1) How many clients/patients do you have to work with as an OT?
Hello! My name is Rovhic and I am a current high school student. I'm conducting an interview with any professional in the Occupational Therapy field for a Foundations in Health Science Class project about careers. I have a total of 13 questions (Including the one above).
2) Why did you choose this profession?
3) How many years of college did you need to go through? What courses did you need to take?
4) What jobs did you work before you landed your present professional job?
5) How can I decide if I should earn a Ph.D. in this field?
6) What benefits are there that come with becoming an OT?
7) Did you have to pivot and go back to school at a later date?
8) Did you shadow another professional in the field?
9) Did you join any school clubs related to your current profession? Were you in a college program?
10) Was there a particular subject you struggled with during your school years?
11) What skill sets did you learn or gain while pursuing your career?
12) Is it easy for you to balance your work life and your social life?
13) Would you recommend going through any experiences prior to becoming an OT to make the job easier?
2 answers
Halle’s Answer
Thanks for the great questions.
I work in a large hospital (acute care OT) for 10-hour shifts. I try to see one patient/an hour, so about 10 patients a day. This can vary, though.
I chose to be an OT because I was interested in the healthcare field and a "helping" profession. Right after High School, I got a Bachelors of Psychology (I graduated a little early- 3.5 years) and then went on to get my Masters in OT (2.5 years). Currently, you can get a Masters in OT or a Doctorate in OT depending on the school you choose to go to. I took many pre-requisite classes during my Undergraduate (Bachelors) program including Anatomy, Physiology, Medical Terminology, Chemistry, Psychology, etc. In Undergraduate, I was also part of many clubs and programs so I could network with as many people as possible!
I worked many jobs during my Undergraduate time, including in the Office of Admissions, but my current job was my first in OT, and I have been here 8 years now. I would recommend a PhD in OT if you want to work in Academia or research- it will certainly take more time! Note: a PhD is different than an OTD (Doctorate of OT).
I love being an OT! I was pretty strong in school throughout my whole life, but Anatomy was my biggest challenge! While pursuing my career, I learned to be flexible and manage my time appropriately. I remained determined- school feels like "forever," but it really does go by fast! Now, I am able to balance my work and social life very well, although working in healthcare is tiring as you are always on your feet and going, going, going!
Prior to becoming an OT, I would definitely shadow as many OTs as possible, in a variety of fields! OTs can work in so many different spaces, it's helpful to see as many as you can (and you'll need these observation hours before applying to OT school!)
Good luck!
Beth’s Answer
How many clients you see depends on the setting you are in. In the hospital, we see about 10 clients in an 8 hour day. With home health, we saw 4-5 clients, but you had driving time to consider. In a busy outpatient clinic, you may see 15-16 in an 8 hour day. In any setting you could work 8-4:30, or 7-7, 3 days per week, or 7-5 4 days per week. You will probably have to work some weekends also.
Occupational Therapy is a master’s degree level profession. You will have to go to college 4 years for bachelor degree in a related field with attention to graduate prerequisites, and then apply for graduate school for OT with another 2-3 years of school. Most people major in kinesiology or movement science . You will have classes in basic science, psychology, math, and social sciences like anthropology.
I chose the rehab profession because I wanted to help people regain their best selves. Without needles or medicine. I wanted flexibility for work life balance and a good living wage. Therapy has fit those requirements well.
I did not have to pivot from another field. In high school, I did a lot of shadowing nursing, physical therapy and doctors to help decide. I volunteered at the hospital to see all departments, I volunteered at a nursing home and at special Olympics, and worked as a therapy tech. By doing all this volunteer time, I was sure this was what I wanted to do, and it helped me get accepted into the program.
To be a good OT, you need to be patient, love people, be creative and flexible. If your patient has lost an arm, you have to teach them to tie their shoes- sometimes you have to try several techniques before they get it.
Reach out and explore the healthcare field, there are many awesome opportunities!
Beth recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much for your answers! These were very helpful.
Rovhic