Summer 2014

A lot has been going on so far this summer. Right now, I'm living in VT, but I still don't have WiFi at home or good reception where I live. Still, I've pretty busy attending yoga twice a week since May and trying to get back on track with running since I'd like to do a 10K or half marathon. Also, I usually drive back to the city two weekends a month. My car is 6 months old, and it already hit 10K because of all the driving I've done so far!

Anyway, I'm glad to have found some time to write a short blog post. I'm still working at the nursing home, and I got my contract extended for another 6 weeks. However, I'm awaiting my Vermont license to arrive in the mail. The application process was quite simple since I already have my NYS license. It'll be nice to find work there since I'd like to remain in VT. I don't miss the high cost of living, traffic or the crazy drivers in NYC. Now, my biggest gripes are slow drivers and when I would be allowed to pass them haha.

Hmm, I just turned 30 last week (no, I don't look it!). It feels great knowing that I'm making something of myself at this point in my life. My parents said I should go for my doctoral degree, but I think I'll consider doing that later on. I still have plenty to learn... I would love the opportunity to fabricate a splint once the materials are made available to me!

PS: I really need to get WiFi so I can work on earning CEU's! 

Happy OT Month!!

Holy cow, I haven't updated in a while! To make the long story short, I became a traveling OT. In February, I was assigned to work in a skilled nursing facility for 13 weeks. Since I don't have WiFi at home and have limited data on my cell phone plan, I haven't been online as often as I would like. However, I've gotten used to it!

Starting my new job as an OTR was quite challenging, and I had to to put in a lot of hours, but I like what I do. I like most of the residents with the exception of a few who are just plain mean. There used to be two OTRs, but now it's just me and a COTA (certified occupational therapy assistant) who's very good... It just means MORE paperwork for me: completing evaluations and discharges, monthly recertifications and adding goals on weekly progress notes if needed.

I just renewed my 13-week contract with my current assignment, so I'm planning on moving to a place in VT which is about 3 miles away from where I work. I'm pretty excited since I plan on hiking and spending a lot of time outdoors! :)

25th Post: How My Life Influenced My Decision in Becoming an OT

The new year is a fresh start for me, so I decided to reveal something personal about myself. It's a topic that I sometimes feel uncomfortable sharing with people unless I've known them for a while. 

One of the main reasons why I want to become an OT is because I know that nearly all of us take the ability to do simple things everyday for granted, but I understand how it feels not being able to do what most people can do. Why? I have a disability. However, that didn't stop me from overcoming my obstacles or from living the life I have right now. As an OT, I want to encourage and help others overcome theirs so that they are able to take charge and live fulfilling lives. 

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When I was 3, I was diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss in both ears. This may have occurred when I was born or before that because my mother said I didn't have any illnesses that could have contributed to my hearing loss. My parents were devastated, but they were determined to raise me just like any other child. I was fitted with hearing aids, and soon I picked up on words and learned to speak. 

I attended Lexington (school for Deaf children) until the third grade. By then, I excelled in school (my slightly Tiger Mom giving me extra homework may also have contributed to it, hehe). Mom believed that I should be learning in a mainstream environment. Initially, I was reluctant to leave my friends and the one place where I felt I belonged. However, I realized I had nothing to lose.

I was enrolled in a public school as a fourth grader. The transition was a bit scary, but I never looked back. I helped Mom prove those professionals at Lexington wrong: I was ready and capable of handling the challenges of becoming a mainstream student with the necessary supports. It turned out that I adjusted relatively well, made new friends, and was motivated to do well. The hard work paid off, and I made the Honor Roll.

In middle school, I took the specialized science high school admissions test (SSHSAT) and was accepted to Brooklyn Tech, the third best school. Nevertheless, I was ecstatic and seized this perfect opportunity. It was pretty tough, but I did the best I could. My chosen field of study was Bio-Med, and I decided early on that Medicine was no longer the right career path for me. 

At Stony Brook, I majored in Psychology and Health Science (with a focus in Disability Studies). I made amazing friends, learned Sign Language and finally understood it, started an American Sign Language (ASL) Club that lasted a few semesters, and first heard about OT and was intrigued by it. After graduating, I held a job in social services for a year before returning to school to study OT!

