I realize this topic has come up more than once on this forum, but despite reading every thread and scouring the internet for information, I'm still having a difficult time understanding the difference between these three levels (masters, entry-level OTD, professional OTD) -- particularly with regard to career outcomes. I've even talked to the OTs I've shadowed and the admissions personnel at the programs I'm interested in and still can't seem to wrap my head around it! Can anyone enlighten me? Preferably folks who have information that isn't purely anecdotal? Although I value opinions, I'm about to make a decision that will cost me at least 50k, so it's not one I'm taking lightly! Plus I'm a career changer so I'm trying my best to "get it right" this time 🙂
About me: I'll be 35 when I begin school in the fall of 2017, I'm married and I have 2 young children. I'd like to be a clinician, but I am also interested in teaching and could see myself enjoying research if I come across a topic or issue that interests me/would help the field. I don't see myself pursuing a PhD (although never say never!), so right now I'm just looking to pick a path that will allow me to practice and have the option to teach/participate in research if the spirit moves me. Oh, I should also say that I wouldn't mind being in a position of leadership at some point in my career. It's this last point that has me leaning towards the professional-OTD, but if the entry-level degrees can get me there once I have some experience under my belt, I'd be fine going that route for the sake of cost.
Again, I'm mostly confused with regard to career outcomes. From what I've gleaned on here, the entry-level OTD is basically a masters with an extra year devoted to a doctoral project. Employers don't care that you have it, and it doesn't mean higher pay, but you get to say you have a "doctorate" (which idk - makes you sound cool? Trust me, I'd love to say it but not if it means an extra 25-50k in tuition for the same career outcome!). Is this more or less correct? And then there's the post-professional OTD for practicing OTs or folks who want to get it done right away after finishing their masters. This seems like it takes you further in terms of what you can do in the field, but I've also heard you can teach and do research with the entry-level degrees, which is why I finally decided to make this post: every time I think I understand the different outcomes, I read something that makes me scratch my head! So I'm desperate for answers/advice/clarification -- anything that can help me make a wise decision.
Thank you in advance!
About me: I'll be 35 when I begin school in the fall of 2017, I'm married and I have 2 young children. I'd like to be a clinician, but I am also interested in teaching and could see myself enjoying research if I come across a topic or issue that interests me/would help the field. I don't see myself pursuing a PhD (although never say never!), so right now I'm just looking to pick a path that will allow me to practice and have the option to teach/participate in research if the spirit moves me. Oh, I should also say that I wouldn't mind being in a position of leadership at some point in my career. It's this last point that has me leaning towards the professional-OTD, but if the entry-level degrees can get me there once I have some experience under my belt, I'd be fine going that route for the sake of cost.
Again, I'm mostly confused with regard to career outcomes. From what I've gleaned on here, the entry-level OTD is basically a masters with an extra year devoted to a doctoral project. Employers don't care that you have it, and it doesn't mean higher pay, but you get to say you have a "doctorate" (which idk - makes you sound cool? Trust me, I'd love to say it but not if it means an extra 25-50k in tuition for the same career outcome!). Is this more or less correct? And then there's the post-professional OTD for practicing OTs or folks who want to get it done right away after finishing their masters. This seems like it takes you further in terms of what you can do in the field, but I've also heard you can teach and do research with the entry-level degrees, which is why I finally decided to make this post: every time I think I understand the different outcomes, I read something that makes me scratch my head! So I'm desperate for answers/advice/clarification -- anything that can help me make a wise decision.
Thank you in advance!
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