Does the Prestige of an OT School Matter?

Hey guys,

So this blog post is in response to a video created by DobberOT and itsmyOT. The topic is about whether the prestige of an OT school matters when selecting your program. These two individuals had differing opinions about the matter and I would argue that my opinion slightly differs from both of theirs as well.

First, when questioning prestige, we must determine what we are really talking about. When we say prestige what does that really mean? Is prestige equivalent to a ranking? I would argue no. Although prestige and ranking may be correlated, a ranking does not give a complete picture of a school's prestigiousness. The rankings of OT schools that you see posted on usnews.com or graduate programs.com are based solely on peer assessment surveys meaning that people within the system are ranking the program on X-Y-Z factors (not some "big dog" at the top). We must keep in mind that there are a lot of factors that influence these rankings, some of which we are aware of, but many of which we are not. Do I think that these rankings say something about the programs? Yes, but I still think it creates an incomplete picture and many false perceptions.

My OT program is ranked somewhere in the middle (not highly ranked, not lowly ranked) according to usnews.com and is actually in the top 10 according to graduateprograms.com. Despite this inconsistency in rating, I would argue that my school is fairly prestigious. My program puts a strong emphasis on client-centered, evidenced-based practice. Therefore, a strong foundation in theory and research is paramount, however we also focus on practical applicability (which I know some "prestigious" schools often lack).

Another thing about my program is that the faculty are all "down to earth" and easily approachable, including the program director. Their doors are always open, they are very knowledge, and they do not hesitate to answer questions. As also mentioned by itsmyOT, my professors are not only professors but they are also active clinicians and researchers. Many of them present at both the state and national conference for occupational therapy each year.

Our program also has many great connections when it comes to guest speakers, off-campus observations and opportunities, and fieldwork sites. Our program is contracted with an abundance of fieldwork opportunities within the state (not just locally, but all throughout the state) and is also contracted with facilities in 20 other states. Also, because we have established such a good reputation through the performance of our fieldwork students, we are easily able to contract with new sites and keep strong relationships with the old.

Also, when talking about prestigiousness we have to consider outcomes. Outcomes include NBCOT first-time pass rate and clinician performance in real word settings. In 2013, we had a 100% first time pass rate. In 2014, we had a 97% first time pass rate (35/36) -- 100% by ACOTE's new standards.  ACOTE standards have changed and now report pass rates as any new graduate who has passed the NBCOT exam during the testing year regardless of the number of attempts. I have also personally witnessed (even before deciding to apply to this school), the level of skill that both new grads and long-time clinicians that graduated from my program possess.

I could go on and on, but i'll just give one more example. A lady in itsmyot's comments mentioned that her OT program offers a course dedicated to assistive technology which apparently less than 5 schools in the US offer (that comment has since been edited). I don't know the accuracy of that statistic, but what I can say is that my program is one that offers an assistive technology course. If you read my last blog post "Summer Semester 2015: Fieldwork, Classes, Books," I mentioned that assistive technology was one of the courses I was taking this summer.

So what is my point? My point is that you cannot get too caught up with these online rankings and that you should not solely base your decision on a "ranking." You have to do your own research and really get down to the "nitty gritty" of  what the program offers and how it can benefit you as a student and future clinician.

So what is most important? I would argue that accreditation and goodness of fit are the most important factors to consider when choosing a program. As I mentioned in my "Tips| Applying to an MOT program," you should be choosing a school that best fits your learning style, personality, and goals. If you don't, it doesn't matter how "prestigious" the school is, you will likely be unsuccessful or you won't reach your true potential as a future OT.

Well that's all I really have to say about the matter lol.

<3 Bemo

Summer Semester 2015: Fieldwork I, Classes, Books

Alrighty, so right now I'm on a short 2.5 week break. I finished classes on May 6th, headed home on May 7th, and am expected to return back to school by May 26th (the first day of the summer semester). On May 26th, the 2nd years (us) are hosting an MOT BBQ for the first years. I'm responsible for tracking RSVPs and tallying up the counts for hamburgers, hot dogs, and veggie burgers. If ya'll remember last years blog post "First Day: Orientation (Summer 2014)," I talked about going to the BBQ, meeting my "big", and leaving pretty shortly after. Last year, I really didn't socialize much, but this year I'm going to try to be a little more interactive.

