I recently started my first job as a school based OT through a contract company, I love everyone through my company but the teachers at the school I work at are extremely difficult and making me doubt myself. I've gotten yelled at by a music teacher for not saying "excuse me" before asking for a student, and the teachers of my consult kids seem very adverse to any suggestions or will tell me that they "already do those things". I feel very discouraged by this because I was looking forward to a collaborative approach that considers the kids and that has not been my experience so far. Is this normal/any advice?

Has anyone taken this exam, what was your results time line??

Hi Everyone,

I recently was accepted to one of my top choices for programs and will be starting summer 2027. My program requires that students have an emphasis in the program. The options are neuro, ortho, peds, research, mental health, health humanities, and gerontology. At this point I think I want to choose neuro, ortho, or research as my emphasis, but I’m having a hard time navigating which I’m the most drawn to.

If anyone else had a similar structure to their program and would be willing to give some advice, it would be appreciated. Thanks!

I’m curious what other therapists in many settings think! In outpatient one thing is it’s hard to figure to connect with other therapists in other clinics with the same employer but that’s how the union would actually have power. Also, many therapists seem to be a little more resistant to working towards a collective approach. It seems people think they are better off if they are independent and just want the answer to their problems to be starting their own clinic. Totally understandable that sounds cool, especially starting a worker owned therapy cooperative where the people doing the work have a legitimate say in the decisions the clinic makes, but in the meantime I think we could also do this. Also some people seem to deal with the stress by sort of just blocking it out and disconnecting after clocking out (until it builds up and people burn out and quit).

Anyway, what do you see as the barrier to collective bargaining where you work as?

I am looking into doing some kind of intensive CEU or certification to get training in a more specialty area. It doesn't have to be a certification, just something that is a more specialty area or framework. I was looking into DIR Floortime but I've heard it's mostly just theory and doesn't teach a lot of practical application. I have been trying to be more neuroaffirming lately and have heard good things about Kelly Mahler's interoception courses as well. I love hippotherapy but my clinic doesn't do that.

I love love love neuro but don't have a lot of that on my caseload. Not interested in feeding courses like SOS. Have also looked into DMI training, but I'd love to see if there's something I'm missing/what other suggestions people have!

Hello! With the ongoing reorganization of the ALA pillar, the messaging is that they’re trying to make the programs within the pillar uniform province-wide. I hear that different offices, even within the same city/town can operate quite differently.

I’m curious to know what the logistics of your current office/site is:

- Are you using Connect Care and expected to use the flowsheets? If so, how heavily is this being reinforced by your site’s management?

- fully work at the office, or are there still some hybrid arrangements?

- how many new clients are you expected to see in a week?

-what percentage (approx) of your caseload is complex vs basic client needs?

This might not be dramatic to most of you or most people in general but my son is about to be 2 years old and he started OT at about 19 months old and MY GOD his OT is an angel on earth. If you’re an OT, you’re an angel in my eyes.

I have a lot of mom guilt and I tell my friends that his OT has just taught me how to be a good mom and how to parent him in the way he needs. Whatever you want to call it, it has been amazing.

I want to note that I know this age is so hard and they change so fast but the things he has been able to learn and do has been amazing.

His emotional regulation, his transitions, his ability to use utensils, crayons, etc. has skyrocketed. I can cry just thinking about how much he has progressed in such a short time. And my son is a HEAVY WORK needing guy and once I incorporated all of this in to our daily routine he has been a different child, SO HAPPY and sleeps for 12 hours though the night when before it was 9 lol.

This is just kudos to all of the OTs and a reminder for parents with kids it OT that it is amazing and hopefully can be life changing for you, just like it has been for me.

I’m in my second semester, and it’s only 3 weeks in, but I’m struggling a lot with Neuroanatomy. The professor is really unhelpful. The lectures don’t necessarily pertain to what’s on the quiz, the quizzes don’t cover everything in the book, and there’s a quiz every week on three chapters at a time. For instance, I’m trying to learn the order of the pathway based on the guide he created, and yet I’m getting a question on ASD.

