Indirect OT Experience?

[sylus]

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So I work at a preschool that provides care for both normally developing children as well as those with special needs, developmental delays, behavioral issues, etc. We have various therapists that come in during school hours to work with our kids, including occupational therapists. I do get a chance to observe them, although it is usually not plausible to sit down and watch and entire session with no interruptions. Anyway, we usually get various suggestions from the OTs and then carry them out, so I've learned some common OT early intervention strategies. My question is- are schools going to consider this experience even though it is somewhat indirect? I will still aim for my official hours of observation to be outside of work, but it'd be greet if it was considered experience.

 

[indiegal]

I think this experience will be looked at very positively. If you plan to do volunteering as well, that will just make your care stronger. Highlight the work you do with school OTs in your application. Try to get volunteering hours in a hospital/clinic to see OTs work with different age groups.

 

[teacher2PT]

I am fairly certain the reason I got into my OT program (in one of the highest ranked programs I may add) is because of my teaching experience, which allowed me considerable time consulting with and incorporating strategies given to me by the Occupational Therapists in my various jobs. I did not have as much direct observation experience as other candidates may have, but just having that exposure helped a lot. Your situation sounds similar, and if you include the fact that you consult with/incorporate suggestions given by the OT and related professionals (Speech, PT) it will only help strengthen your application. I also had about 20 hours observing both PT/OT in an outpt. setting, so I'm sure that helped too. I think you'll be fine with the experience you've had! Early Intervention is a huge component of OT, so the fact that you've had experience working in a preschool is a big plus. Good luck!