OT info, Chances at OT school and what I can do to become a better applicant

[SierraZ]

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Hey all! I'm fairly new to posting here. Have been lurking for a long while, though. my original plan was to get into a DPT school and work with a soccer team, but with a year before I graduate with my Bachelors, I'm noticing how difficult it will be to get into a PT school. My backup plan was always OT (shadowed for both, like them both). And I was wondering if MOT schools are a bit easier and less competitive to get into? I really want to begin my career and would hate to attempt to get into PT school and year after year get rejected while trying to improve my stats.

I have a 3.3 overall GPA, and perhaps a 2.8-3.1 Pre Req GPA (as far as most OT schools go, it varies). I'm currently still working on my vol hours, and want to get at least 100+ in before I submit my applications. GRE hasn't been taken yet, so I know I must do well on that as well.

As far as my GPA, what are my chances of getting into an OT school? Note: I have gotten C's in Anatomy and Physiology :/ Took them in the first year of my college career and was a 17 year old stupid kid back then. I'd prefer not to retake them, but I'm noticing it's a good idea to at least retake one of them. Do OT schools weigh heavily on these grades with my overall GPA being a 3.3?


Anyway, just looking at the applicants stats on the Pre PT forums got me very discouraged. I would hate to be working on my stats for years before I could actually get accepted into a school. Any advice, fellow OT's?


Also: what is the starting salary for an OT fresh out of school? It's incredibly hard to get an accurate number online without seeing huge differences (ie around 40-70k. that doesn't really help at all lol)

Thanks so much!

 

[CurlyHairedGirl]

They give a range in starting salary because areas with shortages pay more. Also areas with high costs of living pay more.

 

[2bOT]

You're gonna have a tough time with C's in both anatomy and physio. I had a 3.7 pre-req, 3.5 cum and only got into 3 out of 7 schools I applied to last cycle, to give you my personal frame of reference. The answer is YES the schools will weigh those grades heavily. Many schools only accept a B- or above in those courses. Retaking the classes will not only show admissions committees that you're capable of success in tough courses (to gauge your performance in grad school), but will serve as a refresher as you will need that info in future course - it's a pre-req for a reason! I would make retaking those C's a #1 priority as every single school I corresponded with said A&P were the most important grades they looked at. Good luck!

 

[WinginIt]

I agree with the previous poster. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology is crucial in understanding how the body works. Having taken it in undergrad only partially prepares you for Anatomy once you are accepted. If you struggled with these courses as an undergrad, schools will be very wary as to your ability to handle it as a graduate course. It will be much harder and much more intense. I would highly recommend repeating those courses. My bet is that your grades in those classes will be an important factor in getting accepted.

As far as PT goes, it is a good and respectable discipline to get into. However, as an OT student I find it insulting that you would consider it a backup because you didn't get accepted into PT school. Go into OT because you wanted to not because you couldn't get into PT school regardless of how hard it is to get into.

 

[speedyy12]

I agree with WinginIt. If you want to go into OT school and be an OT, go for it. I am too an OT student and I do find it insulting because there are some students that just go into it for the job security and money and get the spot in a program over someone who really desires and wants to be an OT. OT schools are just as competitive and I wouldn't just apply just because it is easier. Some OT programs are harder to get into than some PT programs. Do more shadowing and decide what you really want to do.

 

[babycheeks]

In a MOT you will be taking integrated anatomy and neuroscience at least that is what I'm taking at Bay Path College for my MOT it would be good to retake the anatomy and physio and anything else that is a prereq and is a C. They prob won't take a C they will likely make you redo them. My friend had a C in statistics and they didn't accept it and told her to retake it at a community college before she can get in the program.

 

[SierraZ]

I didn't mean for anyone to be offended that it is my "back up" plan because it happened to be something I found interest in AFTER PT. I simply started volunteering at a PT office (which also had OT), had a sit down with my counselors and they informed be that OT is a similar (yet different) option as well. Of course PT was my first option, but I'm starting to like the idea of OT more and more as I volunteer and see the differences 🙂 It's a back up in the sense that I'm changing my plans a bit now. Not a fail safe if I dont get into PT school (I dont think I'm applying at all to any PT schools for most of my vol hours will be in OT settings)

I'd consider doing the dual program at USA if I could, but the tuition is a stumbling block.

Thanks for the advice, everyone 🙂 Retaking Anatomy as soon as possible 🙂 feeling the heat now from my mistakes when I was 18-19 is no fun. How long does it usually take people to get into Grad Programs if they're retaking classes? It looks as if I'll have to wait a while before I apply. Kinda bummed, but gotta work hard.

 

[Meadow10]

have been wanting to be an OT for ten years but I have not gone because of the loans. Does anyone have any advice about whether this wAs the right decision?