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Hello, my name is Michelle and I am a current high school student. I’m conducting an interview with any Occupational Therapist for a Foundations in Health Science Class project about careers! I have created a total of 13 questions . Please comment on this post, answer all 13 questions, and be apart of my assignment!?
1.Why did you choose the therapy profesión?
2.How many years of college did you need to go through?
3.What jobs did you work before you landed your present professional job?
4. How can I decide if I should earn a Ph.D. in this field?
5. Were you in a college program?
6. Did you have to pivot and go back to
school at a later date?
7. Did you shadow another professional in the field?
8. Did you join any school clubs related to your current profession?
9. Was there a particular subject you struggled with during your school years?
10. What skill sets did you learn or gain while pursuing your career?
11. Characteristics you need to have?
12. Work place values?
13. Have you ever thought of changing careers while pursuing OT?
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4 answers
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Molly’s Answer
1. I also had a personal connection to OT as I have a sister who received services in our home from a young age.
2. I completed 4 years of college to obtain a bachelor's degree before completing a 3 year doctorate program. Some programs are offering accelerated programs where you can finish with your masters in as soon as 5.5 years.
3. I worked a variety of healthcare and related jobs prior to becoming an OT. I was a pharmacy tech, dining assistant at a LTC facility, I was a personal care attendant and direct support professional as some examples.
4. A Ph.D. is for the purpose of completing research in the field. Some programs are OTDs (doctor of occupational therapy) and this is a clinical doctorate. It makes it easier to transition to employment in academia and other research related advantages, however in practice, masters and doctoral level graduates can complete the same tasks and duties as an OT.
5. Yes, I completed my OTD in a college program which I had to be accepted to after a lengthy application process.
6. No, I completed all education at one time.
7. Yes, shadowing is required for acceptance to an OT program as well as part of the curriculum.
8. I was very involved in undergraduate in things such as the exercise science and pre-health clubs as well as stating that I am an advocate since I was part of the student senate. Making everything connect back to a skill developed for OT is always helpful.
9. College algebra and chemistry were always tricky for me.
10. Many of the skills listed by previous clinicians are true. I find that problem solving and critical thinking skills were enhanced through my transition to clinician.
11. Each clinician and setting is different, but being thoughtful, willing to work, and caring for others is a good place to start.
12. Integrity, there is a lot to do with billing and clinical expertise that you are entrusted with.
13. Yes, I considered a few other careers on my way up (genetic counseling, audiology) and then realized that I really liked mental health and that there might have been a better path towards mental health treatment than OT (counseling).
2. I completed 4 years of college to obtain a bachelor's degree before completing a 3 year doctorate program. Some programs are offering accelerated programs where you can finish with your masters in as soon as 5.5 years.
3. I worked a variety of healthcare and related jobs prior to becoming an OT. I was a pharmacy tech, dining assistant at a LTC facility, I was a personal care attendant and direct support professional as some examples.
4. A Ph.D. is for the purpose of completing research in the field. Some programs are OTDs (doctor of occupational therapy) and this is a clinical doctorate. It makes it easier to transition to employment in academia and other research related advantages, however in practice, masters and doctoral level graduates can complete the same tasks and duties as an OT.
5. Yes, I completed my OTD in a college program which I had to be accepted to after a lengthy application process.
6. No, I completed all education at one time.
7. Yes, shadowing is required for acceptance to an OT program as well as part of the curriculum.
8. I was very involved in undergraduate in things such as the exercise science and pre-health clubs as well as stating that I am an advocate since I was part of the student senate. Making everything connect back to a skill developed for OT is always helpful.
9. College algebra and chemistry were always tricky for me.
10. Many of the skills listed by previous clinicians are true. I find that problem solving and critical thinking skills were enhanced through my transition to clinician.
11. Each clinician and setting is different, but being thoughtful, willing to work, and caring for others is a good place to start.
12. Integrity, there is a lot to do with billing and clinical expertise that you are entrusted with.
13. Yes, I considered a few other careers on my way up (genetic counseling, audiology) and then realized that I really liked mental health and that there might have been a better path towards mental health treatment than OT (counseling).
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Answers
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Michelle,
I'm an Australian dietitian-nutritionist with a wealth of experience, having collaborated with occupational therapists for over three decades. I suggest incorporating this information as an appendix to your assignment, if you find it suitable. Allow me to share the knowledge I've gathered from my tenure in 50 different hospitals as a member of the allied health team.
1. What motivated you to choose a career in therapy? My driving force was the desire to assist individuals in overcoming illness, morbidity, disability, and premature death.
2. How long did your college education last? A decade.
3. What roles did you occupy before you secured your current professional position? I worked in diverse fields, including as an Industrial Chemist, Laborer, Cab Driver, Tutor, Actor, and Stonemason.
4. How can I determine if pursuing a Ph.D. in this field is the right choice for me? Consider your passion for the subject. Is it strong enough? Evaluate your capability, the potential financial rewards, and the demand for the qualification.
5. Were you part of a college program? Yes, I was.
6. Did you ever have to return to school at a later date for further education? Only to acquire additional qualifications and expertise.
7. Did you ever shadow a professional in your field? No, I didn't.
8. Did you participate in any school clubs related to your current profession? No, I didn't.
9. Were there any subjects you found challenging during your school years? Yes, I did struggle and had to repeat the 11th grade.
