Anyway... let's get down to business, shall we? April is Occupational Therapy Month, so I will share how I became an OT student... and provide some useful information on what to do if you're interested in pursuing this career path.
If you haven't read my previous entries, OT focuses on enabling people to live their everyday lives as independently as they can. I love this field is because I get to know the people who I work with, work together to set achievable goals so their lives would be more fulfilling and meaningful.
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My Brief Story (I promise!)
When I was young, I wanted to become a doctor because I cared about people and I wanted to help heal them. Also, I loved Science and watched shows like ER. I pursued the Bio-Med track during my last two years at Brooklyn Tech... However, I was miserable. I no longer thought Medicine was the right profession for me. I was a sophomore majoring in Psychology when I first heard about OT. A few classmates told me about it, but I never really thought about it until my senior year when I pursued a second major in Health Science with a focus in disability studies. My professor who taught an aging and disability course happened to be an OT. Later, I realized that my background in Psychology and disability studies would make me a great OT candidate.
As I learned more about OT, I fell in love. After I graduated, I worked in social services for a year. I still felt that OT was the perfect fit for me, so I went back to school. I volunteered, attended information sessions, applied to three programs (risky move!), and completed prerequisites (Anatomy & Physiology I, II). Months later, I was thrilled to find out that I was going to OT school.
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Some of you may have talked to others about OT, done some research on it, realized that field seems like a great fit for you... and you're considering taking the next step. You may be changing careers or graduating from college. Tough decisions will be made, but each person's experiences are unique. If you'd like, check out my guide on the application process below. (This process took me a year, but it was worth all the time and effort that I put into it.)
Part 1:
Consider all available options. Some questions to find out and/or think about:
- Cost, financial aid, scholarships
- Location, length of programs, degrees offered, programs that suit you
- Strengths and weaknesses (i.e., pros and cons)
- Requirements, prerequisite courses
Tip: To make things a bit easier, organize your materials/files into folders!
Part 2:
Research and write down/type up all questions you have. Narrow down your choices.
- Reach out to as many people as you can (OTs, family, friends, colleagues, OT students, etc.)
- Schedule and attend information sessions/tours to learn more about the programs, the application process, and ask questions.
Tip: Since it's becoming more competitive, consider applying to at least three programs... but not too many! Application fees, transcript fees... you get the idea.
Part 3:
Know which programs you want to apply to? Begin the application process.
- It is crucial to pay close attention to the program's specific requirements and application deadlines!!
- Maintain contact with the application office to ensure that you submit all required materials in a timely manner
* Prerequisite courses: if you have to complete prerequisites, you would need to enroll as a non-matriculated student at a local college/university. (Consider time and budget.)
- Common prerequisites: Psychology courses, Science courses with labs (e.g., Biology, Chemistry), Statistics, Writing, etc.
- NB: Many programs will allow you to take prerequisites while they review your application on the condition that you successfully complete all of them before the program begins
Tip #1: Take prerequisites seriously. Most programs expect minimum grades of C (may be higher for other programs) for these courses.
Tip #2: The program should know and approve of the course(s) you will take, so provide them with the course syllabus/syllabi.
Tip #3: It doesn't hurt to ask the program if they will accept a related course if you think it may satisfy a prerequisite requirement.
* Transcripts: all official college transcripts should be submitted. Also, you would submit additional transcripts once you complete your prerequisites.
Tip #1: The school can mail transcripts directly to the admissions office or mail them to you in sealed envelopes. Make sure to follow the application's instructions.
Tip #2: Yes, it's best you have an overall GPA of at least 3.0 (prerequisite GPA may be higher), but your personal statement, letters of recommendation, etc. can be used to your advantage.
Experience: Honestly, I don't remember how, but I just got this done ASAP.
* Letters of recommendation: should be handled ASAP. Those who will write on your behalf need sufficient time to write and send them back in sealed envelopes or submit electronically.
Tip: Ask 2-3 people who can write about your strengths in school or work. It does not have to be from an OT, but it couldn't hurt. (See the Volunteer section in Part 4 below.)
* Personal statement: this is your chance to set yourself apart...and compel them to accept you. You're sharing your story, explaining yourself (i.e., why you want to be an OT)
Tip: Revise, revise, revise! Try to get at least two people to read it and get their feedback.
Part 4:
Resume: some programs do require you to submit a resume
Tip #1: It should be up-to-date, and highlight relevant work/volunteer experience
Tip #2: Revise, revise, revise! No mistakes, please!
My Experience: I submitted my resume to at least one program.
Interview: some programs do conduct interviews, so prepare for it as best as you can, so you know what to expect
- Think of it as a conversation: an opportunity for the program to learn more about you... and for you to show yourself in the best possible light and to ask them questions
Tip: arrive a few minutes early or on-time in professional attire, be calm (Don't forget to breathe... the interviewer is human!), and be prepared to ask questions
My Experience: I had one interview. Since I arrived well-prepared, I was confident that I nailed it.
Volunteer Experience: most programs prefer applicants to have prior exposure to an OT setting
- The program may not set a minimum number of volunteer hours
- Previous work/volunteer experience (mental health, other healthcare fields) can work in your favor
Tip #1: If you volunteered for a period of time and have done well, your OT supervisor or OT staff may be willing to write your letter of recommendation
Tip #2: Find out if you can shadow a licensed OT in different settings
My Experience: I volunteered in the OT department at my local hospital for nearly a year. My OT supervisor wrote my letter of recommendation.
GRE's: most entry-level programs (i.e., BS/MS, MS) do not require you to take the GRE's, but doctoral programs (i.e., PhD, EdD, OTD) do.
CPR Certification: depends on the program, so review their requirements carefully.
My Experience: The program that I was accepted did require CPR certification.
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FAQ: I did everything I was supposed to do, but I was wait-listed/wasn't accepted to any program or I wasn't accepted to the program I really wanted to get into... What should I do?
Don't let this discourage you. You can always apply again! In the meantime, reflect on the areas you can improve on, focus on making yourself a better applicant (i.e., improving your skills), and showing them your determination... all should help boost your chances of getting in. Also, keep in mind that it is becoming more competitive to get into a somewhat limited number of OT programs today. (I hope that OT will be offered in more colleges and universities in the near future.) Since, there is often a limited number of seats, admissions committees often have to wait-list or even reject qualified applicants.
I previously mentioned that I applied to three programs, so there was a good chance that I wouldn't get into the program that I wanted. I was prepared to go through the application process the second time and give it my all to achieve that goal. Nevertheless, I was very fortunate to have been accepted to my top choice.
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