Hi Emily, I love the question. The main thing I would say is that if you want to be an OT than be an OT. I have met several therapists who wanted to be something else but chose OT only to leave the profession later. I chose OT when I was 17 and my decision was based on being able to work with a BS (I started out a biology major but learned that grad school of some sort would be a must). I also new I wasn't interested in being a medical doctor, physical therapist, or nurse. Those are all great professions but I liked the mix of psychosocial and medical approach that OT offered. It has offered a lot of flexibility and I have complemented my training with graduate degrees in public health and theology.
I do think OT is challenging because we often resemble other professions like- a teacher in the school system, PT or ST in the home, and a CNA in the hospital. All of the those roles make defining OT blurry. That said, I think OT is the profession that pulls all of those elements together to help the person engage purposefully in life. I for one do not regret my decision to become an OT. However, I think like any profession, it is ok to change your mind, if you become passionate about something else. For me, I am planning on going to Naturopathic Medical School and get an ND. If it weren't for my experiences working with malnourished babies in the hospital and with children who were autistic, I never would have discovered my passion for healing and keeping people healthy through nutrition and homeopathy. I don't hate being an OT but I can say, I am ready for a change. I can also tell you I can name just as many PTs and STs that want to do something else now too for various reasons. I don't think it is just an issue with OT I think all rehab professionals consider changing to a other professions like medicine, real estate, elementary school teaching, and pharmacy reps, etc. I think sometimes people get tired of lifting patients, the sometimes redundancy in caseload, insurance changes, and paperwork. All in all I say shadow an OT in different settings and at different times of the day, I didn't think about having to change diapers on adults or actually getting in the shower with someone when I made the decision to be an OT. I also didn't realize that I would really be the handwriting teacher in the schools. Good luck to you. andrianna -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] ************************************************************************************** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **************************************************************************************
