Sharing| "We're Gonna Be OTs"

Occupational Therapy Student Anthem! Love this ;) 

Source: http://youtu.be/xgb1TVGpjg8

Tips| Applying to an MOT Program

Before I begin, let me start by saying that these tips assume that you are completing a 4-year Bachelors program before starting your MOT program. Many of my tips may apply to other routes, but my tips are mainly based on the route that I took. Okay? Let's go!

1. Research the OT programs you think you may be interested in. 

http://www.aota.org/Education-Careers/Find-School/AccreditEntryLevel/OTMasters.aspx will give you a list of all the accredited MOT programs in the United States.

From there check out the programs' website and dissect it to pieces. I mean really get in there!!

You can also consult websites such as http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/occupational-therapy-rankings?int=493b21, but keep in mind that ranking should NOT be your ultimate decision factor.

You ultimately need to choose a school that best fits your learning style, personality, and goals.

2. Tour the program(s)

You really can't get a good understanding of a program until you visit it first-hand (at least in my opinion). Visiting campuses allows you to explore the location (do you feel safe?, what's available?, what does the housing look like?, are their any housing options available on campus? how clean is the area?, what are the pros and cons? are you likely to have to evacuate because of a hurricane warning?, etc.), allows you to meet the staff (are they nice?, are they down to earth?, are they willing to answer questions?, open door policy?, etc.), meet current students (how do they like it? where are some places they like to go? do they feel like the program is truly preparing them? what are some cons about the program?, etc.), and you get to tour campus (does it feel like home?, do you feel comfortable?, are the facilities legit?, does it make you happy?, or do you have concerns?, etc.).

When you go just don't go through the motions! Pick up brochures, ask questions, get involved!

If you can't tour the program because of say... money, distance, time -- don't fret! You can google the location, look at pictures of the city, crime rates, consult the program's website for pictures, and other what nots. You can also call the admissions office if you have any questions that you need addressed. If you still decide that the program is still in your top choices from your online browsing and you get invited for an interview, they usually give you a tour of their facilities and from there you can do and reflect on all the things I mentioned above.

3. Narrow your selections and meet the pre-requisites

Once you figure out the top 2-6 programs you are interested in, ensure that you are meeting the pre-requisites for each program. Most programs' prerequisites are similar, but there can be differences and you want to make sure you pay particular attention to those differences. **Keeping an organized binder of your potential MOT programs may prove to be helpful**

I will also inform you that some programs require all course pre-requisites to be satisfied before applying, others the Fall semester prior to enrollment, others the Spring semester prior to starting the program, and others have specific courses that need to be taken prior to application and the others can be satisfied by "such and such" date. Make sure you know which category your program(s) fall under.

Some programs require you to take the GRE -- others don't

*Note: If you have to take the GRE I would recommend taking it at least 1 year prior to applying for grad school. You are allowed to take the GRE up to 5 times I think (don't quote me). This will give you enough time to retake the GRE if your first score wasn't too hot. (I don't have any tips for studying for it because I didn't have to take it)

What are the GPA requirements?

*Note: GPA is NOT everything, but it is important. Try your best to keep your GPA up, especially in courses that are pre-reqs for your MOT program. I will inform you, however, that the average GPA for those accepted into MOT programs is at about 3.5. However, if your GPA isn't quite there, don't be discouraged. They really do take into account your entire application...not just your grades. If your program doesn't require the GRE, but will still accept it, you can try taking it to boost up your chances of getting accepted a bit.*

How many observation hours do you need? Is documentation required? Do they provide a form or do you have to figure out your own system?

Here are the pre-requisites I had to meet for Program Z:

• English	6 hours
  Statistics	3 hours
  Anatomy and Physiology (with lab)	6-8 hours
  Physics and/or Biomechanics and/or Kinesiology	3 hours
  Introductory Psychology	3 hours
  Abnormal Psychology	3 hours
  Introductory Sociology	3 hours
  Developmental Psychology (across the lifespan)	3 hours

• Bachelors Degree prior to beginning Program
• No GRE Required 
• Minimum of 3.0/4.0 GPA
• Minimum of 40 Observation Hours
• 2 Letters of Recommendation (One letter must be completed by an occupational therapist)
• All College Transcripts 

4. Make sure your observations are in different settings or focuses 

Programs care more about the variety of OT settings you have experienced than the number hours you have obtained. For example, if you observed 200 hours, but they were all in pediatrics, it does not carry as much weight as if you observed 100 hours with a hand therapist, in an outpatient clinic, in a hospital, in a school, in a nursing home, in a pediatric clinic, etc. 