Happy 2014!

Happy New Year! Also, I hope you all had a wonderful time celebrating the holidays. I celebrated mine by eating a lot and rang in the new year with family and friends. I'm happy to say that 2013 was truly bad@ss, and I hope that 2014 will be awesome as well! :)

Not too much is happening lately, since I am still job hunting. I hope to find something soon because I really would like to start working!

This OT's Top 3 Favorite Devices (aka. "Gadgets")

One of the things I love about OT is that we have countless tools to make everyday living easier. A number of patients refer to these devices as "gadgets" because they're cool! Our job is to ensure that the equipment that they use will help promote their independence in different ways.

Anyway, here are my top 3 Favorites!

3. Dycem
I've used this with my patients, and it's amazing. You can cut it in any shape, and it's so versatile and easy to clean. The best thing about this is that you can come up with creative solutions.

2. TheraPutty
What can I say? I'm a kid at heart. This is like Play Doh but more durable and has anti-bacterial properties. It's really used for therapeutic purposes, and is color-coded ranging from very soft to firm.

1. Long-Handled Dressing Stick
This assistive device may look like it's designed for dressing only, but I found 10+ things you can do with it. This is actually my favorite, and I call it the "Multipurpose Stick"!

10+ Things I Could Do With a Dressing Stick 
(Multipurpose Stick)!

1. Use pointed end to remove socks and shoes.

2. Put on pants. (Flattened end can keep one pant leg from sliding out of place and long handled reacher can be used to hold and pull up the other pant leg.)

3. Dry legs and feet. (Hooked end can hold one end of the towel and long handled reacher can hold the other). 

4. Press elevator buttons.

5. Press ATM keys.

6. Flush toilet.

7. Grab loops of jacket/coat.

8. Use hook end to pick up empty soda cans or dump them into recycling bins/trash.

9. Grab hard-to-reach items (e.g. under the bed).

10. Flip on/off light switch.

11. Gently yank chain (e.g. ceiling fan)

12. Press down lever handles (e.g. door)

13. Hang clothes in hangers or bring down clothes in hangers.

14. Pull against handle (e.g., closet door) or pull open door (e.g. dryer door).

15. Use hook end to open soda can!
      CAUTION: The stick should be parallel to the table and make sure there are no objects or people nearby. (Even though I tried this out and it worked, I would NOT use this as an intervention.)

Officially an OTR/L = Occupational Therapist, Registered, Licensed

It's funny to see how much can change in one month. On Tuesday, November 12th, I took the NBCOT exam. Two weeks after that, I found out that I passed. Last week, I received my NY State License certificate in the mail. Today, I received my NBCOT official score and certificate, which means I can write "OTR" after my name.

As I look back, I realize that I've been working towards this goal for four years. At this time four years ago, I was in the process of completing OT program applications and preparing to enroll at a community college to take Anatomy & Physiology, one of the prerequisite courses I had to take.

It's such an amazing feeling when everything in my life is finally coming together. I must admit that it required pure grit to get through this long and hard journey to becoming an OT. Now, I can be proud to say that my hard work paid off despite all the sweat and tears. I'm so excited to moving forward. This is just the beginning of a new chapter in my life, and there are wonderful things that lie ahead.

All About the NBCOT!

While I'm job-hunting, I realized that the completing the NBCOT certification and licensure (for New York State) were two separate processes, which got a bit confusing. Thus, I decided to share the steps I took to complete the application to take the exam AND registration to obtain the license. At the time of writing, the information I provided below is accurate, and I did not encounter any problems. I hope you will find the information helpful and that everything goes smoothly for you as well.

Successfully completed your final fieldwork? Check.

Successfully completed all your coursework? Check.

Graduated? Check.

Congratulations on completing your OT program, which is a big accomplishment! There's one BIG final step to take. 
This is the goal you've been working towards: taking AND passing the NBCOT exam!

