General Admissions & OTCAS OTD vs. MOT - Which did you choose? Why?

[WanderlustOT]

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Hello all,

Just curious to see what path everyone is choosing. Whether you have applied, or planning to apply, did you choose a program for OTD or MOT? More importantly, why did you choose that over the other?

 

[mushinkansen]

I'm choosing the MSOT route because I am not interested in management, research, academia, etc; I just want to practice OT. Plus, it's a lot cheaper, most of the time, than an OTD. Basically, I want to spend as little money and time in school as possible because I'd much rather be out there working.

 

[atroposlachesis]

Right now, I'm actually leaning towards the OTD, but I might change my mind. I've start searching for jobs in management/faculty, and there are LOTS of positions I've found that require a doctorate in physical therapy, occupational therapy, rehab science, etc. I think as OT demand increases, more schools with open, and more of those schools will need faculty. Heck, Creighton is looking for a full-time instructor, and OTD is listed as a preferred qualification with a relevant doctorate being the minimum. I think awareness of the OTD is increasing rapidly and now might be the time to make the investment.

Edit: Of course, all of these jobs require experience, and the entry-level is not as desirable as the post-professional. OTD will not get you any further immediately after graduation. However, after a few solid years of experience, it may open quite a few more doors.

 

[c2902]

I have an MSOT. I applied at the end of 2012 for entry to a program in the fall of 2013 and at the time, there were no doctorate programs near me. Plus, I figured, as a non-traditional student, an MSOT was more likely for acceptance. Where I work, neither of my bosses has a doctorate. If in the future, I decide to pursue academia, maybe, but I'm already in my mid/late 30s and OT was a career change, so going back to school AGAIN (I'd already gotten a Masters before OT school) is unappealing.