Here are some common OT settings/focuses:

• Inpatient
• Outpatient Clinic
• Pediatrics
• Geriatrics
• Home Health 
• Hand Therapy 
• Schools 
• Rehabilitation Centers
• Nursing Homes 

Programs want to know that you have thoroughly explored the field and know exactly what you are getting into. They want the students in their program to start and FINISH. Not start, realize it's not what they really wanted or expected and then DROP OUT!

5. Notify your recommenders WELL in advance AND have a back-up!

Be sure to notify your recommenders at least a month before you plan on submitting your application. Not a month before the application deadline, but when you are actually going to submit your application (the sooner the better). 

Also, be aware that although some programs have forms available for recommenders to fill out on your behalf and then fax, mail, or email in, at the time of your application, many actually send an online form to your recommenders for them to fill out electronically. That was an issue I ran into. My recommenders went through all the trouble of trying to use PDF programs to enter in their letter and/or check boxes and then when I started my application and filled out my recommenders' information lo and behold...the programs sent them an electronic version. *side eye*. 

My recommendation would be to tell your recommenders to just know what boxes they would check and then to type up the recommendation letter in a word document. That way if your program does send them an electronic version they can simply copy and paste and then choose their selections. If the program does not send them an electronic version then they can go through the hassle of trying to type or do whatever to the PDF document, which can be frustrating. 

Also, have a back-up! Some people are natural procrastinators and will never get your recommendation letter filled out. If they do not want to act right, even after consistently reminding them, it's best to have a back up person you can ask. 

6. Start your application as soon as it opens

Some programs' application process can be quite long and unfortunately you won't know until you get that baby started up. You want to get started on the steps ASAP because they may take awhile...and then dun dun dun you may have an essay question or two to write and that's going to take you more than a while!

7. Have several people and/or professionals review and revise your essay

I'm sure you are a great writer, but trust me when I say that you are going to want a second, third, even fourth opinion. The more people that review, revise, and make suggestions on your essay(s) -- the better! 

When I finished my essays I had three different people critique it. I asked my professor, I went to the campus career center, and I went to the writing center last for final touches. Professors have had to write admission essays themselves, campus career centers are exposed to admission essays all the time, and writing centers are filled with people who eat, breathe, and sleep grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, and essays. 

8. Get your transcripts and/or test scores (if required) sent ASAP!

For many programs processing transcripts and test scores can take several weeks. Thus, it's best to get those bad boys sent and out of the way as soon as you can. 

9. Submit your application well before the deadline

The sooner you submit, the better your chances! However, with that being said do NOT rush through the application process because that's just as bad! Instead, start early and work consistently on it!

10. Take a deep breath

Up until this point you have done absolutely everything you possibly could to prepare yourself for admission into the MOT programs of your choice. Trust in your effort and take a DEEP breath!

11. Trust that you will get at least one interview and start preparing

Preparing for interviews can be quite difficult, but the best advice I can give you is to NOT over prepare. You do not want to go into the interview sounding like a robot. Your answers should sound natural.

Starting Points: (you may be asked one, some, or none of these questions, but they are good questions to know the answers to and/or will help you answer others)

Note: PLEASE don't just rely on these questions! This is to just get you started and thinking! 