1. Licensure Process (NB: for New York state only)

    - Downloaded and printed out Form 1 and TWO copies of Form 2 from http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/ot/

    - Obtained a passport-sized photo of myself

    - Had Form 1 notarized by teller at my bank

    - Initial Registration Fee: Check was made payable to New York State Education Department

    - Notarized Form 1, passport photo, AND initial registration fee were mailed out to: 

                                New York State Education Department

                                Office of the Professions

                                P.O. Box 22063

                                Albany, NY 12201 

    - Completed TWO copies of Form 2 and submitted both to my program (in person) to have them fill out the rest and mail out

    - Included with one Form 2, one envelope was addressed to:

                                 New York State Education Department

                                 Office of the Professions

                                 Division of Professional Licensing Services

                                 Occupational Therapy Unit

                                 89 Washington Avenue

                                 Albany, NY 12234                                                     

2. Certification Process:

    - Downloaded the Academic Credential Verification Form (ACVF) from www.nbcot.org since I planned on taking the exam before my official graduation date (as stated on my diploma)

    - Submitted the ACVF to my program (in person) for them to complete and mail out

    - Submitted my NBCOT Certification Exam application on www.nbcot.org
    - Online Exam Application Fee plus NY Initial Score Report: Check was made payable to NBCOT
    - Printed receipt and check were both mailed out to:
                                  National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
                                  Attn: Certification Examination
                                  12 South Summit Avenue, Suite 100
                                  Gaithersburg, MD 20877-4150

    - Printed my Authorization to Test (ATT) letter that was sent to me via e-mail
    - Selected my testing location and scheduled day and time to take the exam on www.prometric.com

3. FINAL Official Transcripts (ordered after official graduation date)
    - Transcripts were ordered electronically through my student online account 

    - One paper transcript was sent to:

                                  NYSED Office of the Professions

                                  Division of Professional Licensing Services

                                  Occupational Therapy Unit

                                  89 Washington Avenue

                                  Albany, NY 12234
                                  518-474-3817 x270

    - One e-transcript was sent to NBCOT via e-mail: transcripts@nbcot.org

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Preparing for the Exam:

It is really up to you to decide the length of time you want to spend preparing for the exam. Everyone is different. Some are comfortable taking it soon after they graduate or successfully complete their final fieldwork. Others may spend a month or more preparing for it. (I took TWO months, but it was worth taking the extra time to study!)

I highly recommend that you attend a review course that may be offered by your program, possibly for free or at a discount rate. I used Rita Fleming-Castaldy's National Occupational Therapy Certification Exam: Review and Study Guide (6th Edition) and attended TherapyEd's NBCOT Preparation Course. For more information, go to http://www.therapyed.com/nbcot.htm#otreg

This helped structure my study time and target some areas that I needed to focus on.

Another helpful resource is AOTA's NBCOT Online Exam Prep (used after I took the NBCOT and before I found out that I passed). It has over 900 practice questions and 77 Clinical Simulation scenarios. One con is the price tag, but it is REALLY useful and can help you target your weaker areas. For more information, go to http://nbcotexamprep.aota.org/

What really made the difference is creating my own study guide. Also, redoing the practice questions and spending time to understand why I answered questions incorrectly helped tremendously. Don't forget to review class notes and/or textbooks when necessary.

Stay focused, but remember to make time for yourself! :)

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On the Day of the Exam

1. Get a good night's sleep and eat well.

2. Bring a printed copy of your ATT letter and 2 forms of government-issued ID's with you.

3. Arrive early to your testing site because the signing in process can take a while.

4. Don't bring a lot of stuff. Everything goes into the locker except your 2 ID's and locker key.

5. You will be fingerprinted (electronically), have a metal detector scanned and your clothing checked to ensure you don't have any "illegal" items on you. You will sign and write the time in a log book.

6. They will provide you with two dry-erase boards and dry-erase markers. Do use them!

7. Make sure you are comfortable and complete the tutorial so you know what to do.

8. Take 2-3 quick water/bathroom breaks, but remember that the clock doesn't stop. As you leave, your fingerprint is checked and you sign out. When you return, fingerprint is checked, you are scanned and clothing checked, and you sign in.

