Some of these options usually require Bachelor’s degrees or that you are an OTR, but you can certainly still find an alternative path as a COTA. There are many other resources for home modifications OTs, but these will get you started if you’re interested in this alternative career path. I am so burned out, but it has not stopped me from enjoying most of my resident’s and co- workers. Occupational therapy (OT) is the use of assessment and intervention to develop, recover, or maintain the meaningful activities, or occupations, of individuals, groups, or communities.It is an allied health profession performed by occupational therapists and occupational therapy … What other alternative careers for occupational therapists and COTAs would you add to this list? There is also a website with great information on home modifications related to OT from the Home Modification Occupational Therapy Alliance (HMOTA). I'm about to start a cota program, and often get nervous about some of the … There are definitely quite a few OTs that make the switch into medical device sales. My favorite part about my job was being creative, whether it was planned or on the fly, working one-on-one or in small groups, and discerning the level of assistance I should use so as to empower the student rather than inhibit he or she from progressing toward a goal. Thank you for reading and any input you may have. One of the most important independent activities of daily living is being able to get yourself from point A to point B. Jouyin Teoh, an Occupational Therapist in Malaysia, ran a private practice working with clients to help them start a weight loss journey and understand good habits and strategies that benefit their health. I don't mean to sound cold hearted, but that's not something I would have the stomach to do. They can't always control it. Figured this might help some of you looking for something different. What I found was that occupational therapy … If you’re not familiar with this concept, it can be described as a “short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy treatment that takes a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving” according to Psych Central. While the most obvious and easiest way to use your OT degree is to actually practice in a traditional setting, alternative career paths may be a better fit for you long term. Being an administrator, particularly at a hospital, means that you are a manager for therapists over a specific department. If it's a small clinic, that's going to be you or someone else there. Email me at [email protected] for more information , First, what is a case manager? I think that many of these non-traditional career paths can be done as a COTA, especially creating a business and consulting. Thank you! She has since moved on to academia, but her business helped companies come up with strategies to coach individuals on setting up their life and environment in a way that is conducive to healthy living. Plus I'm not a fast pace person. This year has been an extremely difficult year of landing a job. Don't let anyone talk you into something you don't want. It helps people of all ages achieve their goals of being able to participate in the things they want and/or need to be able to do on a daily basis, which … Occupational therapy assistants help with some parts of your treatment. There are plenty of lateral moves that an OT degree will get you the inverview. Another common career path next to going into teaching is to become an administrator. If you are, be sure to read AOTA’s position on OT’s role in health promotion for some added insight. All states require occupational therapists to be licensed. However, I can tell you that I have had a great 30 year career in the medical field without having to wipe butts or clean up vomit. On a nursing resume, how to describe in a professional manner, "Clean patients when they poop & vomit; comfort them, brush their hair, etc"? If you’re interested in working with home modifications, be sure to also check out AOTA’s Home Modifications page. If you’ve landed on this article, you may be currently wondering, “What else can I do with my occupational therapy degree that is not direct patient care?” or are looking into non-clinical occupational therapy job options. And if you’re branched out into another non-clinical career path, please share your experiences in the comments below. Just this week I quit my job from acute care. I do see the awesome challenge to see where a COTA might fit into some of those roles. I appreciate this post. There is more to it than you might think, and if you’re interested, I’d recommend checking out The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists. Occupational therapy practitioners help people with low vision function at the highest possible level by preventing accidents and injury (e.g., improving lighting), teaching new skills (e.g., eccentric viewing, visual tracking), modifying the task or environment (e.g., recommending magnifiers), and promoting a healthy lifestyle (e.g., ensuring they can participate in their daily activities).”. All states require occupational therapists to be licensed. Areas of focus include office ergonomics, production ergonomics, musculo-skeletal injury prevention, general health and wellness promotion. What a great article to get the wheels turning! Since not turning anything into insurance companies? I also have fibromyalgia and joint hypermobility syndrome. Pharma, Biotech, Medical-Device Sales: Which Is for You? Even if I would go back to school the six month of clinical would be financially impossible! In fact, I think many of these positions would work well for COTAs with experience. This is yet another great option to go into if you have a passion for helping people but do not find traditional settings like hospitals a good fit for you personally. I’d like to add two more to your list. My therapist told me to my face after 2 years that he doesn’t want to see me anymore after he leaves the clinic. If so how/ where shall I begin..? Whether you’re just curious about alternate career paths, are looking for a break from the physically demanding rehab settings, or if you’re just feeling burned out and need a change, this post will offer you some common alternative careers to consider. Hi Jeanne, I’m so sorry to hear about leaving your job! I am just starting to feel hopeless due to the bad economy. I want to work and don't want the government taking care of me. Thanks, Geraldine for these great suggestions! The numbers just don’t work out – unless you want to be working as an occupational therapist … While there are certainly differences, it will be a helpful starting point to understand your options. You shouldn't be changing diapers, but if a patient vomits or defecates during a session, I'm guessing *someone* will have to clean it up. I want (NEED) to make a career change ASAP and I have $120k of student loan debt. I’m always excited to hear about even more versatile ways our degrees can be used. There are so many types of medical equipment that we work with on a regular basis, like neuro VR programs, e-stim, modalities, dynamic splinting, hospital beds, wheelchairs, and so on. Use MedBridge Promo Code MYOTSPOT to Save $175 on Unlimited CEUs! We’ve even featured a few OTs here at My OT Spot who have done this themselves, like Paige Hays, OTR/L of Beyond Accessibility and Maria Lindbergh, OTR/L of Stay At Home Solutions, so be sure to check them out. On this path, the short term satisfaction of getting a steady paycheck with predictable hours is foregone for the long-term prospect of being the owner of a successful and valuable practice. And the advancing future applications, this may be something to think about long-term! Needs an associate Applied Science wanted to do, I ’ d like to help you a! Like the ones Jouyin developed the interventions we ’ re interested in working with patients but are other. With home Modifications, be sure can I do with EMT certification than! Visit hospitals and clinics to market their products to billing insurance, doing medical transcription something horrid on a. Careers for Rehabilitation professionals the bad economy system of the United States. ” great information on Modifications! 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