What is OT in your own words? 
What experiences have you had that really brought to light for you what OT truly means?
What is the difference between OT and PT?
Why do you want to be an OT? Are you sure?
Why are you interested in Program A, B, C, D? How/why are they a good fit for you?
What have you done to prepare for program A, B, C, D?
Your strengths, weaknesses?
What have you learned from your observation experiences?
Recall a time that you have been critiqued. How did you take it?
How well would you say you work with others? Give an example. 
What are current issues that are currently affecting Occupational Therapy as a field?
What questions do you have for program A, B, C, D? (think of at least 3 & then alternatives)

Also, do not think you have to immediately respond to a question. Take a couple of seconds (I'm talking 2-3 seconds, don't get carried way lol) to organize your thoughts and then speak. I typically like to repeat the question quietly to myself so they know I am thinking and not just zoned out lol. I don't know whether they appreciate it or not, i'm just telling you what I do :) Also, show a little personality, but don't scare them!! ha

Email: OTeaTimeBlog@gmail.com

Tags: Occupational Therapy, Occupational Therapy Student, OT Blog, OT Student Blog, Blog, OTS Blog, MOT blog, MOT student, MOT student Blog, OT Student Tips

Note Taking during Observation & Bridge Burning!

If you are anything like me, if you don't write it down, the chances of you remembering something important later is reallllyy low and the more time that passes, the more that little chance you had just windles away!

When I first started observing OT's, I would never take notes. Not sure why, just wouldn't -- but apparently I wasn't the only one. I would just sit there and watch or help if I was allowed. About 40 hours of observation, at that time, stored somewhere in my brain...so I thought. About 8 months passed and I could recall things I observed here and there, but my memory, especially with specific details, was ridiculously poor. 

It wasn't until my next observation site that one of the hand therapists I observed suggested that we (myself and the other volunteer) take notes, write what we learned, and anything else we found interesting. Duhhh...what was I thinking!! Did I seriously think I could just sit there and watch hours and hours of therapy sessions and remember all the important information I needed to? Psshhtt...see the way my brain is set up. lol ;) 

That evening I went to Wal-Mart and picked up myself a notebook. That next session best believe I had my pen and paper ready. 

Now, the therapist's recommendation was to type up your notes afterwards so that if you are asked during the interview what you learned or something related, you can be like BAM RIGHT THERE! Lol I had every intention of typing up my notes, but I let it get away from me and I  took a lot of notes ...A LOT, but for the notes I did type up here's an example of what I did (picture to the right). 

Tip #1: The most important thing to remember is to NEVER write down the patients' name in your notes. If you were to ever lose that notebook, that is a serious breech of confidentialty. If they were a hard patient for me to remember I would come up with little nicknames for them and write it small in the margin. For example, I named one patient "G," and that was because every time I saw him he always had on a green shirt! Simple things like that. In other cases I would just right down the "condition" or reason they were in therapy and was able to remember from that. 

Tip #2: Highlight some of the specific things you learned, different therapy tools used that are new to you (therapy putty, ultrasound, fluidotherapy, splints, therapy ball, ect.) and what they are used for -- helps for easy location.

Tip #3: If you witness something a therapist does that you think it absolutely wrong, but not ethnically wrong nor puts the patient in danger, it's best to just keep quiet -- don't even facially show disapproval. Write down that you as a practitioner would never do it and just move on. I learned that the hard way. At one of the facilities I observed at, there was something one of the therapists said to her patient, a young boy, and I was absolutely shocked by her response to the boy. I was just like, "Woowww reallyyy!?" (in my head, of course) but I think my face showed how I was feeling all to well. My experience with that therapist turned bad from there. I had issues with her from day one, but from there it was just bad, bad, bad. Let's just say I burned that bridge and you know people talk, so I probably burned a couple more :/. DON'T DO THAT! LEARN FROM MY LESSON! 

Tip #4: If a therapist gives you constructive criticism. Do not take it to heart. Just listen to what is said, write it down if you feel so inclined, and just use it to better yourself or performance. Don't attach yourself to it. It will eat you up inside!

Tip #5: Ask questions! However, remember timing is EVERYTHING. Some therapists don't mind if you ask questions during the session (typically with older patients), but others uh, uh, don't even try it (typically with younger patients). Most therapists would rather you just ask your questions in between patients...and honestly some...not at all lol.  The best thing to do is ask the therapist if it is okay to ask them questions throughout your observation and if so, when is the best time.

