I have had a hard time finding the answers I am looking for both on the internet and in this forum. I just wanted opinions of fellow OT and soon to be OT students. I have heard that OT will be moving in the direction of OTD as entry level within the coming decade and I am curious as to what everyone thinks about this. Would it be wise to attend an OTD program or should I just do the MOT and think about continuing my education beyond that later? What are all of you doing?
Mot or otd?
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Yeah I tried to look up that thread last night and couldn't find it either. I didn't look too hard though so maybe I just missed it.
I applied to OTD and MSOT/MOT/MAOT programs last year. The main reason I am going into OT besides loving it is so I can consider teaching and doing research someday. I felt that an OTD program would prepare me for both especially if I found a good mentor in a program to guide my aspirations. I received interviews for OTD programs last year but decided to turn them down. The reason I decided against OTD is because I ultimately didn't feel at ease with the program costs.
After speaking to a lot of OT's I was also encouraged by the fact that many OT's have their doctorates in other specialties. So for me it makes more sense to pursue a masters first, begin working and then decide on a doctorate program. I also feel that during my masters I can narrow down several areas of interests and from there gain insight about which doctorate programs would be the best match for me. Finally I'll save money for now which is really important for me because this is a second career.
I applied to OTD and MSOT/MOT/MAOT programs last year. The main reason I am going into OT besides loving it is so I can consider teaching and doing research someday. I felt that an OTD program would prepare me for both especially if I found a good mentor in a program to guide my aspirations. I received interviews for OTD programs last year but decided to turn them down. The reason I decided against OTD is because I ultimately didn't feel at ease with the program costs.
After speaking to a lot of OT's I was also encouraged by the fact that many OT's have their doctorates in other specialties. So for me it makes more sense to pursue a masters first, begin working and then decide on a doctorate program. I also feel that during my masters I can narrow down several areas of interests and from there gain insight about which doctorate programs would be the best match for me. Finally I'll save money for now which is really important for me because this is a second career.
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Does anyone know if there is a pay difference between the degrees? Thanks.
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Thus far there has not been a pay difference between an individual with a Masters or Doctorate. If you are being hired as a OTR it will not matter too much. You both will be perform the same job despite your degree. I have even overheard OT's I work with who have a Bachelors and were grandfathered in saying to others that getting a Masters would not increase their pay either.
It's my understanding that initially OTDs will not be paid anymore than new grads with their masters, but the additional degree will likely open more doors and allot opportunities for promotion. Getting into OT school is so competitive now and the switch was only made from bachelors to masters recently! Over the span of our careers, it may go to a doctorate just as PT did. Even though prior degrees would be grandfathered in if that happened, just as OTs with bachelors are now, if two candidates for a position have the same qualifications and experience, why wouldn't the one with a higher degree be selected over an otherwise equally matched candidate? OT is a fast growing and seemingly secure field now, but nothing's certain. I have a relative who is a PT with his bachelors. He was laid off a while after the switch was made to masters, and no one would hire him until he went back to school; new grads with higher degrees were constantly being selected over him even though he had more than a decade of experience. Doctorates obviously aren't necessary in OT, but I don't think anyone pursuing an entry-level doctorate will regret going for it ahead of the rest of the profession. That's just my opinion 🙂
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I was researching and it seems as though the prerequisites are the same. I'm just wondering which route to take. The DOT seems to be not that much more school than the MOT. Does anyone have insight on this? Is the curriculum harder, or is it just more class? Thanks!
I think it really depends on the school.. when comparing the OTD program I selected to a specific MOT program I was considering, the curriculum seemed more rigorous in the OTD program. Try to narrow it down to schools that interest you and compare their individual curricula. I think the pre-reqs are generally the same, but again it varies from school to school. Some masters programs require coursework like physics, neuro, and pathophysiology, while some doctorate programs only ask for the basic anatomy/physio/psych/stats. AOTA lists out all the schools in the country and what degrees they offer, and OTCAS is a great resource for finding out participating programs' requirements all in one place.
It might eventual move to a OTD. I am going for my MOT I'm not going to pay a fortune for a OTD just to be on top of the move, we will be able to go into it grandfathered so to say if you have a MOT and you are working and it changes to OTD. I'd rather pay as little tuition as possible! My BS I got a scholarship and my MOT I got a 30K assistance from a hospital. Im happy keeping my debt low, the OTD is a bit high! If things change that way I can do it at that time no need to rush if your not really making that much more why pay the extra tuition. When this happened to my friend who had a BS in OT and moved into the MS the hospital helped pay her tuition and the program was faster if you had a BS, she is in no rush. I honestly find it a poor decision to go into a OTD unless you really need it or salary is higher, you are just asking for debt. I will wait!
