Best OT Combo (including MHA)

[westcoastot]

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It seems like a good amount of OTs get burned out in their setting after 10 + years (pediatrics, in patient rehab, etc) - does anyone have advice on how to NOT make this happen? Some OTs have suggested not pigeon-holing yourself into one field but rather trying to do different fields (i.e. kids and adults, for example) simultaneously - 2 days at the ped clinic, 3 days in stroke rehab. Thoughts?

Also, has anyone gotten degrees that combine an MOT with a masters of health administration?

Thanks!

 

[brisa2004]

I've been an OT for about four years and I can see where some fields might bring you out such as dementia. For me personally I've worked in transitional care unit and long-term care which are essentially nursing homes but also in dementia. I think that most OT do a full-time job and then have on-call jobs on the side and that is where you can vary your focuses. For example, I have a friend who works part time in the dementia and is going to get another on call job in home care which is a different focus. So if you just want variety or to keep up your skills in another area, you can get an on call job on the side. In my 4 years of doing OT though, I'm definitely not burned out. I love what I do!

 

[brisa2004]

Regarding your second question, I don't think it's very common to get another master's degree along with OT such as MHA. A lot of times, if you want to get into administration, it's through getting promoted through your job after working there for awhile. Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any more questions. 🙂

 

[OTchick1590]

I'm definitely a prospective student for Pacfic's OTD/MHA program and am looking at both of their programs next month. A friend of mine in the MHA program says the dual-degree option is getting very popular over there.

 

[westcoastot]

Yeah. that was why I started this thread - I saw the dual degree and it seems like a surefire way to have a good job (and keep your options open). However, because Pacific University is private, getting both degrees would be very expensive - well over $100,000. Is it really justifiable to pay that much for both degrees?

On call work was mentioned, but do some OTs split their time (i.e. 20ish hours in one setting, and 20 in another)? I really don't want to burn out and feel like having some variety in my job would be a great way to ensure that! I really appreciate all ya'lls advice!

 

[OTtoBe2013]

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[brisa2004]

Yeah. that was why I started this thread - I saw the dual degree and it seems like a surefire way to have a good job (and keep your options open). However, because Pacific University is private, getting both degrees would be very expensive - well over $100,000. Is it really justifiable to pay that much for both degrees?

On call work was mentioned, but do some OTs split their time (i.e. 20ish hours in one setting, and 20 in another)? I really don't want to burn out and feel like having some variety in my job would be a great way to ensure that! I really appreciate all ya'lls advice!

Not usually. Most OTs work a full time job for the benefits especially those of us who have families and can get better benefits from our jobs versus our spouse's job.