Yesterday, I was assigned a "little." I really don't care for the "big/little" titles. It comes off very condescending to me, but whatever that's just me lol. Anyways, I got her information yesterday so I will be going to the store when I get back on the other end and buy her a gift, just like my "big" bought me one.

Also, on May 26th, we will start classes and the first Fieldwork I rotations: Mental Health & Pediatrics.The two classes I will be taking are "Clinical Reasoning for Fieldwork" and "Assistive Technology."

My Mental Health rotation is at an inpatient psychiatric unit where we will be responsible for hosting therapeutic groups that provide just right challenges for the patients. There are three main types of groups: physical activity, psychoeducation, and therapeutic activities. We will be rotating between these 3 groups throughout the semester. The groups last about 45 minutes and usually contain 10-18 members. The groups will be held weekly for 7 weeks. We will be separated into groups of 3 I believe. I'm not sure who my partners are yet. Continuing on, the main diagnoses seen at this particular inpatient psychiatric facility are major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective, bipolar, and corresponding substance abuse or personality disorders. The other mental health rotation options were with a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and at a children's home, which while great options were not my top choices.

My Pediatric rotation involves working with students in grades Kindergarten through 5th on building social skills as well as language and literacy skills needed for children in elementary school. I will be in a group with 5 other individuals and we are working interprofessionally with Speech Language Pathology students. We will be responsible for planning themes and activities for 1-4 programs days, adding fine motor/sensorimotor components to activities, providing consultation in regards to fine motor, developmental, positioning, and other OT-related areas, and documenting sessions.  The pediatric fieldwork only lasts about 1.5 - 2 weeks. The other pediatric rotation options include the same program, but with ages 3-6 years old, a handwriting camp, and a program designed to work with children with food selectivity.

Now that that is all out of the way, let's take a look at the required books. If you read my last blog post these books should look familiar! We will also be using a previously purchased book called "Occupational Therapy in Mental Health: A Vision for Participation." The "Assitive Technologies" book you see on the right is actually the 3rd edition. A month after sending out the original book list, the professor recommended that we instead purchase the 4th edition. I will just be asking a classmate of mine to look at there's if necessary. Too much time has passed to try and hassle with getting a refund and the 4th edition is around $100.

Left to Right: Stepping Into Handwriting: For Students Studying Elementary Education by Handwriting Without Tears,

The Wheelchair Evaluation: A Clinician’s Guide  by M. Batavia, and Cook & Hussey’s Assistive Technologies Principles and Practice by A. Cook & J.M. Polgar

This is not set in stone, but my plan is to post AT LEAST a weekly blog post keeping you updated with my fieldwork experience! A daily update would be optimal, but I don't know if I can commit to that! lol

Well I will talk to y'all next blog post!

<3 Bemo

Spring 2015 Semester Wrap Up

OMMGGG! Can you believe that I have OFFICIALLY completed my first year of grad school!!!??? I can't. It has definitely been an interesting year to say the least. It started off with anatomy, which was doable of course, but also very fast paced, stressful, and difficult.

Then, there was the fall semester which actually wasn't too bad. The courses themselves and the assignments, tests, projects -- all that, were very manageable. The only thing was my mind wasn't right so my motivation was below sea level. If your mind isn't where it should be the simplest of tasks become difficult.