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I just got accepted into an OTD program and MOT. I have heard from these boards (don't know how accurate it is) that both make the same amount. I understand the whole you don't need an doctorate unless"....yata" but what about if I want to my own business I know an PH.D is valuable so do I need an doctorate before I het my PH.D. Also if there is really no need for an doctorate I wonder why a majority (not all) of the OTs I have shadowed are continuing their education beyond their masters. Any feedback or thoughts are welcomed and appreciated.
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@MEOT I personally chose an OTD program because the price difference was only $5k overall and only a little extra time. I am on the side that believes in going for the OTD if you can make it work. If the program you're looking at is several thousand more, then I would skip it. Everyone is correct when they say that they initially get paid the same, however I believe more doors can open up for you over time with the extra experience you get with an OTD. My program has an extra component where you focus on one of several things:
"The doctoral-level experiential component is designed to develop advanced skills in one or more of the following: clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program policy development, advocacy, education, or theory development. Duration of the apprenticeship is a minimum of 16 weeks" (Taken from the website)
So yes, I do think the program is going to form me into a leader and an overall more well-rounded clinician. You really have to look at the structure of the classes and the program and go from there.
"The doctoral-level experiential component is designed to develop advanced skills in one or more of the following: clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program policy development, advocacy, education, or theory development. Duration of the apprenticeship is a minimum of 16 weeks" (Taken from the website)
So yes, I do think the program is going to form me into a leader and an overall more well-rounded clinician. You really have to look at the structure of the classes and the program and go from there.
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I HAVE BEEN SUMMONED.
As I've said before, people are looking at the dichotomy of the OTD vs. the MOT in the wrong way. The degree, by itself, does not provide instant gratification in the form of more money. If you're doing the same exact job with a higher degree, why should you be entitled to be paid more?
The real reason why people with OTDs generally get paid more than their MOT counterparts is that the OTD degree opens up higher level positions in academia/private practice/administration because there is a particularly heavy focus in OTD programs on administrative function and leadership. By and large, those with an OTD are not planning on working at a SNF in the trenches - they're looking for positions in which their new qualifications and skill set applies to. These positions in nature, pay more - clinical jobs are stymied by being paid through reimbursement for clinical services (minus the implicit, such as the share that your administrators take for themselves, among other things), but management, academic, and leadership jobs are not pidgeonholed by this. However, with great power comes...
I really must state, though - clinical experience is the fuel that makes the OTD vehicle move. There is a lofty sense of your "dream self" that going through school will build for you, but that check is hardly ever able to be cashed as a new grad when you're thrown head first into the reality of entry level jobs, experience-based leadership positions , and the sheer fact by itself that 90% (if not more) of the real, useful, or advanced information you'll ever learn and use is acquired in the field...and often through extended experience. A leader in the therapy world is someone who has knowledge, an expanded skill set, and experience - in fact, TennesseeOT has it perfectly right in the post above me: time and experience will set the knowledge that is acquired with the OTD free on an entirely ascended level.
Don't get me started on entry level doctorates, though. My conjecuture is that OT would have to deeply have a passive death wish to do so.
As I've said before, people are looking at the dichotomy of the OTD vs. the MOT in the wrong way. The degree, by itself, does not provide instant gratification in the form of more money. If you're doing the same exact job with a higher degree, why should you be entitled to be paid more?
The real reason why people with OTDs generally get paid more than their MOT counterparts is that the OTD degree opens up higher level positions in academia/private practice/administration because there is a particularly heavy focus in OTD programs on administrative function and leadership. By and large, those with an OTD are not planning on working at a SNF in the trenches - they're looking for positions in which their new qualifications and skill set applies to. These positions in nature, pay more - clinical jobs are stymied by being paid through reimbursement for clinical services (minus the implicit, such as the share that your administrators take for themselves, among other things), but management, academic, and leadership jobs are not pidgeonholed by this. However, with great power comes...
I really must state, though - clinical experience is the fuel that makes the OTD vehicle move. There is a lofty sense of your "dream self" that going through school will build for you, but that check is hardly ever able to be cashed as a new grad when you're thrown head first into the reality of entry level jobs, experience-based leadership positions , and the sheer fact by itself that 90% (if not more) of the real, useful, or advanced information you'll ever learn and use is acquired in the field...and often through extended experience. A leader in the therapy world is someone who has knowledge, an expanded skill set, and experience - in fact, TennesseeOT has it perfectly right in the post above me: time and experience will set the knowledge that is acquired with the OTD free on an entirely ascended level.
Don't get me started on entry level doctorates, though. My conjecuture is that OT would have to deeply have a passive death wish to do so.
thanks for the reply. Could you tell me which school you are going to?
Alway great reading your posts Dan.
Ok so let me ask this, If I already have MSOT degree and decide to go for the OTD…how would that work out? Whats the procedure?
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I'm attending The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. It's where I did my undergrad as well.
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sounds like a good deal. Good luck!