9. Be VERY careful with the Clinical Simulation section because you can't change your answer choices. Also, don't select answer choices that you're unsure of since you WILL be penalized for choosing the wrong action. 

10. Budget your time wisely and do your best not to overthink it. You can go back to tackle the tough multiple-choice (MC) questions. Also, you may use the remaining time to review your answers.

11. Feeling tired and/or feeling that you don't know or remember anything is perfectly normal after spending 4 hours taking an intense exam. Relax because you did your best... and you earned it!

**Remember, you've come this far and successfully completed the OT program. Thus, you have what it takes to pass the exam. The most important thing is that you effectively and efficiently use your time to prepare for it. 
Good Luck! You got this!** 

***It you didn't pass the exam the first time: it's okay to feel upset, but you shouldn't be discouraged. This is the opportunity to focus on areas that you can improve on and retake the exam. There's no shame. Keep your head up and remember that you worked too hard to give up at this point!***

What an awesome November!

Just wanted to share some exciting news: I received my diploma and... I PASSED THE NBCOT EXAM! My hands were literally shaking when I found out. First, I told my mom who then told the rest of my family. They're all so proud! :D

Honestly, this was the toughest exam that I ever had to take. I had no idea if I passed or not after taking it. Fortunately, the TherapyEd review course plus Rita Fleming-Castaldy's book were sufficient in preparing for it.

After I took the exam, I paid for AOTA's NBCOT online exam prep. I thought it couldn't hurt to expect the worst should I need to retake the exam. Since I passed, this is still an excellent resource with hundreds of practice questions and detailed explanations.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I have so much to be grateful for this year! :)

Two-Time Tough Mudder!!

Doing the Tri-State Tough Mudder the second time was even more awesome! The obstacles were more challenging and I ended up muddier than last year. Even though I didn't train as hard as I did last year, I'm pleased to say that I completed all obstacles except Funky Monkey (sorry, I wasn't ready for you).

Plus, seeing a team of people enabling a man in a wheelchair to complete many obstacles motivated me to keep on going despite battling left leg cramps. I'm so grateful to my BAMF (Bad A$$ Mudder Fudders) crew and my fellow mudders for giving me a hand or boost... and for making this an amazing experience.

This man had the "ARMY" logo on the back of his wheelchair.

Completing my second Tough Mudder has given me extra motivation to carry on with my studies so I can pass the NBCOT exam that I will really soon!

I just completed my final Level II fieldwork. It was an amazing experience, and I will miss everyone I worked with. One of the highlights was that I participated in the Resident (aka. patient) and Staff Talent Show. For my very first talent show, I performed a funny skit using assistive devices ("gadgets"). Turns out that I'm good at making people laugh. I was truly amazed by all the positive feedback since I decided to do this at nearly the last minute!

Assistive Devices (from top to bottom): dressing stick, long handled shoe horn, 

long handled reacher, sock aid, long handled bath sponge

Now that I completed all the requirements towards my Master's degree, I'm a bit scared. I'm moving forward. At the end of next month, I will receive my hard-earned degree... and pass the NBCOT exam so I can find the right job for myself.

All About Fieldwork!

Hey everyone, I hope you're enjoying your summer! Besides spending a good chunk of my time on my Level II fieldwork in a hospital setting, I do get to spend time with my friends. Sigh, this is the best internship, and I know that I'm going to be so sad when it's time to leave.

Here's what I've done so far:
- Work with residents (aka. patients) in long-term care... (re)assessments, treat, place consults
- Work with residents in hospice care (one passed away a month ago... losing my first resident was hard, but I dealt with it well)
- Train residents on using assistive devices, motorized wheelchairs
- Inservice: Yoga, Prosthetics for Amputees, Adaptive Sports, C-Leg Brace, Palliative & Hospice Care
- Observed OTs in Outpatient and Spinal Cord Injury clinics
- Observed total knee replacement procedure!
- Co-led a physical activity group... did presentations

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

20 Tips on Surviving Fieldwork!

1. Before fieldwork begins, meet with your prospective supervisor to learn what expectations are and how you can prepare. Make sure all health forms/paperwork/computer-based training are completed!!

