Other OT-Related Information Finding it difficult to get a letter from an OT

[MasterOf.Science.]

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So, once I shadowed an OT for 9 hours. 9 hours was the cap the hospital would allow for observation. I knew that wasn't enough time to ask for a letter, but I did anyway. The OT I shadowed agreed to do it, but then ignored every single email.

Now I'm shadowing a different OT. But, I'm not too sure I can get a letter from her either. There is not a cap on hours at this place, but this OT seems very busy and often ignores me if I talk. When I first met her, she said, "I've had students before. It can take away from a patients treatment if they ask too many questions, so try not to ask too much. Other than that, I don't mind that you're here."

Honestly though- I have seen her do zero treatment. The COTA does all of it. The OT sees the person when they are first admitted to do an eval and then just puts things into the computer all day. Because of this, I've been spending more time with the COTA(I've basically been given free range to wonder around and shadow whoever- the problem is that she's the only OT that works there)

...How do I get a letter from this person? I feel that I am just in the way and that she doesn't want me there. A lot of schools require a letter from an OT you observed, but I find that to be difficult if you don't personally know them.

 

[kgprospot]

That sounds difficult. The OTs I shadowed were all so nice, and they didn't seem to mind me being there. I did have to do a lot of follow up with two places to get my hours confirmed and a letter of recommendation. Just keep following up. Some ppl need to be pushed. You could also find another place for shadowing.

 

[BeAnOTsoon!?]

Check with the school you're applying to and see if you can get a letter from the COTA instead. A few of the schools I applied to required a letter from an "OT professional," and I asked if a COTA would work...they all said yes.

 

[LAtoSDtoOT]

Sorry to hear about your situation.

The schools I applied to required that I spend a minimum of 20 hrs with a specific OT before requesting a letter, otherwise it wasn't acceptable/valid.

Personally I would try and find a new site to volunteer with. I don't think that a letter from either of your current sites is going to do you much good. However, if you need the letter just to check the box and meet the requirement. I would be as persistent as possible without crossing into annoying. Additionally, interviews and personal statement prompts typically will ask about your volunteer/observation experience, what you learned, how you grew, and what events solidified your decision to pursue OT. I think a new/more positive experience at another site would help in your responses.

 

[beestrng]

OTs from my experience are terrible when asking for a letter or observation. They only like level 2s. lol

You have to find a person who wants to write a letter or have you write a letter and they sign it. It took me a long time.

 

[RUNNING_OT]

So, once I shadowed an OT for 9 hours. 9 hours was the cap the hospital would allow for observation. I knew that wasn't enough time to ask for a letter, but I did anyway. The OT I shadowed agreed to do it, but then ignored every single email.

Now I'm shadowing a different OT. But, I'm not too sure I can get a letter from her either. There is not a cap on hours at this place, but this OT seems very busy and often ignores me if I talk. When I first met her, she said, "I've had students before. It can take away from a patients treatment if they ask too many questions, so try not to ask too much. Other than that, I don't mind that you're here."

Honestly though- I have seen her do zero treatment. The COTA does all of it. The OT sees the person when they are first admitted to do an eval and then just puts things into the computer all day. Because of this, I've been spending more time with the COTA(I've basically been given free range to wonder around and shadow whoever- the problem is that she's the only OT that works there)

...How do I get a letter from this person? I feel that I am just in the way and that she doesn't want me there. A lot of schools require a letter from an OT you observed, but I find that to be difficult if you don't personally know them.

This is a tough situation. I have been fortunate enough to have great communication with the OTs I shadow or volunteer for. I do let them know a few weeks in advance that I will need a letter of recommendation from them. Even if you observe the COTA, the OT will most likely have a conversation with the people you observe to get a feel of who you are and how you interact with the patients and professionals.

In regards to the OT ignoring emails, maybe try calling the hospital and find out if they still work there. Sometimes OTs give you their work email and then if they leave there is no reason for them to check it. I also suggest maybe getting the direct number to leave a voicemail and hopefully they return the call.

I had a similar problem with an OT and then it turned out she was no longer employed at that specific clinic. It took forever for someone to finally get back to me but I was persistent.

Looking for another OT to shadow wouldn't be a bad idea either. I usually go in the website to get a feel of how the OT is. I usually email the clinic a couple of days later expressing my interest, specifically in OT, and asking how open the therapists are to having student volunteers. I have had better experiences with OTs with the clinics I emailed first.

 

[Eloise42]

I really struggled with that same problem for a long time. I found a clinic (referred to me by another pre-OT) which had an established "program" for observation hours. I went in one afternoon a week for about three months and my time was half volunteering, half observing. It only resulted in 20 observation hours but I loved the time I spent there and I felt like the OT who wrote my recommendation actually knew me. I think the above suggestions of telling the OTs what you need in advance are a really good idea. I would also offer to volunteer, it feels good, you can learn a lot and you can spend more time around OT.