Most programs seem to want a LOR from an OT. I was wondering how long you guys shadowed before you asked the OT if they would be willing to write one? Also, how did you ask the OT? Asking for LORs is probably the most stressful part of the application for me. Thanks!
General Admissions & OTCAS How long did you shadow/observe an OT before asking for a letter of recommendation?
- Thread starter 1Lath
- Start date
- Joined
- May 27, 2017
- Messages
- 23
- Reaction score
- 10
Hi!
So I volunteered/observed at 4 different settings and received LORs from two.
All OTs are different and some may/may not agree to write you a LOR so I would suggest running it by before you volunteer/observe for too long.
From my personal experience: First, I was at a hand therapy clinic (~80hrs) and I asked the therapist privately (after clinic hours) if she could write me a LOR and she told me she only writes LORs for her aides. I was SO upset and thought I wouldn't be able to get a LOR in time for my apps, but I landed a short-term summer agreement at a peds camp (~33hrs) and I eventually asked the therapist on my last day and she was thrilled to write one for me. I then observed at a different clinic (~40 hrs) and she eventually asked me if I wanted a LOR (which I said yes! to). I was also at a hospital outpatient facility (~30 hrs) and the therapist also asked if I needed a LOR (which I denied as I had two therapists willing to write LORs on my behalf).
OTs know the reason why you're volunteering/observing and most will approach/ask you if you need a LOR (especially if you got close to them/have a good relationship with them); however, it's smart to run it by before spending too much time at one setting. As for asking them I would suggest talking to them before/after clinic hours or whenever the therapist isn't with patients/has free time or even via email! Hope this helps!
Hi Luminosity, thank you for your reply!
- Joined
- Sep 28, 2017
- Messages
- 38
- Reaction score
- 19
That is not right. The therapist should have told you upfront they wouldn't be giving you an LOR ahead of time - no excuses! Somebody volunteers A LOT of unpaid time, and an LOR is the least they can do (assuming there was no other reason not to write you one). I interviewed for a hospital volunteer position, and luckily they told me that day, and now I know to ask ahead of time. Good advice to others!!
- Joined
- May 27, 2017
- Messages
- 23
- Reaction score
- 10
Hahaha I know, but it's still partially my fault for assuming she would write me one (esp. bc I had a good relationship w/ all office staff). There was another girl trying to get into an OTA program and the therapist refused to write her one, but I assumed it's because she was super outspoken and came off as rude sometimes and ignored all warning signs. So moral of story: NEVER ASSUME THAT THERAPISTS WILL WRITE YOU A LOR!!
I worked with all of my therapists for at least 80 hours but I saw them write ones for people who literally observed for less then 15. It just kind of depends on the therapist. One of them asked me to outline what I would like her to write about which was kinda cool because I could draw on particular tasks and roles and give clear examples. I think this helped the therapist because as we know, these lovely people are therapists and practitioners first and focus much more on their responsibilities compared to what we do for them even though they appreciate it.
I was up front with the hand therapist I was observing when she asked how long I was looking to observe. I told her I was hoping for at least one long term observation, and that my school required at least one LOR from a long term observation position. That way she knew what I was expecting before I invested too much time.
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2017
- Messages
- 45
- Reaction score
- 36
I think it depends on the therapist. The first one I volunteered with required a minimum of about 60 hours before he would write a letter of recommendation for you. I’ve interviewed with other OT clinics that had the same concept. One even said “you can write your own letter of recommendation and I’ll just sign it.”
My situation at the 2nd clinic I volunteered at was difficult since there are about 10 OTs and I was told ahead of time that they don’t really write LORs since you don’t consistently see them. So I volunteered with the special day school they are contracted with and I got to know 3 of the therapists really well. I waited about 4 months (about 100 hours) before I asked one of them. I made sure I finished any projects they wanted me to do. Even staying later than planned to finish. I gave my OT a one month notice to write the letter . I tooo was SUPER nervous because I felt like my application relied on ONE letter but I just asked her during her break.
My supervising OT says it’s always best to give at least a month notice before you stop volunteering cause it shows your integrity. Your supervising OT can be the difference of you landing a job in the future! I also made sure I wrote thank you letters when I left.
My situation at the 2nd clinic I volunteered at was difficult since there are about 10 OTs and I was told ahead of time that they don’t really write LORs since you don’t consistently see them. So I volunteered with the special day school they are contracted with and I got to know 3 of the therapists really well. I waited about 4 months (about 100 hours) before I asked one of them. I made sure I finished any projects they wanted me to do. Even staying later than planned to finish. I gave my OT a one month notice to write the letter . I tooo was SUPER nervous because I felt like my application relied on ONE letter but I just asked her during her break.
My supervising OT says it’s always best to give at least a month notice before you stop volunteering cause it shows your integrity. Your supervising OT can be the difference of you landing a job in the future! I also made sure I wrote thank you letters when I left.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2016
- Messages
- 173
- Reaction score
- 148
I called around and told them exactly what I needed. That I needed to shadow someone for x-amount of time and receive an LOR after the fact. I found two to oblige and then began shadowing at the two centers. They filled out my LOR forms after x-time passed and that was that. I didn't shadow more than I had to. Only the minimum required. I shadowed maybe 20 hours each. One wrote a knockout LOR. She really liked me.
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2017
- Messages
- 23
- Reaction score
- 7
I shadowed at 5 different locations and only asked for a letter of recommendation from one of the OT's. I spent the longest amount of time volunteering with this OT and my responsibilities went beyond just observing (cleaning around the clinic, helping a client with homework before her sessions began) so I felt confident asking for a letter. I actually applied twice and she wrote me a letter both times! I observed an OT at a hospital and she told me before I asked that she does not write letters for volunteers because she doesn't feel like she knows them enough. I would suggest to volunteer at several places and ask the OT's that you feel you have the best relationship or experiences with!