Finally, there was the spring semester, which challenged me in many many ways. It was uncomfortable, but a much needed experience for both personal and professional growth. I have always understood the importance of being able to work well in a group, but it is something that I have always struggled with. This semester we had crap loads of group projects. I worked well in the groups that were just me and one other person, but the ones with 3 or 4 people to a group were stressful because the dynamics were sometimes off. I'm slowly learning to choose my battles and which projects are okay for me to take a more passive go with the flow role. I wouldn't label myself a perfectionist, but I take pride in quality work. It doesn't have to be perfect, but I like to give my best effort. Another thing that challenged me was "patient" interaction. In my blog post "Looking Beyond Conditions & Physical Interactions," I talked about the awkwardness I felt while interacting with clients at the ADC and how I struggled with feeling inadequate. During this time, I was also going through a "crisis." There were a series of events, that now I am unable to recall, that really challenged me and made me feel incompetent and I had a small break down. It was really bothering me because I have never felt so inadequate in my life and I didn't like how it felt -- very unsettling. As a result, I bought a ton of books with money I didn't really have, in an effort to soothe my discomfort. Three of the books pictured below are actually books required for the summer semester. I will picture them separately in my next blog post when I tell you about my summer semester adventures lol. But anyways, the other 13 books are completely supplementary. 

Row by Row; Right to Left:

(1) Stepping Into Handwriting, Creek's Occupational Therapy and Mental Health 6th ed., The Intentional Relationship, Documentation Manual for Occupational Therapy,

(2) Quick Reference Occupational Therapy, Quick Reference Dictionary for Occupational Therapy, Therapeutic Exercise Foundations and Techniques, Assistive Technologies

(3) Critical Reasoning in Occupational Therapy,  Optimizing Cognitive Rehabilitation, Activity Analysis Application to Occupation, Physical Agent Modalities

(4) Occupation-Based Activity Analysis, The Successful Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Student, The Wheelchair Evaluation, Spanish for the Occupational Therapist

The tests and content covered were also much more difficult. In preparation for the NBCOT exam, the professors have given us 3x more "NBCOT style"questions on tests and quizzes. There were quite a few tests that I felt no bueno about when I handed in my test. Fortunately, in the end, everything turned out well and I was able to pull through with all A's. One of the courses, " Foundations for Interprofessional Collaborative Practice" was combined with "Intro to Clinical Reasoning" and was counted as a Pass/Fail. 

This summer, we start our first fieldwork I rounds so I am definitely ready for a change in pace. I will give you more details in my next blog post!

<3 Bemo 

Update & Spring 2015 Classes/Books

Bemo! Where on Earth have you been!??? Yeah, well I've been around, but I had been going through some personal issues and my motivation to do much of anything was at an all time low. I was hoping that the Christmas break would serve as a much needed rejuvenation period. However, my hopes for that went down the drain on New Year's Eve when my Papa passed away. We were like two peas in a pod and I still can't believe he's gone. I let it get me down for awhile, but I realized that life must go on and all I can really do is keep our memories together alive. Now, school is back in session and I must attack the semester differently with a fresh perspective and a greater appreciation.

Despite my lack of motivation, I still managed to do well in my classes. I finished the semester with all A's so that was good. However, it was a painful process because my mind was not right. For some reason I was just really unhappy with my life. Once I got home, I sat down and talked about it with my mom and I prayed about it. I'm much more content and grateful with where I am, but I know it's going to be a process to get where I fully need to be because I have been feeling this way for several years now.
Anyways, enough of the "woe is me stories." Let's get on to my Spring 2015 classes and books.

This semester I am taking 18 hours and the classes include:

• Introduction to Clinical Reasoning
• Psychosocial Interventions in OT
• Overview and Analysis of OT Assessment & Lab
• Hand & Upper Extremity Rehab & Lab 
• Evidence for Research and Practice 
• Conditions in OT (part 2)
• Foundations for Interprofessional Collaborative Practice 

Class started today (Jan 12, 2015). The classes seem like they are going to be tough, but interesting. I'm actually really looking forward to this semester.

In my program we reuse a lot of the same books. Therefore, this time around I was only required to purchase three additional books.

I'm going to take the rest of the week to get myself together and then I'm going to hit the ground running. My main goal for this semester is to just keep my motivation levels high. We will see how that goes. 

On a last note, I have to turn in the locations and facility types I am interested in for Fieldwork Levels I & II before spring break. I honestly have no idea as of right now. I will be scheduling an appointment with the fieldwork coordinator soon to discuss some things. I will update you guys when I make a decision. Nothing I select will be set in stone, but the fieldwork coordinator does try really hard to satisfy what we have selected. 