Tip #6: Every site you observe at might not be appropriate to take notes at. For example, at another site I observed at we moved around a lot and I would have to grab supplies for her, and help her with this and that. A notebook in that type of situation just gets in the way and is super inconvenient. My suggestion is to just REALLY pay attention and as soon as your observation is up quickly type up everything you remember (on something like your phone). You can also consider using something like a small memo pad that you can quickly stuff in your scrub pocket or pocket of whatever you are wearing! That may be easier for you. 

Tip #7: Read over your notes from time to time so you can keep the important things fresh! It's also good just to reflect. Plus, you may be asked to give examples of "such and such" from your observations during your interview.

Tip of the Blog: No matter what happens during your observations – good, bad, ugly… NEVER let it discourage you from striving to become an OT if that is what you really want. You may make a mistake, someone may something you don't like, but you know what? You live, you learn, and you move on! :D

Tags: Occupational Therapy, Occupational Therapy Student, OT Blog, OT Student Blog, Blog, OTS Blog, MOT blog, MOT student, MOT student Blog, OT Student Tips

MOT Program Acceptance!

So it had been 10 days (October 29, 2013) and still no answer from program Z (refer to previous blog). However, program A had finally invited me for an interview. The email looked something like this (picture to right).

This was great, right? I mean my original first choice asked me for an interview! Well, like I said in my previous blog, I was pretty blown away after touring program Z, so I was in quite a dilemma.

I didn't want to accept the interview for program A and then get accepted into program Z and have to turn back around and decline the interview for program A, which then I might have ruined someone else's opportunity for an interview. I also didn't want to decline the interview before I got answer back from program Z and essentially "screw" myself over. What was a girl to do!!????

Rewinding a bit, during the interview I mentioned that I got to meet with MOT students before I actually interviewed. Well, one of the questions asked were how long it took for them to get their answer. Each said roughly 10 days. Well today was day 10 so my answer would be on the way right?!...

So, what I decided to do was give myself until Friday (November 1, 2013) to get an answer...If I got an answer from program Z before Friday, I would write an email respectfully declining the interview for program A and if I didn't, on Friday, I would accept the interview for the latest date, November 22nd, so that if I did later get an acceptance from program Z...I would have enough time to decline and hopefully still allow another applicant to take my spot. Does all this make sense? lol So...what happened!?

On October 31st at 8:11am I received the offer I had been waiting for!!!!!!!!!! Just in time! To the left you can get an idea of what it said.

I called mom, screamed in her ear, and did a happy happy HAPPYYYY dance!

Later that day, I wrote an email to program A respectfully declining the invitation.

Email: OTeaTimeBlog@gmail.com

Program Z here I come!! J 

Tags: Occupational Therapy, Occupational Therapy Student, OT Blog, OT Student Blog, Blog, OTS Blog, MOT blog, MOT student, MOT student Blog, OT Student Tips

Program Interview Experience

When I applied for OT School I only applied for two schools. Most people apply to a lot more, but in my case I did not find it all too necessary. Plus, I didn't want to apply for any schools outside of my state. Another program I was considering in my state only accepted December graduates or those already graduated and my last real option, I did not care too much for the program nor what you had to do to apply and be accepted.

Anyways, moving on, I submitted all requirements for what I thought was my first choice in the middle of August 2013, and then for my second choice, September 5th, 2013. To make things simpler, i'm going to refer to my first choice as "A" and second choice as "Z." 

Program Z invited me for an interview September 19, 2013. My application was processed pretty quickly! The picture on the right gives you the gist of the email I received. I replied immediately and accepted an on-site interview. 

In my head, I thought, "Great, I have a month to prepare!" Eh, not quite! Time flew right past me and before I knew it the time had come. I had prepared for the interview a little bit, but definitely not to the point where I felt extremely comfortable. 

The night before the interview I had a horrible headache. A headache beyond belief. I prayed so hard that it would be gone by the morning.

Luckily, by morning, I felt 80% better and it was time to get ready! 

I wore a black pant suit with a nice red shirt beneath,  pearl earrings, a pearl necklace, and SUPER LIGHT make-up. I also decided to wear a watch since I knew a cell phone, my main source for telling the time, would be inappropriate. 

