General Admissions & OTCAS OTD v. Medical School

[sloanetaylor]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey, y'all. Not sure how many other people have been thinking this same thing, but I thought I'd ask here.

What are some reasons you chose OT instead of med school? Lifestyle, money, etc.?

What are the bad (and good) things about OT?

Thanks!

 

[sngot]

There is a proverb that says give a man a fish and you feed him a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. With that in mind, I have been bias towards rehabilitation over medicine growing up. Occupational therapy isn't difficult in terms of science- it's about breaking down activities to allow patients to remain engaging with what is meaningful to them. Some may not find that challenging enough compared to figuring our the correct medical procedures to counter complex disease process and symptom management.

Personally, I love OT because of the big picture approach. OT can ask their clients what is important and work from there. The areas that it can be applied in is limitless. You can do it with whoever and wherever. The practical question is how are you going to get paid for it.

 

[beestrng]

Hey, y'all. Not sure how many other people have been thinking this same thing, but I thought I'd ask here.

What are some reasons you chose OT instead of med school? Lifestyle, money, etc.?

What are the bad (and good) things about OT?

Thanks!

Go to med school. it is cooler.

 

[othopeful93]

For me, I grew up around a family of nurse and my brother was an EMT and an AT. I hated blood, I wasn't interested by the stories, so I was CERTAIN I didn't want to go into healthcare.

And then I went to college where I found myself in love with Psych and researching what I could do with it that wasn't counseling and found OT and that was it for me. Switched my major to health sciences and well, now my family likes to joke about how I am now in healthcare when I swore up and down I was going to teach.

So for me it wasn't a choice of OT or Med School. People at my university like to think of PT/OT as a second choice because we "couldn't handle pre-med"or it was "too hard" and we "settled."

I just never had an interest to begin with.

Edit: Also, never go into a career for money. If you don't love what you do, it will always be work and it will always be a pain in the ass to get up in the morning. I know for sure I'd much rather be an OT and make less than being an MD than be (personally) absolutely miserable.

 

[sloanetaylor]

For me, I grew up around a family of nurse and my brother was an EMT and an AT. I hated blood, I wasn't interested by the stories, so I was CERTAIN I didn't want to go into healthcare.

And then I went to college where I found myself in love with Psych and researching what I could do with it that wasn't counseling and found OT and that was it for me. Switched my major to health sciences and well, now my family likes to joke about how I am now in healthcare when I swore up and down I was going to teach.

So for me it wasn't a choice of OT or Med School. People at my university like to think of PT/OT as a second choice because we "couldn't handle pre-med"or it was "too hard" and we "settled."

I just never had an interest to begin with.

Edit: Also, never go into a career for money. If you don't love what you do, it will always be work and it will always be a pain in the ass to get up in the morning. I know for sure I'd much rather be an OT and make less than being an MD than be (personally) absolutely miserable.

That's what I feel as well. I'm feeling like I forced myself (unintentionally at first) to go the medical school route. Not doing well in science courses doesn't necessarily bar you from getting into medical school, but what really clicked for me hard way recently was that I wasn't enjoying the challenge. I still want to work with patients, but I have a more creative side, and that is how I ended up settling on OT. I just hope that I can stop telling myself that I'm not smart enough because I don't want to go to medical school anymore...

 

[jadedphysiotherapist]

That's what I feel as well. I'm feeling like I forced myself (unintentionally at first) to go the medical school route. Not doing well in science courses doesn't necessarily bar you from getting into medical school, but what really clicked for me hard way recently was that I wasn't enjoying the challenge. I still want to work with patients, but I have a more creative side, and that is how I ended up settling on OT. I just hope that I can stop telling myself that I'm not smart enough because I don't want to go to medical school anymore...

Perfect.

 

[othopeful93]

I mean, I don't feel like I'm settling for OT. I'm in love with it. I never wanted to go to medical school. I'm saying people say that we are settling and honestly if you love it, NEVER let anyone make you feel that way.

