any new graduates fresh out of their masters programs have any negotiating power when searching for jobs? If not, why? If yes, how can I make sure I am prepared when I am looking for jobs to get the best possible offer I can get.

This is a good question. I think if you are in SNF or something you could probably negotiate a little but most of the time from what I can tell OTs shift from one SNF to another every so often when they are offered a better paying position. Also knowing the going rate helps. Like I know that new OTs get 73-76K in SNF where I want to work.

 

[c2902]

Makes sense, thanks everyone! I do have another question concerning negotiating power and new graduates from programs. Do any new graduates fresh out of their masters programs have any negotiating power when searching for jobs? If not, why? If yes, how can I make sure I am prepared when I am looking for jobs to get the best possible offer I can get.

Frankly, no, I don't think it's very appropriate for a new graduate to try to negotiate a "better" salary than what they're being offered. If you're brand new to the the field, you don't command a higher price beyond what is considered the "entry level" number. I took the offer I was given at my job, which I was hired at after being there as a Level II student, because I knew I was being hired for a very fast-paced and challenging position for a new grad that I would not have otherwise been hired for had I not had the chance to prove myself as a student. So I knew that I was VERY lucky to get the job I did and so in a year, when I've been totally killing it at my job and have proved that I may be worth more, THEN it will be appropriate for me to negotiate a potential raise. That said, I also think that the younger folks on this board need to be aware that you will NOT automatically get a raise every year, or a bonus or any other guaranteed bump in pay, no matter what field you're in. That is not how the economy works these days. Hard work, commitment to your team and clients, and a good attitude will help you command such things when you have actually earned it, if and only if it is within your organization's means to do so (which it may not be), without acting entitled for it in the first place.

 

[beestrng]

Working for the man!!! er client.

Post 10 is really good informative post too.

 

[thebiggestsky]

Frankly, no, I don't think it's very appropriate for a new graduate to try to negotiate a "better" salary than what they're being offered. If you're brand new to the the field, you don't command a higher price beyond what is considered the "entry level" number. I took the offer I was given at my job, which I was hired at after being there as a Level II student, because I knew I was being hired for a very fast-paced and challenging position for a new grad that I would not have otherwise been hired for had I not had the chance to prove myself as a student. So I knew that I was VERY lucky to get the job I did and so in a year, when I've been totally killing it at my job and have proved that I may be worth more, THEN it will be appropriate for me to negotiate a potential raise. That said, I also think that the younger folks on this board need to be aware that you will NOT automatically get a raise every year, or a bonus or any other guaranteed bump in pay, no matter what field you're in. That is not how the economy works these days. Hard work, commitment to your team and clients, and a good attitude will help you command such things when you have actually earned it, if and only if it is within your organization's means to do so (which it may not be), without acting entitled for it in the first place.

I'm a new student in the fall.. so I'm not yet an OT, but I have been in the workforce. I think it's within the realm of possibility that some organizations would lowball a salary offer. If a place is really transparent about their salaries, that's one thing. But it seems possible that many places wouldn't be. So if you have more than one job offer in a similar setting, wouldn't you want to use your salary knowledge to your advantage? Granted, I think there's a tricky line between being presumptuous and advocating for yourself, especially as a brand new therapist. I think it's unfair to use the word entitled. Although, in all honesty, the word "entitled" probably kinda triggers me, because I see it as an unfair stereotype of younger people.

And yes, raises are never guaranteed anymore. I've read that people who switch jobs every couple years ending up making more money over long term than those who stay committed to one employer (even with raises factored in). Not OTs specifically, but generally.

 

[kgprospot]

Same here. Haven't been to OT school, but I have been in the workforce on the hiring/salary negotiation side. My experience is outside of healthcare, but some employers ask for your salary requirements, and if you provide a figure lower than what they would pay for the position, they'll offer you that low figure. In my experience, no experience makes it difficult to negotiate, especially when they can hire someone else within the budget for that position.