2. Arrive on time... or early! That means giving yourself enough time to commute.

3. Wear a watch. It doesn't look very professional to be constantly checking your phone at work. However, check with your supervisor. She may ask you to have it on you to keep in touch during the day.

4. Adhere to their dress code (i.e., casual, business casual, no jeans, etc.).
I wish some fieldwork sites would allow us to wear jeans, at least dark ones.
 
5. Do use and check out available resources at your fieldwork site. You may place useful materials in a binder for your reference.

6. Take notes (just make sure to leave out patient identifiers: name, date of birth, etc.) to keep track of patients/clients you work with.
 
7. When in doubt or have concerns (i.e., ethics), ask!

8. If you don't understand something (jargon, abbreviation, etc.), look it up or ask your supervisor/staff.

9. Show initiative by doing additional research... and share your ideas! You may have an opportunity to give a presentation, which is a great way to share what you know/learned with your colleagues!

10. Adhere to all policy guidelines and safety regulations. Many hospital settings require you to complete HIPAA or related training. Please keep in mind that it's very important to respect the patient's privacy rights.

11. During midterm evaluations, keep in mind that constructive criticism is for your own professional growth. If you learn and work diligently on areas that need improvement, then sky's the limit!

12. Build a rapport with your patients/clients and communicate with staff who are involved in their care. You are part of the health care team!

13. Familiarize yourself with assessments you are expected to administer to patients. It is important to be consistent and timely when documenting results.
Yes, this is one of my areas I'm working on to improve.

14. Use your clinical reasoning skills and evidenced-based interventions. Before carrying out a news intervention, consider how it will help the patient achieve his goal(s). Make sure your supervisor okays it.

15. Learn to be flexible... you may need to modify goals, treatment plan, or interventions.
Yes, I'm working on this skill!

16. Make the most of your fieldwork experience if the site offers you the opportunity to attend meetings/rounds, observe other settings, participate in inservice, etc.

17. Do your best to complete your work (i.e. submitting progress notes) on a timely basis. The work starts to pour on you're behind on notes.

18. If issues should arise during fieldwork, try to resolve them ASAP. Also, report any serious issues to your supervisor and/or proper staff.

19. Take a break when you need to and make sure you're fueled up to get through the day.

20. When you leave, don't forget to leave feedback on how the fieldwork experience can be improved in the future.

21! ***Show your enthusiasm and show everyone what OT is all about!***

I hope you have an enjoyable and fulfilling fieldwork experience!!

Some Tips to Survive OT School

Life has been a little crazy but wonderful, but here is the entry I promised to post! I was finally able to work on it during a bus ride when I toured the Rocky Mountain area with my family after graduation. Better late than never, right?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Make the most of your grad school career!

1. Take good care of yourself. Eat healthy, sleep well, and exercise regularly. Don't sweat the small stuff. Easier said than done, but try your best!

Experience: I was often stressed... exhausted during classes. I hate to admit that I nodded off a bit during a few lectures although I tried to remain alert the entire time, but I discovered that coffee did help! Also, I gained 10 pounds, but I'm working on shedding the extra weight by working out regularly.

2. Manage your time wisely. Show up on time. It'll help manage the stress.

Experience: As a commuter, I was often late in the morning because I didn't give myself an extra 15 minutes. The countless train delays during rush hour didn't help. I fixed that problem by setting up two alarm clocks.

3. Schedule time for family, friends, significant others. It is so easy to get swept up with classes, fieldwork, assignments... you catch my drift...

Experience: I'm spending more time with my family now. Also, I do my best to make it to all family dinners which often include drinking wine and singing karaoke. :)

4. Figure out your learning style and utilize it! It'll help you study more efficiently.

Experience: I'm a visual learner, so I spend more time studying and drawing out diagrams and being able to explain them. I also love using colored pens highlighters. Whatever I don't understand, I spend more time on these topics and write things down... Plus, I turned to YouTube videos to view demonstrations of different types of tests, etc.

