I know this is usually for questions about the kids and I know you are very busy w/ your own work/family etc, but actually I have a question for myself if you have a free minute and don't mind?

I have my BA in psych and have wanted to return to school for OT since 1998 (did some volunteering in a hospital rehab) but could not afford to quit work & go full time. Now, years later (and w/ a son who has GERD) I started researching OT again. I recently discovered a weekend entry level master's OT program 3 hrs from my home and I am very excited about the prospect! I have been reading through the 'Ask the OT' posts and you obviously have a great wealth of knowledge & experience - I would appreciate any suggestions you have as far as general advice, good OT reading &/or web resources etc. for someone like myself looking to get into the field and interested in pediatric OT in particular.

Thanks in advance for your time & info - I look forward to any insight you might be able to give!

Hi Anastasia:

You already have a great background for OT. Psychology is a big component of OT and there are several psych classes required for a masters degree. OT is also a wonderful profession because there are many specialty areas. My background gave me a good foundation as a pediatric OT. I had to take my background and get extensive training in swallowing disorders, dysphagia, and sensory integration treatment. OT is a fabulous field because we can cross over to other areas of expertise with the proper competencies in place because we have training of the whole body. This is very much like physical therapy, but they tend to focus on larger muscle groups and gait training. OT's tend to focus on activities of daily living and upper extremities (even though we are trained, again, on all the muscles in the body). Speech therapists are trained in speech, articulation, and swallowing disorders, but do not have training on the musculature of the rest of the body. PT, OT, and speech therapists all work together and sometimes overlap each other with therapeutic treatments. My area of expertise is very similar to what a speech therapist may practice. However, I also implement OT strategies into my treatment plans that include range of motion of tight joints, sensory integration techniques, and other whole body treatments that are not in the scope of practice for speech therapists.

I would recommend that you contact AOTA, which is the National Occupational Therapy Association for more information about OT in general. They have excellent information at their website. You should also have a state association website to go to for more information about the university close to you. I hope this helps and good luck to you! :yahoo:

Robynne

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your info and the encouragement - I really appreciate it & it was very helpful!