New to the OT application process! Need help!

[aczerniak]

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Hi guys! I'm thinking about taking the plunge and applying for an OT program next year. On all the applications i've seen, there isn't anything about observation hours but looking over some posts on here, they seem to be really important. What's the minimum I should be looking to get since I don't see any minimum on the applications themselves?

Also, do you all think having Chemistry classes would be helpful for my application? I don't want to take Chem. courses if I don't need too (i'm terrible at it!)

Thanks!!!!

 

[OTdream]

I would say as a good amount that 100hrs is good. Preferably in 2 different settings. As for chemistry it depends on the school, half of the schools I applied to required it. Get super organized because you'll need it to make sure you have everything lined up.

 

[STAYSTOKED]

Hi guys! I'm thinking about taking the plunge and applying for an OT program next year. On all the applications i've seen, there isn't anything about observation hours but looking over some posts on here, they seem to be really important. What's the minimum I should be looking to get since I don't see any minimum on the applications themselves?

Also, do you all think having Chemistry classes would be helpful for my application? I don't want to take Chem. courses if I don't need too (i'm terrible at it!)

Thanks!!!!

Hey way to start thinking about the process early! OTDream was right about being organized. Its like a marathon with these applications. Have you checked the school's profile on OTCAS? That kind of tells you what requirements they are looking for and some even have the amount of observation hours and preferred settings.

Good Luck!

 

[kgirl0042]

It's awesome that you're already thinking ahead on your observation hours!

Basically it really doesn't matter what a school's minimum is for observation hours, because you'll want to get way more than whatever they say. The more the better really, and in at least two settings (but 3-4 settings would look great and show that you have a wide range of OT-related experience).

For example, my top choice school says that they're looking for at least 40 observation hours in a minimum of two settings. But based on what I've heard from people who got in last year, I chose to do 105 hours in four settings. I started working on my hours about a year before I applied (like you), and it really wasn't hard to do that many hours in a year's time. Good luck!