10. What skills did you acquire or develop while pursuing your career? I gained proficiency in computing, software authoring, and health and nutritional education.
11. What are some essential characteristics for this profession? Being calm, determined, a good listener and note-taker, an exceptional teacher, and a continuous learner are crucial.
12. What values are important in your workplace? Providing the best and most honest information for the benefit of the client is paramount.
13. Have you ever contemplated a career change while pursuing occupational therapy? No, I haven't.
I hope you find this information useful.
Best Regards,
Jim, the Dietitian.
I'm an Australian dietitian-nutritionist with a wealth of experience, having collaborated with occupational therapists for over three decades. I suggest incorporating this information as an appendix to your assignment, if you find it suitable. Allow me to share the knowledge I've gathered from my tenure in 50 different hospitals as a member of the allied health team.
1. What motivated you to choose a career in therapy? My driving force was the desire to assist individuals in overcoming illness, morbidity, disability, and premature death.
2. How long did your college education last? A decade.
3. What roles did you occupy before you secured your current professional position? I worked in diverse fields, including as an Industrial Chemist, Laborer, Cab Driver, Tutor, Actor, and Stonemason.
4. How can I determine if pursuing a Ph.D. in this field is the right choice for me? Consider your passion for the subject. Is it strong enough? Evaluate your capability, the potential financial rewards, and the demand for the qualification.
5. Were you part of a college program? Yes, I was.
6. Did you ever have to return to school at a later date for further education? Only to acquire additional qualifications and expertise.
7. Did you ever shadow a professional in your field? No, I didn't.
8. Did you participate in any school clubs related to your current profession? No, I didn't.
9. Were there any subjects you found challenging during your school years? Yes, I did struggle and had to repeat the 11th grade.
10. What skills did you acquire or develop while pursuing your career? I gained proficiency in computing, software authoring, and health and nutritional education.
11. What are some essential characteristics for this profession? Being calm, determined, a good listener and note-taker, an exceptional teacher, and a continuous learner are crucial.
12. What values are important in your workplace? Providing the best and most honest information for the benefit of the client is paramount.
13. Have you ever contemplated a career change while pursuing occupational therapy? No, I haven't.
I hope you find this information useful.
Best Regards,
Jim, the Dietitian.
Updated
Kristina’s Answer
1. I was originally interested in working with children with disabilities but shortly after completing observations in this profession, I found love for the geriatric population.
2. Required for 5.5 years (in an entry-level program) or 6 years if going the traditional route for Master's.
3. Camp counselor
4. If you are interested in research and pursuing something very specific!
5. Yes
6. No
7. Yes, many! Maybe 5 before college and about 25 in college
8. Yes, I joined clubs related to advocating for students or individuals with disabilities and the Alzheimer's Association!
9. I struggled most with science
10. Compassion, organization, time management, advocacy
11. Empathy!
12. Advocacy for the clients
13. No, so many options in the world of OT
2. Required for 5.5 years (in an entry-level program) or 6 years if going the traditional route for Master's.
3. Camp counselor
4. If you are interested in research and pursuing something very specific!
5. Yes
6. No
7. Yes, many! Maybe 5 before college and about 25 in college
8. Yes, I joined clubs related to advocating for students or individuals with disabilities and the Alzheimer's Association!
9. I struggled most with science
10. Compassion, organization, time management, advocacy
11. Empathy!
12. Advocacy for the clients
13. No, so many options in the world of OT
Updated
Denise’s Answer
Hi Michelle,
1. My dad was hospitalized and I became interested in OT when I went through his rehab program with him.
2. 4 years of undergrad, 2 1/2 years for my master’s
3. Nothing OT related, I worked for about 15 years in corporate marketing.
4. That would depend on whether you want to be in patient care or teaching, research, etc. If you want to be in patient care, the entry level degree is appropriate.
5. No
6. No
7. Yes, it’s a great way to learn more about what different settings are like.
8. Just the one association specifically related to OTs at my school.
9. I think the class that I had to really wrap my brain around was the activity analysis class. It was just a completely different way of observing and thinking.
10. Conversational Spanish!
11. Empathy, flexibility, willingness to learn
12. Respect for our clients and colleagues, ability to communicate well and desire to learn.
13. More now that I am getting older. I work in an adult inpatient rehab center so it’s a lot of physical work. I’ve thought about transitioning to teaching or consulting at some point.
1. My dad was hospitalized and I became interested in OT when I went through his rehab program with him.
2. 4 years of undergrad, 2 1/2 years for my master’s
3. Nothing OT related, I worked for about 15 years in corporate marketing.
4. That would depend on whether you want to be in patient care or teaching, research, etc. If you want to be in patient care, the entry level degree is appropriate.
5. No
6. No
7. Yes, it’s a great way to learn more about what different settings are like.
8. Just the one association specifically related to OTs at my school.
9. I think the class that I had to really wrap my brain around was the activity analysis class. It was just a completely different way of observing and thinking.
10. Conversational Spanish!
11. Empathy, flexibility, willingness to learn
12. Respect for our clients and colleagues, ability to communicate well and desire to learn.
13. More now that I am getting older. I work in an adult inpatient rehab center so it’s a lot of physical work. I’ve thought about transitioning to teaching or consulting at some point.