5. Find a study buddy or form a small study group. Two brains are usually better than one. Just keep in mind that understanding the material and thinking like a clinician are more important than getting straight A's on your exams.

Experience: I had a lot of trouble finding a consistent study buddy... but I was really fortunate to have classmates who posted their notes before exams during my final semester.

6. I may be doing some free advertising for Google... but Google Drive does make life a lot easier, especially when you're working on group assignments. You can create, share, and edit files.

7. Use at least two sources of backup, since a flash drive is so easily lost. 

Experience: Once, I forgot to take out my flash drive when I left the library. I was extremely fortunate that a PT student found it and handed it to one of my classmates who returned it to me. Since I use Google Drive and Dropbox, I don't rely on my flash drive as much.

8. Remember, what worked for you in college may not necessarily work in grad school... such as memorizing or cramming! Courses at the grad school level cover greater breadth and depth of material in a shorter period of time.

Experience: I have a terrible habit of procrastinating until the last minute. During my final semester, I forced myself to complete the first draft of my term paper a week before it was due, and I met with my professor to see what I needed to focus on before submitting it. I was very pleased to receive an A-.

9. Take charge of your learning. Communicate with your professors and peers. Ask questions.

Experience: I pestered my professor with questions... Also, I scheduled appointments with him to review questions I had gotten wrong on the exam. He didn't seem to mind since I did not ask him many questions when I had him last year.

10. Personal growth is important. Make time for yourself. Explore new interests.

Experience: I took advantage of Groupon and Livingsocial to try dance (Afro-Caribbean, etc.), kick boxing, archery, painting. I also discovered the joy of playing pool, and I'm improving my skills.

Closing remarks:
It is very important to be focused and on top of your game by not letting your personal life interfere with your professional life. I would hate to see you experience what I went through last year.

*** I will post a new entry about Fieldwork soon! ***

Wonderful News!

After spending a few days in Rochester to relax and visit one of my dearest friends, I attended Commencement and the OT program ceremony! Yes...

I GRADUATED!!!

It felt awesome to finally experience success. I erased whatever doubts they had, including my own. The program director congratulated me and said I would be a great therapist. My parents were so proud, and my family and friends were super thrilled for me. I really couldn't have done it without their love and support.

I'm just trying to soak up this wonderful moment and not worry about what has to be done right now. It's amazing how much things turned around in just one year. I came back... better than ever!

If my time was up tomorrow, I'd leave this world a very happy person. Well, let's hope that doesn't happen anytime soon because I've got big plans! 

Done!

After what seemed like an eternity, I have officially finished my last final exam and paper in my grad school career. Ahhh, I feel so relieved, happy... and tired!!

Let's hope the sleep deprivation was worth it. I know I've done my absolute best,  so I hope the results reflect the countless hours I've devoted to studying and writing...

After I submitted my paper, I attended my graduation rehearsal. It was pretty much the same as last year's. They just handed out some important materials this time.

I was relieved that my tutoring job was cancelled since I planned to go home. However, I went downtown and hung out with some of my classmates turned friends at Blockheads... that was fun! :)

All right, I'm going to pass out now. Peace out!

What to Expect in OT School

After waiting a couple of months to hear back from the schools you have applied to, you should have heard back from most of them. Got accepted? To at least one or more programs? You may have had a tough time deciding whether to accept, decline, or defer... but you finally made your choice. Congratulations!! All your hard work paid off.

Now that you have a little more time to relax and catch your breath, you are now thinking about what life would be like as an OT student. This is a brief survival guide based on my experiences... that could help you succeed when you begin graduate school career.

Reminders:  
- Fees: make sure all fees (i.e., deposit) are paid before you are enrolled
- Financial Aid: make sure all forms are filled out and are submitted on a timely basis
- Health/Immunizations: all health forms should be completed and up-to-date 
- Transcripts: all transcripts should be mailed from your school(s) to your program once you complete your course(s)

Before the program begins:
Open House: It is not required to attend Open House, but this is a good opportunity to meet some of the program's faculty and prospective classmates
My experience: I did attend Open House. My parents were kind enough to drive me, but we ended up getting lost... and I was half-an-hour late. Oh well!

