Bachelors degree and OTA Programs

[Therealsitic1]

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Hey Guys,

I was just thinking about what my plan B would be if I didnt get accepted to any of the MOT programs I plan on applying to. I didn't want just sit out a whole cycle not doing anything.Would it be a smart idea to apply some OTA programs if I already have a bachelos in psychology?

 

[OTdream]

Hey Guys,

I was just thinking about what my plan B would be if I didnt get accepted to any of the MOT programs I plan on applying to. I didn't want just sit out a whole cycle not doing anything.Would it be a smart idea to apply some OTA programs if I already have a bachelos in psychology?

That's what I'm doing. I have a bachelor and applied to 2 schools for OTA in case I don't get into MOT.

 

[alansda]

I've considered it but my ultimate goal is to become an OT and not just an OTA (not knocking down OTAs by the way). If I don't get admitted this year, I can use a whole year to strengthen my application, make connections with other OTs, go to conferences, explore other programs that are a good fit (which may be in other states), and most importantly: save money for the MOT!

 

[Therealsitic1]

I've considered it but my ultimate goal is to become an OT and not just an OTA (not knocking down OTAs by the way). If I don't get admitted this year, I can use a whole year to strengthen my application, make connections with other OTs, go to conferences, explore other programs that are a good fit (which may be in other states), and most importantly: save money for the MOT!

After I research some OTA programs, I kinda realized they weren't really cost effective if my goal is to become a licensed OT. ( My undergrad loans are already through the roof) That's a really good plan that you have. I guess I am just nervous that I won't get into my list of choices, because my CUM GPA isn't really that high. Everything is pretty much contingent upon my GRE score and Prereq GPA. I need to quit overthinking things and just take every one step at a time.

 

[Therealsitic1]

That's what I'm doing. I have a bachelor and applied to 2 schools for OTA in case I don't get into MOT.

If you don't mind me asking, but let's say hypothetically (not trying to wish any bad luck or anything) you didn't get into a MOT program and you attend an OTA program. Would you complet, I am just trying wieigh my options) the program and then take some time off and work in the field and the reapply to an MOT program or After completing the. OTA program just immediately reapply to MOT programs?

 

[OTdream]

If you don't mind me asking, but let's say hypothetically (not trying to wish any bad luck or anything) you didn't get into a MOT program and you attend an OTA program. Would you complet, I am just trying wieigh my options) the program and then take some time off and work in the field and the reapply to an MOT program or After completing the. OTA program just immediately reapply to MOT programs?

Honestly reapply while I'm doing OTA. Because OTA programs are 2 years if I get in aug 2013 I should be done end of 2015. But if it overlaps I might finish OTA part time or put it on hold to go to MOT. Because mot is much harder to get in I think.

 

[jewel11786]

Is becoming an OTA something you really want to do? While not putting down the profession if you really want to work in this field and this is your last resort option to get into the OT field, but if your ultimate goal is to become an OT, wouldn't going to OTA school just be settling? Look I know going into OT or any health profession nowadays isn't easy and is extremely competitive considering other career options and the lousy job market, but I think it's better, like alansda said, to take another year and strengthen your application. Retake some pre-reqs if you need to, volunteer more, getting better LOR, retake the GRE, whatever you need to do. I think it's better to reevaluate yourself and discover the weaknesses in your application and then work on strengthening them before going the OTA route. I have some OTAs in my class (our program also has option for OTAs to become an OT), but they have to take all of the same courses non-OTAs do to become OTs. So essentially, even if you become an OTA and later decide to pursue OT again, you'll have to take all of the OT coursework anyway. Seriously consider your options or at least compare and contrast OT with OTAs. OTs make more money, get to have more input in treatment, and are able to make more decisions in the field.

 

[OTdream]

Honestly the weakness of my application is a single class so I'm hoping schools will see that only one class brought my grade down. As for OTA I was thinking of going there because I don't want to do nothing. And who knows maybe ill end up finishing OTA and loving it. I'm jumping the gun since some of the schools I've applied to don't even look at applications until the end of the year.

 

[Therealsitic1]

Honestly the weakness of my application is a single class so I'm hoping schools will see that only one class brought my grade down. As for OTA I was thinking of going there because I don't want to do nothing. And who knows maybe ill end up finishing OTA and loving it. I'm jumping the gun since some of the schools I've applied to don't even look at applications until the end of the year.

Just sit back and take a deep breath, your hard work will pay off end! I hope you get into your top choices!!! GOOD LUCK!

 

[OTdream]

Just sit back and take a deep breath, your hard work will pay off end! I hope you get into your top choices!!! GOOD LUCK!

Thanks 🙂

 

[JMayHuynh]

Hey guys! I know this is an older thread but I was looking for anyone to update their status or their position in the OTA program. Did you guys finish or get into MOT programs? Curious because I just got accepted into an OTA program. My ultimate goal is to be OTR/L eventually and I struggled with the decision to enroll in OTA > waiting a year or TWO to get into an MOT program.