Do you think a person who has their MSOT, can apply to,say your universities OTD program and do the 1 year there and get their doctorate?
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Thanks!
I'm not familiar with an OTD program being set up that way. This one in particular definitely doesn't work that way; It's the typical, entry level, clinical doctorate. In Tennessee we only have two OTD programs and they are both entry level.
I am currently in a MOT program, and after reading this thread the consensus seems to be that an OTD will have the advantage when applying for administrative and leadership positions. Won't that be nullified by the fact that AOTA has made OTD entry level and set the due date to 2025? Like isn't the reason an OTD would be better applicant for an administrative position because they are comparably more prepared than those with a MOT? After the change every OT will have their doctorate making it less special? Does that make sense, or am I thinking about it the wrong way?
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Correct me if I'm wrong, but are you assuming that ALL licensed OTs will have to get an OTD by 2025? All this mandate means is that anyone entering the field for the first time will have to have completed an OTD program, but if you're already a licensed therapist by then, you don't have to go back to school. There are practicing OTs who only have Bachelors degrees, because that used to be the entry level degree - they did not have to go to grad school in order to keep practicing, they were grandfathered in. So not all OTs will have their OTD by 2025.
I understand that and I only meant entering students. I was speaking of the long-term effects of making the OTD entry level. This change means they want to phase out the mot's (when they retire) so eventually all ot's will be OTD, but at that point what would make any ot more qualified for an administrative/leadership position. Like the reason OTDs have an advantage applying for those positions is because the current entry level is a masters and a lot of ots currently have masters making OTDs comparably better in terms of applying to administrative/leadership positions. If the end result is that there is no one to be better than in comparison, then the OTD will eventually not be special. The profession will go from holding the OTD at higher standard to an OTD not setting you apart from any other ot once all ots are otds.
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O
occupational therapy
at which point they will start requiring entry-level PhDs...........😕
I'm not sure if this response addresses the exact question asked my OP, but here is my PERSONAL take on the issue:
I can't see any advantage to spending the extra time in school/paying more in tuition/accumulating a higher debt load/delaying entry into work force by at least a year in order to earn an OTD when MSOTs/MOTs will be grandfathered in. For me personally, the return on investment (ROI) just isn't there. By the time the entry level changes to OTD, I will have passed the boards and gained hopefully 5-6 years working in the field--that experience will be more valuable/attractive to employers than the letters after one's name.
All of the current practitioners I know working in medical settings have categorically said they think the move to OTD is unfortunate. That medical settings will not pay candidates any more for the advanced degree because they are limited by current reimbursements rates.
And I think I understand (and agree) with your logic: even if I hypothetically wanted to go into academia and/or research (at this time, that is not my leaning--I want to practice!), and completed an OTD beginning now, by 2025 that OTD will no longer make me "special" because it will be the standard requirement for the field.
I would like to see the option remain to have choice in our field; I think it creates flexibility where you have subsets of different people with different skill sets pursuing different paths, and they ALL advance the field. Unfortunately, that ship has sailed unless something changes between now and 2025. In the meantime, I consider myself VERY fortunate to have been accepted to an MSOT with the ability to be grandfathered in to do what I love without the prospect of delaying career until my late twenties/early thirties and not be (too) overburdened by debt.
I can't see any advantage to spending the extra time in school/paying more in tuition/accumulating a higher debt load/delaying entry into work force by at least a year in order to earn an OTD when MSOTs/MOTs will be grandfathered in. For me personally, the return on investment (ROI) just isn't there. By the time the entry level changes to OTD, I will have passed the boards and gained hopefully 5-6 years working in the field--that experience will be more valuable/attractive to employers than the letters after one's name.
All of the current practitioners I know working in medical settings have categorically said they think the move to OTD is unfortunate. That medical settings will not pay candidates any more for the advanced degree because they are limited by current reimbursements rates.
And I think I understand (and agree) with your logic: even if I hypothetically wanted to go into academia and/or research (at this time, that is not my leaning--I want to practice!), and completed an OTD beginning now, by 2025 that OTD will no longer make me "special" because it will be the standard requirement for the field.
I would like to see the option remain to have choice in our field; I think it creates flexibility where you have subsets of different people with different skill sets pursuing different paths, and they ALL advance the field. Unfortunately, that ship has sailed unless something changes between now and 2025. In the meantime, I consider myself VERY fortunate to have been accepted to an MSOT with the ability to be grandfathered in to do what I love without the prospect of delaying career until my late twenties/early thirties and not be (too) overburdened by debt.
@DanOTR/LNMT when you said "Don't get me started on entry level doctorates, though. My conjecuture is that OT would have to deeply have a passive death wish to do so." what did you mean?
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Probably harder to pay debt down with more credits to take. It wouldn't change reimbursement/pay.
@DanOTR/LNMT senpai where are you? Hope you are at 200k 😎
