Does it really matter how "good" a program is?

[SamuraiIAmurai]

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I got into a very top program (ranked top 5 by US News), and two other programs, which are ranked much lower/ aren't considered as good. One of the other programs is a hybrid program, and that is the only one that would allow me to live at home with my husband, who cannot move. I am wondering if it actually matters where you go to school. Does it help you get better jobs or would it increase your chances to work in your preferred setting, like pediatrics? Also, does it make any difference when looking at DOT programs?

Any opinions or information would be helpful!

 

[mlc54]

In my opinion, the school you end up going to will only matter for the first job you get. After that, I think employers look more at past work experience versus the school you went to.

Also, if you plan on staying in the area you're currently in, I think that as long as the employer has heard of the school you attended, then you should be all set. Each program is what you make of it, so you could go to a top school and not do as well (grade-wise) as if you were to go to a lower-ranked school.

That's just my opinion. Hope it helps! Good luck with your decision! 🙂

 

[deleted517237]

Congrats on the acceptance. My brother is a PT and director of rehab at a SNF. According to him, the demand is so high for OTs that the school you go to does not matter for finding a job. What really matters is passing the NBCOT exam. Typically, higher ranked schools are ranked that high because they have high pass rates. Higher ranked schools also probably have better and more diverse placement locations. For me, knowing that job security is high, I chose a school that is both good and the least expensive. It depends on your situation, though, so take a look at each school to see how it best fits you. Good luck.

 

[c2902]

There are a couple of other threads on this site and the consensus seems to be "No, not really". In looking into schools, when I spoke to current OT students, and current practicing OTs, they all said "No" as well - as long as the school is accredited and you pass the NBCOT, it really doesn't matter much where you went, in terms of getting a job. The students I spoke to at several schools of varying ranks all said that many people were headhunted by the places where they did their field work, or made connections through their experiences that led to jobs elsewhere.

To be quite honest, after having completed both a Bachelors and another Masters, and having been in the "real world" for the past several years, in a poor economy, I have found that school "name" is largely a popularity contest. I know people who graduated from Ivy League schools who have the same job title as someone who went to a state school. Many people get their jobs by knowing someone who can help them out. What matters is networking, connections, experiences, references, etc. For me, as a career changer, I chose schools based on location (because I have lived in my area for 10 years, I have a life here, friends, family, etc), and more importantly, the overall vibe I got from them - basically, whether I actually liked them or not and thought it would be a good fit for me. I don't care how "impressive" the reputation of a school is - if I don't feel like that school would be the best fit, I'm not going to waste my time. At this point, this is my last chance to start over in a career I actually want, and I want to get the most I can out of it. I have been to the "impressive" school with the high rank, and honestly, no one gives a hoot.

Go to the school that you feel is the best fit, when all factors are considered. And if that means considering living expenses, that is fine too! You're an adult - you're allowed to choose things based on practicality, not what "other people will think". Why put yourself into more debt than you need? If you're away from your husband and stressed out from work for 2.5 years, how do you think you will fare? Will you be burned out by school alone and not want to be an OT anymore? Or would it be worth saving your sanity and maintaining a stable home life, which is essential to academic success?

 

[OTguy]

There are a couple of other threads on this site and the consensus seems to be "No, not really". In looking into schools, when I spoke to current OT students, and current practicing OTs, they all said "No" as well - as long as the school is accredited and you pass the NBCOT, it really doesn't matter much where you went, in terms of getting a job. The students I spoke to at several schools of varying ranks all said that many people were headhunted by the places where they did their field work, or made connections through their experiences that led to jobs elsewhere.

To be quite honest, after having completed both a Bachelors and another Masters, and having been in the "real world" for the past several years, in a poor economy, I have found that school "name" is largely a popularity contest. I know people who graduated from Ivy League schools who have the same job title as someone who went to a state school. Many people get their jobs by knowing someone who can help them out. What matters is networking, connections, experiences, references, etc. For me, as a career changer, I chose schools based on location (because I have lived in my area for 10 years, I have a life here, friends, family, etc), and more importantly, the overall vibe I got from them - basically, whether I actually liked them or not and thought it would be a good fit for me. I don't care how "impressive" the reputation of a school is - if I don't feel like that school would be the best fit, I'm not going to waste my time. At this point, this is my last chance to start over in a career I actually want, and I want to get the most I can out of it. I have been to the "impressive" school with the high rank, and honestly, no one gives a hoot.

Go to the school that you feel is the best fit, when all factors are considered. And if that means considering living expenses, that is fine too! You're an adult - you're allowed to choose things based on practicality, not what "other people will think". Why put yourself into more debt than you need? If you're away from your husband and stressed out from work for 2.5 years, how do you think you will fare? Will you be burned out by school alone and not want to be an OT anymore? Or would it be worth saving your sanity and maintaining a stable home life, which is essential to academic success?

Awesome answer. I agree!

 

[Sunny324]

Personally I would go with the local hybrid program. Living apart from your husband is likely to add an emotional and financial burden to you. A higher ranked school is not nearly as important in it as it may be in other fields; focus on passing the NBCOT and you will be employable. If you want to work in a specific setting, do what you can to do one of your fieldwork placements in that setting.

 

[SamuraiIAmurai]

Thank you so much for the help! I asked the hybrid about where graduates end up, and they said they get recruitment emails from all over the country for all settings looking for graduates. The pass rate is in the 80's and everyone passes by the second time. I have decided to do the hybrid program, so I can live at home. Thanks again!

 

[pherrera]

That's awesome! Just make sure the school is accredited!!!!

 

[OTlove88]

I feel like this question comes up a lot and I also was struggling with whether I should apply to schools who have lower rankings but I agree - I think it doesn't matter where you go in the healthcare field in order to practice. As long as you graduate from an accredited program and pass the certification exam. However, I do think it matters if you plan on taking your career down a different path - as in eventually transitioning to academia, teaching, and research. For that, I do think it helps to come from stronger schools that have solid reputations. I have heard from a few OT's that the fact they went to good programs helped open those doors for them. But if you just want to practice - I really think it doesn't matter and the cheapest/most convenient program is the best!