Since I already lived near the interview site, I did not have to worry about leaving the day prior or early early in the morning. I did, however, arrive super early -- probably about 45 minutes.  I wasn't the only one with this idea because there were about 4 interviewees already there before me. In total, it ended up being about mmm 15-20 of us. 

When all the interviewees arrived we received our interview schedule and admission contingency plan and then met in a small lecture room for a brief presentation about the program, which allowed us to learn more about the program, and the Director addressed some FAQs. We also had the opportunity to meet the faculty members of the program. They all seemed really nice and down to earth. 

My interview schedule was as follows:

8:15-8:40     Presentation

8:45-9:15     Meet with MOT Students in small group

9:15-9:35     Interview

9:40-10:10   Essay 

10:10-11:05 Tour

11:05-11:15  Student Center 

11:15-11:45  Group Activity 

Now, when I tell you I was NERVOUS, believe me, I was N-E-R-V-O-U-S! I tried my best to control it but my nerves were all over the place. I was the first to interview. Luckily, the MOT students that I got to meet with prior, helped in calming my nerves and assuring me that everything would be fine. 

When I walked into the interview, there were 2 faculty members and a 2nd year OT student. It was really awkward because we were sitting at a square table instead of them being a panel in front of me. It made equal eye contact incredibly difficult, but I think I managed pretty well.

I was only asked three questions. None of them which I expected. It's been way too long so I don't remember the exact questions I was asked, but there were no questions about why I wanted to be an OT, why I i was interested in their program or saw myself as a good fit, no questions about my weaknesses -- none of the questions I thought they would ask were asked. Two out of three of the questions dealt with them wanting examples of "such and such" from my observation experiences.

At the end of the interview they asked if there was anything else I thought they should know about me and then if I had any questions. I showed them my resume and explained some things (not sure what others did, but that's what I did :)). Then, I asked three questions. ALWAYS ask questions after interviews -- ALWAYS!

After the interview, I felt okay about it. I didn't really know what or how to feel, but it was over and done pretty quickly. Then, it was on to the essay. The essay consisted of two questions with 30 minutes to answer both. They weren't too picky about the time, but I have heard some programs are. The first essay question requested bullets and the other a full blown essay. Again, it's been too long ago so I can't really recall the questions -- sorry.

Time for the tour! The facility was and is AMAZING. I had never toured program Z before. I guess because it was not my first choice...at first. I never even gave the idea a second thought, but WOW! I fell in love and started thinking immediately, "If they offer me admission, I'm accepting...no questions asked." It really blew me away. It has way better facilities than the facilities at program A and the location is better in general for several reasons.

Anyways, after the tour was over, I chilled out for a bit and talked to the other interviewees not interviewing or essay writing, and the MOT students that were hanging around to help.

For the group activity, it was pretty interesting...they said it wasn't part of the interview process, just something fun to do, but I don't believe that...nope -- don't believe it. We were put into 2 groups of 4-5 and told to build our idea of a city with green stryofoam, small nails, white string, pipe cleaners, and construction paper -- I think that was it. We had 25 minutes and then we presented our city. The other group's "city" was a lot more creative, but ours was more legit...if you ask me ;)

Time to go home. Nerves came back and all the thoughts of how I did came rushing back to me. I immediately called my mom, told her about my entire experience, and she treated me to lunch!

I sent a thank you email to program Z a couple days after my interview.

Tip of the blog: Don't be afraid to make scratch outs on your interview essay. I had SEVERAL! (We were given pens and no scratch paper *side eye*) At first, I was uneasy about the amount of scratch outs, but I read over my essay so many times and thought of something better or different to say/add...what else was I to do?....I wasn't just going to leave it. Many many manyyyy days after my interview I talked to a professor about all my scratch outs and she said how it may be a good thing, especially if it made my essay better. She said it shows that you care enough to re-read your work and strive for quality, and it shows that you are really thinking, rather than just rushing through it to beat the time. Had never thought it about that way. Hmm  

Email: OTeaTimeBlog@gmail.com

Tags: Occupational Therapy, Occupational Therapy Student, OT Blog, OT Student Blog, Blog, OTS Blog, MOT blog, MOT student, MOT student Blog, OT Student Tips