Fall 2014 Semester Classes & Books

Hey guys, it's that time again! New semester, new classes, new books!



I waited to the very last minute to register. The director emphasized that she wanted us to make sure that we were going to pass anatomy before registering. I knew I would pass, but for some reason I just kept pushing it off and pushing it off. Classes start on August 20th and my last final is December 10th! I have to take Theory and Foundations of OT, Introduction to Evaluation and Intervention in OT (which has a lab), Research Process in Occupational Therapy, Occupational Performance Throughout the Lifespan, and Conditions in OT. These all total 15 hours. I'm looking forward to all my classes minus Research Process in OT. It just doesn't sound fun. lol

This is what my schedule is looking like this semester. Classes 3 times a week!
(Unless I have an exam in "Conditions in OT")

Since I only have classes roughly three times a week I plan to take out more time for myself to do the things that I want to do and focus on. Like I told one of my friends, I have spent the last 3 years of my life focusing on school, school, school and not really my happiness. I want to do yoga at least once a week and I want to start reading for leisure again as well as actually start reading my Bible again. Just the small things you know, the ones that I always push to the side because "I don't have time" "I have to study" "I'm too tired"....whatever the reason may be. I also plan to eat healthier because my diet is pitiful and that's probably why I never have the energy I need. Since I have a sensitivity to caffeine once my energy is gone it is a WRAP!

On to the books...

Here are a list of the book titles and authors (left to right; top to bottom):

• Occupational Therapy in Mental Health: A Vision for Participation (Brown & Stoffel - 1st Ed.) 
• Screening Adult Neurologic Populations (Gutman & Schonfeld - 2nd Ed.)
• Research in Occupational Therapy: Methods of Inquiry for Enhancing Practice (Kielhofner - 1st Ed.)
• Occupational Therapy for Children (Case-Smith & O'Brien - 6th Ed.) 
• Human Development and Performance Throughout the Lifespan (Cronin & Mandich - 1st Ed.)

Not pictured: (bought in summer session 2014)

• Occupational Therapy for Physical Dysfunction (Radomski & Trombly - 7th Ed.) 

Books this time around cost me $438! I purchased them all from Amazon this time around.

Woah, We Have Some MAJOR Catching Up!

Long time no read, huh? I know, I know. This summer was INTENSE. It was stressful and time-consuming, but definitely do-able. Since I have quite a few blogs to write in an attempt to catch you up I decided to create this main blog post that will link you to all the blogs I write as a part of this whole catching up thing. I would love to post these in order of when they will be posted, but that's not going to happen so bare with me. I'm not sure how many blogs I will end up writing, but they will all be linked down below as they are written! :) (You may see the title, but it is not clickable. That means that I am working on the blog. It just has not become live yet because it's not finished.)

Cadaver Lab Experience & Tips

Summer Session Finals & Grades

My Anatomy "Book of Knowledge"

Netter vs. Gilroy Anatomy Atlas

Fall 2014 Semester Classes & Books

First Day of Fall 2014

Full Summer 2014 Classes & Books

Hey! Guess who? Yup, you guessed it! It's Bemo and I'm BACCKKK!

So basically, what this post is going to be about is the classes I will be taking for the summer, the books that are required, and what I've been doing to prepare before orientation (May 27, 2014). Let's get started!

So, for the 2014 Full Summer Session, classes start on May 27, 2014 and end on August 13, 2014. I registered for classes on April 14th. The registration process was pretty quick and simple. We received an email with a link to our orientation page that hosts all sorts of information about what we need to get done prior to orientation and how to go about doing it. One of the links on the page lead to a list of the CRN's (registration numbers) we would need to register. When the time came, I simply typed in the numbers and boom I was done. So enough of that! Let's get into the classes. For the full summer session (2014), I will be taking Human Anatomy Lecture & Lab, Applied Kinesiology in Occupational Therapy Lecture and Lab, and Introduction to Occupational Therapy. This all totals up to 9 hours.

Here is what my class schedule looks like. I'm not looking forward to having to wake up super duper early M-F, but hey what can you do?