 

[BeOT]

My husband is a physician and I will be starting OT school this fall so I kind of have both perspectives. Honestly, go with what you are passionate about and what you feel you have an aptitude for. Medical school is a long road and a huge commitment - both with your personal relationships, your time, and of course finances. Once you go down that road there's no turning back. Not to say it's not worth it, it's just there's a lot more to consider with the med school route versus OT being a 2-3 year commitment. Med school is 4 years + residency + fellowship depending on what you want to do. Hope this helps! 🙂

 

[LittlePuppy]

Just my $0.02

It would depend on a couple of factors: interest, passion/commitment, and financial stability. I initially wanted to pursue medicine, but I found OT. I'm still uncertain if I would pursue medicine in the future, but if ever that I don't, OT is a good profession to be in, in terms of salary and my passion. In a way, I consider OT as both my stepping stone to medicine, and in a way, my end point in my career. I've always loved to be a physician ever since I can remember, but life may have other plans for you. If you want to pursue medicine after OT, then that's fine. But if you are happy with being an OT, that's fine as well. As long as you are happy and satisfied with your career. It would be hard to decide now because both may seem appealing, but give it time. Anything can change in a few months/years. But no matter what happens, both professions are truly amazing, and have decent to amazing paychecks 😉

 

[sloanetaylor]

Just my $0.02

It would depend on a couple of factors: interest, passion/commitment, and financial stability. I initially wanted to pursue medicine, but I found OT. I'm still uncertain if I would pursue medicine in the future, but if ever that I don't, OT is a good profession to be in, in terms of salary and my passion. In a way, I consider OT as both my stepping stone to medicine, and in a way, my end point in my career. I've always loved to be a physician ever since I can remember, but life may have other plans for you. If you want to pursue medicine after OT, then that's fine. But if you are happy with being an OT, that's fine as well. As long as you are happy and satisfied with your career. It would be hard to decide now because both may seem appealing, but give it time. Anything can change in a few months/years. But no matter what happens, both professions are truly amazing, and have decent to amazing paychecks 😉

That's kinda where I'm at. Humanities and arts stuff comes easier to me at this point than sciences. I don't think I'll be settling in the sense that I feel like this is the right path for me at this stage in my life. I've always told myself that I can always go back to medical school in my 30's if I want to even though it would be really hard. Is that an okay way to think about it? Are you in OT school right now?

 

[deleted517237]

Hey there! While OT school does not require extensive science courses, I would caution any prospective student from thinking it is an easy job. We experience different challenges and draw from a variety of perspectives (in addition to science) based on the situation in front of us. We also approach a patient/client from the opposite end of a typical MD, who sees a patient as having a sickness that needs to be cured. OTs treat holistically and focus on improving participation in important/meaningful occupations. Personally, I enjoy cultivating therapeutic relationships, addressing environmental barriers, using functional/occupation-based treatments, and viewing the patient/client as much more than a disease. I don't think MDs experience much of this on a daily basis, although their contributions are obviously vital and life-changing. Think about which profession speaks to your passions and skills and go from there. (Also, entry-level OTs only need a masters degree, not an OTD; not sure this was clear based on the thread title.)

 

[sloanetaylor]

Hey there! While OT school does not require extensive science courses, I would caution any prospective student from thinking it is an easy job. We experience different challenges and draw from a variety of perspectives (in addition to science) based on the situation in front of us. We also approach a patient/client from the opposite end of a typical MD, who sees a patient as having a sickness that needs to be cured. OTs treat holistically and focus on improving participation in important/meaningful occupations. Personally, I enjoy cultivating therapeutic relationships, addressing environmental barriers, using functional/occupation-based treatments, and viewing the patient/client as much more than a disease. I don't think MDs experience much of this on a daily basis, although their contributions are obviously vital and life-changing. Think about which profession speaks to your passions and skills and go from there. (Also, entry-level OTs only need a masters degree, not an OTD; not sure this was clear based on the thread title.)

