Uh oh...did I choose the wrong specialty?

[Johann00]

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So, I'm a year and a half into my OT program, and there's no way I'm going to start over now. But, I just got done with my 2nd level 1 fieldwork placement and think I may have chosen the wrong specialty. Because my OT didn't always have clients to work with on a couple of the days I was there, I got to also shadow a speech therapist during several of the client sessions she had. And I LOVED it. The work she was doing was so cool and I really saw the impact it was making with her clients; often more so that I've seen in OT.

Anyone know if there's an easy way to get a dual degree in speech? Would I have to start all over with another 3-year program? Or is there anywhere that some of my OT degree would help to accelerate me through a speech degree? This is obviously a ways off and I plan to work as an OT for awhile before I really consider this, but just wondering if anyone knows what's out there?

 

[brisa2004]

Hi, I'm currently working in OT and have been for a few years. I know that you'd more than likely have to start over if you wanted to go the speech route. There are a lot of similarities but they are two different fields. That said, I wouldn't underestimate OT. Level 1 fieldwork is still really early on in your education, you might find your niche in something more cognitive. For example, I work with seniors and we often do cognitive-perceptual tasks but I like the fact that in OT, you are assessing and developing cognitive skills for daily function. For example, a speech therapist might work with a patient on increasing sequencing skills by using worksheets and mnemonic devices but I might take them to the kitchen to make food which is something that translates to daily living skills. I can tell you that in the real workforce, there is a lot of demand for physical and occupational therapy also in terms of patients getting transferred from hospitals with PT/OT orders to evaluate and treat. Unless someone is a stroke or TBI, I don't see speech orders as often. Just thought I would share.