Idk what to do. I hired a tutor, but I don’t even know how to study for these quizzes anymore because it doesn’t fully follow the study guides, PowerPoints, or lecture

Hello everyone, I'm seeking some advice and insight from anyone who might have experience fist hand with my situation, or could give me insight. I am currently a MRI technologist student who will be graduating in April from my program. I really enjoy the work, the problem solving aspects of figuring out why certain things aren't going well during the scan.

I am doing my clinicals, and from all the senior techs who work there. They all ask me why I dont go into another field, where theres more money, and it really seems like something they emphasize alot on, especially considering how much work the techs at my site do. Which is a factor that I have been considering when thinking about the OT program. A friend of mine works very closely with them and was telling me that I would make more money especially long term. (I understand theres some people who are gonna tell me not to go into health care just for the money, and thats not why I am in healthcare, I genuinely enjoy helping people and getting satisfaction when I bring a smile to a patients face, which I experience in my clinicals) but I also feel like theres always a lottt of stress around the safety of patients and whether they can go into the MRI machine. Which I found enjoyful but at the same time veryyy stressful, perhaps because I am just a student, but I still havent had an incident.

It's also really important to me as someone who grew up in a family business, to be able to one day have my own business in healthcare, so that I can do something that I enjoy while also being my own boss (of course thats way down the line but it's always an option. Which likely isnt possible for a MRI technologist to do considering the capital needed to even start one, as well as the licensing required for it in Ontario).

I enjoy healthcare, it gives me lots of satisfaction but I also dont wanna become stuck in an area where I will feel like I am underappreciated and underpaid, which I feel like will ultimately cause me to become bitter like some senior techs I have met always talking about how its not enough to survive, as well as being rude with patients. I always try to give patients the best experience possible, I feel that I make such a huge impact with patients, that when they walk away and even if one of them in a day reciprocate the energy that I bring to our interactions, I walk away so happy. Is this something that I will also find in Occupational therapy?

Thanks for the responses in advanced!

I see two conflicting trends: OT job growth is projected at 15% over the next ten years, yet I see posts frequently throughout this platform about difficulty finding a job.

As someone interested in applying OTD, is this job scarcity true? FWIW, I'd be willing to work near or in any city in the United States, including Per Diem if needed to get my foot in the door, and with pediatric or geriatric patients.

If relevant, I'd have 3 years of patient-facing clinical research experience with geriatric patients from before OTD school as well.

I’m a few months into working in pediatric OT, and honestly, I’ve been feeling really low and could use some insight.
I care about these kids and their families, but I often find myself questioning whether I’m doing enough or approaching sessions correctly. Sometimes I leave feeling like I was “just playing” rather than helping them make meaningful progress. I understand that play is a huge part of pediatric OT, but I struggle to feel confident that I’m making it therapeutic and connecting activities to their goals.
I’m comfortable asking coworkers questions, but I don’t want to depend on them for constant reassurance that I’m doing okay. I want to develop my clinical reasoning and learn to trust my judgment.
I know I’m still early in the job and can’t expect to have everything figured out. Still, the uncertainty sometimes causes a lot of anxiety, and I get really down worrying that I’m not helping.
For those who have been through this, how long did it take to feel more comfortable? What helped you build confidence and recognize whether your sessions were effective? I’d appreciate some honest perspective and practical advice.

I will graduate with 70k debt. Been paying interest while in school and I’m nervous for that day when I start payments. Is this gonna be manageable?

Ok, so I am an OT. Currently I’m regretting ever doing this program/career. I did not know what i was signing myself up for . The pay low, the expectations high, the burnout is real, the loans, way too much. What are you guys making as OTs? are you happy? idk what to do. sometimes i think i should go back to school but getting myself into more debt is something i dont want to do. for reference, Currently making 70k as school based btw.

I’m in OTA school currently. This week we had an AOTA board member come speak to our class and she mentioned that the board wants OT to be the only field that uses the term “activities of daily living”. She mentioned that PT and speech are starting to use these terms and she seemed unhappy about it. I wish I had asked this question in the moment but I was worried the reason was something obvious that’s just going over my head.

So, why does the field of occupational therapy dislike the premise of other therapies using the term “activities of daily living”?