 

[WMUOT]

Frankly, no, I don't think it's very appropriate for a new graduate to try to negotiate a "better" salary than what they're being offered. If you're brand new to the the field, you don't command a higher price beyond what is considered the "entry level" number. I took the offer I was given at my job, which I was hired at after being there as a Level II student, because I knew I was being hired for a very fast-paced and challenging position for a new grad that I would not have otherwise been hired for had I not had the chance to prove myself as a student. So I knew that I was VERY lucky to get the job I did and so in a year, when I've been totally killing it at my job and have proved that I may be worth more, THEN it will be appropriate for me to negotiate a potential raise. That said, I also think that the younger folks on this board need to be aware that you will NOT automatically get a raise every year, or a bonus or any other guaranteed bump in pay, no matter what field you're in. That is not how the economy works these days. Hard work, commitment to your team and clients, and a good attitude will help you command such things when you have actually earned it, if and only if it is within your organization's means to do so (which it may not be), without acting entitled for it in the first place.

The thing is I have had two years experience working at a company that had both post-acuta and outpatient settings. The population treated was brain and spinal cord injuries and I know for a fact they always low-ball their applicants. I do not mean to come off entitled, when I said "best deal possible" I meant fair deal where I do not get taken advantage of. So how would I identify a fair salary? Websites like glassdoor and indeed either don't have much info on that or skewed salaries, do I just call HR departments asking for quotes?

 

[Nonameiwant]

While I'll only be applying for OT school this summer, I've worked for a large health-care company for almost 11 years in July.

In order for employees to receive raises, yearly goals have to be met, otherwise the raise may not happen. Also the raises usually aren't this large wage increase as mentioned previously. Part of this goal requirement being met was also added because of Obama care, and many of the goals are based off of patient surveys so you never know how they'll respond to a phone call a few weeks after you served them.

For OT and many of the other position they have set their entry level pay. Honestly I think it is reasonable pay (and I know OTs with experience could negotiate) however when you are entry level you should accept what you will be paid.

A couple of summers ago I applied for a job within the same company as a rehab aid. I interviewed and during the interview I expressed my concern for the decrease in wage I would take if I were you offered the job. I asked for $1 more but when I was declined the job, I was told it was because they wouldn't be able to raise the pay for me. Even though it would still be less money, and it would mean a new hire would take my previous position. It makes sense because even though I'd been with the company for years, I would be changing fields to one where I didn't have experience.

Also when applying for jobs, don't just look at the wage you will be making, but look into the benefits you will be offered. One Healthcare company here pays more in terms of wage, but their insurance costs more and they match less on 401k then my company (plus my company has pension).

 

[bhansen2]

Bottom line is that if you don't think your being offered a fair, reasonable salary; you have two options. Negotiate for a higher salary, or go somewhere else. When you ask for an increase in pay, be prepared to say why you deserve the increase and what you can do for the company to warrant them giving you extra compensation. An salary or hourly offer is exactly that. Company makes you an offer, you accept, negotiate, or decline. Same as if your buying a car from someone who says "make me an offer". Are you going to offer them the full value? Of course you won't. So don't always think that a business will offer you a salary on your true value.


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[WMUOT]

Bottom line is that if you don't think your being offered a fair, reasonable salary; you have two options. Negotiate for a higher salary, or go somewhere else. When you ask for an increase in pay, be prepared to say why you deserve the increase and what you can do for the company to warrant them giving you extra compensation. An salary or hourly offer is exactly that. Company makes you an offer, you accept, negotiate, or decline. Same as if your buying a car from someone who says "make me an offer". Are you going to offer them the full value? Of course you won't. So don't always think that a business will offer you a salary on your true value.


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Thanks! Do you have any suggestions on identifying fair salaries in particular areas? Like if I am interviewing for a job in Austin, Texas for an acute care hospital setting how would I know what the going rate is for a new grad?

 

[bhansen2]

Try and find someone that's a new grad in the area and ask them. You'd be surprised what people will tell you if you just ask. Or... Get on LinkedIn and find an ot that works in that area and ask what they would want as a starting salary.