Oh definitely. I was never trying to say it was easier, just that it requires almost a completely different mindset than a physician. That's also the reason why I'm going on the OT path now... at this point in my life, I think it's the right thing for me. The creativity, the flexibility within the field, the wonderful patient relationships you can develop, etc. It might change in the future, and that's okay with me.

Also, how many OT schools do you think is good number to apply to? What were the hardest parts of OT school for you?

 

[occupationalguy]

Definitely depends where your interests are. If you are meant to be a doctor you have to follow that path, or you will regret it. Same for being an OT. I love conditions and the diagnoses game (which of course I don't do as an OT 🙂 Don't forget that there is more reward and more risk with being a MD, but you can minimize your liabilities if you work in a giant hospital, etc. My father is a physician and started out in the Navy. Life courses can change; no reason you can't get an OTD and end up with a MD, but it would save you a lot of time and money to set your goal correctly when you start.
I'm in the same position, I love OT, but I have considered other things: PA, PsyD... I wish I had the foresight to plan better when I started down this road.

Note: There is a LOT of hardwork, grief, and money spent on a MD degree. However, some OTDs come close to the price of MD degrees. There is no comparing debt to salary ratio of what a MD makes. A specialist makes 5-7 times what an OT does. A family physician (GP) makes at least 3 times as much as an OT. If you are cut out for it, and it's where your passion lies, it is certainly worth the work if you ask me.

 

[LittlePuppy]

That's kinda where I'm at. Humanities and arts stuff comes easier to me at this point than sciences. I don't think I'll be settling in the sense that I feel like this is the right path for me at this stage in my life. I've always told myself that I can always go back to medical school in my 30's if I want to even though it would be really hard. Is that an okay way to think about it? Are you in OT school right now?

In my opinion, that's fine. I actually told myself that while working as an OT, I will try to fix my abysmal GPA and find a way to apply to medical schools. I gave myself a time frame, and if I get accepted to a school by then, then I will pursue medicine. Once it's past my time frame, and I haven't gotten into a medical school, then I will "settle" for OT. (Air quotes were necessary because OT is a wonderful profession haha) But if you have plans of pursuing a medicine later on, maybe just stop at MS OT and don't pursue OTD? I will be going to a MA program this fall, and I don't intend to continue to OTD though. I've seen the posts of occupational guy all over about how unnecessary OTD is, and I would have to agree with him. I see it as both a waste of time and money, but this is my opinion on it. Unless of course, it's aligned with your goal. But so many things can change later on in life. You could get married (unless you are already), plan to settle down and have a family. Going to school then would be a lot more difficult than it would normally be when you're single. There are other numerous factors to this that may not be visible now, so anything can really change.

 

[idontdance]

I was planning to apply to med school before finding OT and I couldn't have been happier with my decision to go to OT school.

Here are a few reasons:
1. Stress. OT school is WAY less stressful than med school. I have a chronic health condition which I get accommodations for, I am sure med schools would also accommodate, but the nature of medical training and practice is not good for my health, compared to OT. In school and as an OT I can have a good work/life balance and be healthier physically as well. I've talked to friends who are medical students and the crazy hours of residency are pretty much unavoidable.
2. Time. It depends on your stage of life and if you are okay committing to the many years of medical training. I'm in a 3 year OTD program, and this my second time in grad school and second career, so time was an important factor for me.
3. Money. You will accrue much more debt in medical school, but will also make a much larger salary when you get out. For me, I am happy with the projected OT salary and will be able to live comfortably off it, which is all I need.
4. Most importantly--the job!! The biggest distinction is that physicians get to diagnose and OTs are treating. If you are all about diagnosis and that type of problem-solving, then go for med school. If you would rather problem solve how to treat a person, then OT might be a better fit.