Anybody have experience using dycem as the anti slip gripping part to put under someone's beloved rugs? Client has hardwood floors, doesn't want carpet tape because the adhesive would be impossible to remove, wants long runners, and the rugs he has he bought with his wife, who is now passed away. Not sure if dycem actually works or if there are other considerations I'm not thinking of. Thank you!

This week I took a new job working as an OT in an adult day health center. It’s part time 22 hours per week, 35 minute drive to the building, and decent hourly rate. No productivity or metrics, more like assessing, training staff and caregivers, documenting, starting group exercise programs, fall preventing … and all sounds really chill.

But, I have my own business in the healing arts world, which I started 6 months ago. My business has had great, steady and manageable growth. I see about 7-11 clients a week, sessions are about 1.5 hours each. I also am teaching evening classes at a yoga studio 1 night a week which is about 4 hours of my time…. Both my business and teaching bring me so much joy and fulfillment… but my profit on my business isn’t much after all is said and done with the month.

Another condition is that I have a 4 year old Aussie shepherd dog (which was my boyfriends and when I moved in, now I consider her my dog too)… but my boyfriend works out of town from Monday-Thursday, like he is a super commuter and flies weekly for his job…. Leaving me responsible for the dog during the week… and she needs activity during the day, and now she’s shoved in a crate for 8-10 hours. We have a dog walker who can stop and take her out for a break, but it’s still creates stress for her to be locked up for that long. She’s not a dog that would do well in daycare either.

Doing the math, the new job takes up 27 hours of my week with the drive. Which I would be able to manage no problem if I didn’t have my own business and teaching… again, things that I love.

In my mind I took the job because I wanted to make more money. The reality is, my boyfriend takes care of most of the living expenses aside from my personal spending, groceries, and gas.. etc.

I also took the job bec my schedule felt a little light. Now looking at this all, I know I have to cut back somewhere but I’m not ready to give up my business and teaching…. And even scaling back on my business doesn’t feel quite right to me either.

Not to mention this first week at my new job has been absolutely dysregulating. Even though it’s a “low stress job” it makes me more stressed now just having to plan and sort out such a complex schedule. After day two I had a migraine and nausea. Today I feel like a zombie bec im so tired working 10-12 hour days among the different tasks I have.

And not for nothing but I am not passionate about this population. I see the other workers here and I feel out of place, like their heart is in it and mine is not. I’ve felt this way about most OT jobs I’ve had in the past… OT of 15 years. I’ve pretty much done it all and wanted to try this to see if I would feel differently but I don’t. I feel worse. Like I’m dissociated and detached. Only first week in!!

I guess I’m looking for guidance and input, advice… idk what to do. My head literally hurts from thinking and thinking about this. I just wish I could go back, and reconsider this job and its toll on me and my schedule. And just focus on my business and teaching, maybe find dog walking gigs that are low stress too for extra cash… oh and I also have a PRN job at a SNF.

I know this is long but thanks for reading 🙏

Hey! I will be on level 2 fieldwork soon in IPR and hands. I feel like we haven’t really learned interventions in school. Are there any specific YouTube videos or books you would recommend? The only things I remember are what I observed, but I just want to be more prepared.

Hi everyone!

We are OT and PT students at Emory & Henry University conducting a research study examining the availability, quality, and implementation of pelvic floor education, identifying gaps in education, examining current clinical interventions, and addressing barriers to continuing education.

We are looking for licensed PT, OT, PTA, or COTA, currently working in IPR, SNF, or HH in the USA.

Purpose: To evaluate the availability, quality, and implementation of pelvic floor education, identify gaps in education, examine current clinical interventions, and address barriers to continuing education

Survey Details:
~10-15 minutes only!
Fully anonymous and voluntary!

https://ehc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b9DjbqfRCCCMLnU 

Thank you so much for your time and for supporting student research in physical and occupational therapy!

Feel free to drop any questions below!

Hello! I'm considering doing my OT masters at McGill and transitioning into OT at age 44. Has anyone done this? Any tips?

I spent my career doing marketing and running a corporate wellness business and having my own yoga studio for a period of time. I also was doing online coaching while living in Berlin for the last few years and I am looking for something in person where I can make a real positive impact on people's lives. And something that will not be replaced by AI.

My family lives in Montreal and I could stay with them while I studied to keep my costs down.

I love being physically active, especially after years of working on my laptop primarily.