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[chicandtoughness]

With the push towards getting all healthcare providers to use the doctorate as an entry-level degree, how do you see OT moving in the next couple of years (e.g. doing away with MOT and going to OTD)? Just curious as I've considered both OT and PT, and my PT acquaintances are really pushing the "but we have doctorates!" thing...

 

[bhansen2]

With the push towards getting all healthcare providers to use the doctorate as an entry-level degree, how do you see OT moving in the next couple of years (e.g. doing away with MOT and going to OTD)? Just curious as I've considered both OT and PT, and my PT acquaintances are really pushing the "but we have doctorates!" thing...

For now, get the MOT. Once you have it and get a few years experience in the field, you will be more marketable than someone with the OTD. Then get an employer to pay for your OTD later...


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[WMUOT]

With the push towards getting all healthcare providers to use the doctorate as an entry-level degree, how do you see OT moving in the next couple of years (e.g. doing away with MOT and going to OTD)? Just curious as I've considered both OT and PT, and my PT acquaintances are really pushing the "but we have doctorates!" thing...

From what I hear, and anyone correct me if I a wrong, but doctorate v masters does not matter when you are in your career. A PT and OT both out of their respective programs applying for the same setting will get the same starting salary or rate. I believe companies really only care if your certified and could care less if you hold a master or doctorate they just want someone to provide services they can get reimbursed for. So if you ask me OT might be the better route because you save money going through a 2 year program v 3 year. Unless however, your trying to become a professor or something then go for the doctrate.

 

[WMUOT]

I'm thinking about starting my career in Colorado, but my professors have said that Colorado is not a good state for OT's because of their lack of regulations for the profession. What do less regulations mean in terms of pay, continuing education, job availability, and specilizations? Also what would you all consider good state for OT's to work? I know the answer to this question varies from person to person, but I just wanted to get a feel for what to look for when look in for a state to start my career in.

 

[thebiggestsky]

but my professors have said that Colorado is not a good state for OT's because of their lack of regulations for the profession

I am curious what "lack of regulations" means? I am currently in CO (although won't be going to school here) and would be interested in coming back, so this makes me curious! Hope someone can provide insight.

 

[WMUOT]

I am curious what "lack of regulations" means? I am currently in CO (although won't be going to school here) and would be interested in coming back, so this makes me curious! Hope someone can provide insight.

One thing I know off the top of my head is that continued education is voluntary in Colorado where as it is required for reliscensure and recertification for specializations in other states. My prof said, "This is the case because healthcare companies do not want to reimburse for continued education credits, which shows a lack of care for the profession." hoping someone can elaborate more because that is all I know.

 

[WMUOT]

One thing I know off the top of my head is that continued education is voluntary in Colorado where as it is required for reliscensure and recertification for specializations in other states. My prof said, "This is the case because healthcare companies do not want to reimburse for continued education credits, which shows a lack of care for the profession." hoping someone can elaborate more because that is all I know.

Just to update everyone, Colorado's OT association recently changed this rule. They now require OT's to have 24 CEU's a year.

 

[WMUOT]

Does anyone know which states allow patients to have direct access to OT's without a physician referral?

 

[beestrng]

New york.

Keep in mind that insurance companies still wants a physician referral so you can be reimbursed. Same with PT from what I understand even with direct access.

 

[WMUOT]

New york.

Keep in mind that insurance companies still wants a physician referral so you can be reimbursed. Same with PT from what I understand even with direct access.

I'll keep that in mind, thanks!

 

[jackimac888]

Hello to my fellow OT students,

I was wondering if anyone has any information about doing fieldwork abroad. I am currently in my 2nd year at USC.

I just finished my first level II in Adult Rehab. Next summer, I will be doing my fieldwork in peds or mental health. I would love to go abroad, maybe to the U.K. or Australia since it has to be in an English speaking setting. Does anyone have any info or know anyone who has done this? I have emailed a few sites so far but none of them take students. Many thanks!!