I would recommend shadowing both professions (in multiple settings, if possible) and reach out to practicing OTs and Dr's and interview them about what they like and don't like about their profession. Also consider how healthcare is changing in the US and where the field may be going; currently there is a shortage of both physicians and OT's and it is predicted to worsen.
When I was shadowing at an inpatient rehab I met an extremely sharp OT, a fairly new grad, who used to be an EMT before going to OT school. She talked about how OT was a little too slow-paced for her and was considering going to PA school. That being said, there are much more fast-paced settings like acute care, which she may have found satisfying. She was working an an inpatient rehab in an orthopedics unit which can be a little more mundane.

 

[proapplicant]

I think they're pretty different, no? I get OT vs PT but OT vs Med School? I don't see it.

 

[occupationalguy]

I was planning to apply to med school before finding OT and I couldn't have been happier with my decision to go to OT school.
Money. You will accrue much more debt in medical school, but will also make a much larger salary when you get out. For me, I am happy with the projected OT salary and will be able to live comfortably off it,

All your points are valid, and I agree w pretty much everything, or I wouldn't also be in OT! I think it's worth noting, that you're right about salary. Sure you take out a lot of loans to go to med school, but compare scenarios:
OTs take out less loans, make 75kish a year til retirement adjusted for inflation
MDs take out a lot of loans, say 200, and make 250-400k a year until retirement adjusted for inflation

When comparing salary....there is no comparison.

 

[atroposlachesis]

Just would like to add here that the role of a physician is changing, and not for the better (based on the opinions of many doctors I've spoken with). A factor to take into account is autonomy - and how important it is to your overall satisfaction. Many doctors are now saying that managed care has completely robbed them of their independence. For people who are so well-trained and have sacrificed so much for their degree, it's especially damaging for them to be reduced to cogs in a machine. They see a ridiculous amount of patients, have an overwhelming amount of paperwork, and their every clinical move is dictated by policy.

Naturally, there is a lot of variation here. But I don't think it's encouraging that new research is indicating nearly half of physicians regret becoming one. They have also skyrocketing rates of suicide, chemical dependence, and other mental health problems.

For me, pursuing OT is a chance to have the autonomy and creativity that I think will be intrinsic to my career satisfaction. It will also allow me to take care of myself and keep my life in balance.

 

[c2902]

Just would like to add here that the role of a physician is changing, and not for the better (based on the opinions of many doctors I've spoken with). A factor to take into account is autonomy - and how important it is to your overall satisfaction. Many doctors are now saying that managed care has completely robbed them of their independence. For people who are so well-trained and have sacrificed so much for their degree, it's especially damaging for them to be reduced to cogs in a machine. They see a ridiculous amount of patients, have an overwhelming amount of paperwork, and their every clinical move is dictated by policy.

Naturally, there is a lot of variation here. But I don't think it's encouraging that new research is indicating nearly half of physicians regret becoming one. They have also skyrocketing rates of suicide, chemical dependence, and other mental health problems.

For me, pursuing OT is a chance to have the autonomy and creativity that I think will be intrinsic to my career satisfaction. It will also allow me to take care of myself and keep my life in balance.

I think this is a really good point. I know at my annual exams, my doctor (who I generally like) just always seems rushed. It doesn't upset me in anyway because I understand what it's probably like for her, and it's not likely within her control. Whereas I, as a mere OT not making anywhere near what an MD makes, get to spend a good 50-55 minutes with the majority of my patients (my patients are scheduled on the hour). I'm pretty flippin' lucky. Sure, they make a lot more money, but if I went home at the end of the day hating myself, I don't think the money would matter. I make a respectable living, and I love what I do. I don't feel like I need a lot more than that.

 

[occupationalguy]

I think the future of healthcare is moving towards the use of NPs and PAs to do a lot of the work that MDs currently do.
IF you find that fulfilling that is an option as well.
OT is an amazing field, and I second what the previous posters said: you really get a lot of freedom. The only negative I can see is that there is not a lot of room for career/salary advancement compared to other fields like nursing.