Living Arrangements:  
- Commuters: Familiarize yourself with the public transportation routes and get a feel of how long it would take for you to travel during rush hour and off hours. This also applies to those of you who choose to drive, but you may have to decide whether you should pay for a parking spot or try your luck and find parking on your own.
- Dorm/Campus Housing: This is the ideal setting because it is usually close near where you'll take classes... and you'll have more time to study, sleep, and socialize with other students on campus. However, convenience does come at a cost. It would be wise to have a budget.
- Housing: If you decide not to get campus housing or you were unable to, you may be on your own in your search for an apartment. Give yourself plenty of time to find something that suits you, but do ask around. There will be other people who are in the same boat as you are. Consider cost, distance, and other factors. Again, have a clear budget!
My experience: I am a commuter, so I save on housing costs. However, it takes me an hour to get to and from school... No, I don't enjoy it at all.

Books: You may already know what your schedule would be like for the first semester, so there is a good chance that you can find out if you can get the names of the required textbooks you will need for the first semester.
Tip: Books are very expensive... so try to purchase them online as early as possible. If you can, get used copies that are in good condition.
Experience: I saved a good deal on my books by searching on DealOz and buying most of them from websites such as Amazon, textbooks.com.

Orientation: This may take one or more full days. You will be overloaded with information about the program, the courses you would be taking, financial aid, what is expected of you, etc. etc. etc. Also, you probably will be handed your new ID, lots of paperwork (i.e., schedule, student handbook, program's bulletin, etc.). Well, you and your classmates may be divided into groups and do an activity and get to know each other.
Tip: Be well rested. Even though there may be food, bring water and snacks. Also, carry a backpack or bring extra bags for all the extra stuff! Yeah... be open to just about anything!
Experience: Orientation took two full days. Honestly I only remember being exhausted! However, I met some students who were already enrolled in the program.

Coming Soon: Tips to Survive OT School!

So You Wanna Be an OT? ("April is OT Month" Edition)

First, I apologize for the late post. Class started a month ago, but it seems so long ago! My schedule for April and May looks pretty tight, but I definitely have a lot of great things to look forward to. I'm so excited.

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.

What Is Occupational Therapy (OT) Anyway?

Due to a bout of the flu, I was unable to post this entry last week. Anyway, I feel much better now! I hope you're enjoying my posts. Not only do I convey my personal experiences about my journey to becoming an OT, I wish to share useful information about OT as well. This post is perfect for you to read if you want more information about this profession. Here goes!

When I first began telling people that I wanted to become an occupational therapist, they would often ask "What is OT?" I get asked this question a lot, so I try to explain it in my own words. Basically, OT enables people (from all walks of life) to live their lives to their fullest. They work on completing everyday activities that they need and want to do (e.g., brushing teeth, going to work, dancing, etc.) to the best of their abilities... while maintaining the most of their independence.

Some commonly asked questions:

1. Do OTs help people find employment?

2. Is OT similar to PT?

3. Do OTs focus on upper extremities (upper limbs) and PTs lower extremities (lower limbs)? 

My Answers (in my own words!):

1. OTs who work in mental health settings do assist their clients in finding employment. However, OTs analyze which aspect(s) of the task that their client has difficulty with... and then they work together so the client can obtain the necessary skills to find employment.

2. OTs and PTs may do similar things during the therapy session, especially in hospital and clinical settings. The OT and PT usually work closely together with the patient to ensure that they focus on different goals... and to prevent duplication of services.

3. OTs and PTs work with both upper and lower limbs. However, treatment goals would differ. For example, the PT tends to focus more on improving a patient's ability to move (e.g., walk with a cane up and down the stairs) while the OT tends to be more focused towards improving a patient's ability to walk with a cane so he can safely travel to and from the bathroom/kitchen/bedroom at home.

Some great YouTube videos you may like to check out:

1. Occupational Therapy

2. Promoting Occupational Therapy

3. Because of Occupational Therapy

Awesome article you may want to read:

Triple Amputee and Occupational Therapist Form Bond of Brothers During Soldier's Recovery

An Uneventful Day... Or Is It?