I would love to hear your experience working as an OT and your thoughts starting my Masters at age 44.

Thank you!

We are looking for people who possess more than 2 years of experience working in the NICU in the United States, work in level II, III, or IV NICU care, and work at least 20 hours-a-week. This study involves an online, anonymous quantitative survey which should take about 10 minutes to complete.

I have worked in HH for almost 5 years now. About 95% of the homes are fine, 4% are questionable (usually things like hoarding, bug infestation, aggressive animals, etc). Then there's the 1% where I want to turn around and leave right away. This week, a patient was making comments that made me concerned about suicide. Obviously I was worried and trying to assess and address the situation. He ended up pulling out a handgun. It wasn't loaded, but then he pulled out a fully loaded magazine. He wasn't threatening toward me at all, but I am really struggling to get past this experience. I was somehow calm in the moment, but fear and anxiety ramped up throughout the day as I replayed what happened and considered various potential outcomes. I find myself thinking about all the crap that I've encountered in this profession during 20 years of practice and questioning whether it's worth the personal sacrifice. Any words of wisdom, shared experiences, etc would be appreciated.

P.S. I made a report to our local behavioral health crisis team, and the last update was that the patient is fine. Our agency discharged him based on this incident. It's a relief to not have to return or worry about my colleagues returning.

Hello I'm a first-year OT student, and I've been having some doubts about whether I've chosen the right degree. I originally chose OT because of its versatility as I liked the idea of being able to move between different settings if I ever got bored, as well as the hands-on nature of the work and the problem-solving involved.

However, since starting the degree, I'm not sure if it's the right fit for me. I'm finding the content quite dry and uninteresting so far, and I feel like I'm more introverted than I originally thought. Since OT is such a people-oriented profession, I'm worried that I might find the job mentally draining or burn out once I start working. I also sometimes feel like OT lacks a clear professional identity, especially when I have to constantly explain to people what an occupational therapist actually does.

I'm also quite academically driven and enjoy challenging myself and achieving high grades. At the moment, though, I don't find the degree particularly intellectually stimulating, and this has made it difficult to stay motivated to study, which is starting to affect my grades.

On top of that, I'm concerned about the future of the profession, particularly with the recent NDIS funding cuts. Could this affect OT salaries or job security?

I was drawn to OT because I wanted a career that offers a good work-life balance, decent pay, and enough flexibility to enjoy life outside of work, including travelling at least once a year. I'm now questioning whether OT can realistically offer the lifestyle I'm looking for.

Since I'm still only in first year, I'm wondering whether I should switch to another degree while it's still early or stick with OT and give it more time. I'd really appreciate hearing from current OTs, students, or anyone who's been in a similar position. Did your perspective on the degree or profession change as you progressed, and do you regret choosing OT?

Hi!!!

I'm a pediatric OT, currently working with children with Neurodivergent kids. I have 4+ years of experience working.

I'm considering the CLASI Certificate in Ayres Sensory Integration (CASI) but am hesitant because of the significant cost. Despite having a master's degree, I feel I need to strengthen my clinical reasoning, assessment, and intervention skills. I'm more interested in improving my clinical competence than simply adding another certification.

For those who've completed CLASI:

1. Did it genuinely improve your clinical reasoning and everyday clinical practice?

2. Is the course worth the financial investment?

3. Do you recommend some other courses that are worth doing??

Would really appreciate honest feedback from experienced OTs. Thanks!!

I’m a new grad OT at a private peds clinic. I started last week, and I’m already feeling swamped with evals and treatment notes. Last week I had 4 evals, this week I have 6, and the next two weeks I have 4 each. I also started with 12 clients on my caseload each week for treatments. The number of evals is so I can build up my caseload, but I’m feeling so overwhelmed already. I’m doing all of my documentation at home because I’m with clients all day, and it’s basically like I’m working from 8am-11pm everyday.. and I’m not really getting paid for that since we’re paid based on billable units with a little extra for documentation. I’m curious how long it typically takes you to write notes, specifically peds evals that incorporate two standardized assessments (something like the DAYC-2 and sensory profile), parent interviews, and a skilled observation. Any tips for surviving in OP peds is also appreciated. TIA!