Today, my friend and I had an interview with our OT supervisor at the VA center, where we will complete our summer fieldwork. The trip up to the Bronx was easier the second time around (I met the same supervisor once since I expected to work there last summer). The interview went well, and we're both so excited to begin in June! If all goes well, I just may want to apply for a job there (or another VA hospital) because I think I enjoy working with Geriatric patients.

School starts in less than a month for me. Yikes! I really should start cracking the books because I want to ace the course this time and prove that I know this stuff like I know the back of my hand. Anyway, I'm optimistic that things will end well this time. Maybe I'll get to make some true OT friends with this year's graduating class. I know that I already made one because we had a nice lunch after our interview. :)

Today, I Openly Declare My Love for OT!

Happy Valentine's Day! Even though I consider this day to be just like any other, I'd like to take the opportunity to share my love with everyone I care about.

I know that some of you may not have a "designated" Valentine, but that shouldn't get you down. V-Day really shouldn't be about the candy, flowers, or other material stuff. What's important is realizing that we're lucky to have people to love... and we're even luckier when we know that we're loved as well. Got no plans tonight? Perhaps, you'll have more fun getting dressed and "painting the town red" or doing whatever makes you happy with a few friends than staying home by yourself.

Anyway, I'd like to talk about why I love OT. This profession is a bit hard to define, but it looks at the whole picture, always putting the person before the disability or clinical condition s/he has. I like that I get to learn about what people find meaningful in their lives and what prevents them from carrying out the activities they do everyday, and working with them to achieve their goals.

OT enables me to work with all age groups in a wide variety of settings, to be creative during the therapeutic process, and to make a positive impact on the lives of those who I work with. A big plus is that nearly all the OTs I have spoken to, love what they do. In a nutshell, I strongly believe that I'll still be happy as an OT 30 years later.

PS: This evening, I just participated in the One Billion Rising Flash Mob in Union Square, where we danced the Macarena. It was cool getting together for a cause we believed in fighting for: ending violence against women worldwide. Check out the video of us dancing on YouTube: One Billion Rising V-Day's FlashMob Feb. 14, 2013 Union Square NYC

Lunar New Year, Culture, and OT

Happy Lunar New Year of the Snake! I celebrated with my family by eating nian gao (rice cakes) and other delicious food. Hmm, let's hope the hiss of this year's snake turns out to be worse than its bite. I'm just glad that the year of the Dragon is over because I got burned pretty badly, and it took a long time for my wounds to heal. Nevertheless, I'm expecting big things to happen soon!! :)

Speaking of the Lunar New Year... I want to talk a little about culture. Last year, I remember talking about Chinese Astrology during Cultural Diversity, my very first OT elective. We had to bring one specific item that represented our culture to class for "show-and-tell," I couldn't decide what to bring, so I ended up bringing three items: 1) chopsticks, 2) a red envelope, and 3) the little book on Chinese Astrology.

A classmate brought his red envelope and spoke about it, so the Chinese Astrology book came in handy. I explained that astrology was important in my culture because they would use this to interpret their lives. They would use the person's date of birth to determine auspicious times to marry, give birth, or make other major life decisions. Also, I spoke about Yin (dark) and Yang (light), the five elements, and the 12 Chinese Zodiac animal signs and how each had its set of attributes.

I was born in the year of the Rat, the first animal of the Chinese Zodiac. The Rat is a Yang animal, and its main element is water. Some positive attributes which apply to me are: intelligent, passionate, and practical. However, my negative attributes are: quick-tempered, nit-picky, and overly-ambitious at times.

Anyway, Cultural Diversity was one of my favorite electives. I enjoyed learning more about my other classmates' cultures, and that brought us closer together. In the OT world, it's so important to respect our colleagues and patients' cultural differences. Once we manage to get past the language barriers and understand various cultural boundaries (what is considered to be un/acceptable),  we are taking one step closer to establishing positive working relationships.

I believe that we would be happier if we learned how to truly embrace our differences and celebrate the incredibly diverse world we live in.