Now, on to the books! 

Here are a list of the book titles and authors (left to right; top to bottom): 

• Netter's Anatomy Flash Cards 3rd Edition by John T. Hensen (my choice) 
• Occupational Therapy Essentials for Clinical Competence  by Sladyc, K., Jacobs, K. & MacRae, N.  (required)
• Kinesiology: The Mechanics & Pathomechanics of Human Movement by Oatis, C.A. (required)
• Atlas of Anatomy by Gilroy AM, MacPherson GR, & Lawrence MR
• Atlas of Anatomy 5 ed. by Netter F. 
• Occupational Therapy for Physical Dysfunction by Radomski, M. & Trombly Latham, C. (required) 
• Medical Terminology Systems: A Body Systems Approach by Gylys, B.A. & Wedding, M.E. (required)
• Clinnically Oriented Anatomy by Moore KL, Dalley AF, & Agur AMR (required)

All roughly cost me about eh I don't know, a little under $550.... like mmm $520 maybe and that includes shipping and everything. I did not purchase from the place my program suggested. I purchased all my items online through textbooks.com, ecampus.com (can be a little expensive depending on what you get), and I got the flash cards from barnesandnoble.com. 

After reading about the flash cards on someone else's blog I decided...what the heck! They seem to have been really helpful to that person so hopefully they are just as helpful to me.

The atlas' were a pick one or the other, but I decided to get both because I didn't know which one I would like better. Most people recommend the Netter version over the Gilroy version, but I will keep you updated on my thoughts.

Everything else was required and let me tell you...some of these books are THICK! Thick and heavy! They are playing no games -- none!

Once my books started coming in though, I started getting super excited! I flipped through some of them and they seem really interesting. I can't wait to dive in! I'm still nervous, of course -- that's only normal, but I definitely don't think it's anything I can't handle.

I also had to purchase a long white lab coat, dissection kit, and non-sterile gloves. This cost me about $53 bucks from Varsity bookstore. (not pictured)

"So what have you had to do to prepare for orientation?" you may ask. Well, I'll tell you! I've had to register for classes, purchase my books and equipment, pay $51 for a background check, purchase a $45 parking permit that is only going to last me until August *side eye*, and get my Hazelwood application submitted. I have also taken one training so far, which was the HIPAA Privacy and Security Training. I still have to take the EEO - Sexual Harassment Training, Safety Services Training Program, and Lab Safety Training. I will be taking these last three all this weekend (May 2nd and 3rd)! I've also decided to make a Facebook page so that I could join the Class of 2016 MOT Student page that one of my classmates made. I do not like being searchable, which is why I didn't have a FB prior and also why I go by an alias. However, I figure if all I'm using the FB page for is to keep up with the group, then it should be fine. It will be a good way to form study groups and to stay in the loop.

I'm also working on getting proof of enrollment so that I don't get dropped from my mom's insurance. I am 20 right now and will turn 21 in a couple of weeks. I have to be a full-time student in order to stay on mom's insurance -- which I am. However, my program is talking about they won't be able to give me proof of enrollment until the 12th day of class... hmpf. So basically, mom and I have been going back and forth trying to figure everything out. Bleh!

Anyways, other than that, all I've really been doing is trying to finish the semester up. My last actual class day is on May 5th and then I have 3 finals to take! My birthday is on the 14th of May and I am super stoked. I have a whole day planned for my self: breakfast, spa treatment, mani/pedi, alamo drafthouse! Ahhhh can't wait!!!!

Welp, that's all I got for ya! I will talk to you guys in a couple weeks. If you have any questions, just let me know!

Email: OTeaTimeBlog@gmail.com

Tip of the Blog: To get the best prices for your books, I would suggest pricing the books at the place your program recommends first. Then, go online to see what you can find for cheaper. The bookstores recommended are typically overpriced or just super expensive. My favorite website is textbooks.com. However, I would recommend you compare 2-3-4 websites to see who offers the best prices! I would also suggest that you buy all used books, new if you must, but try to refrain renting your books if at all possible. You are going to want to start a personal library for yourself. You may find these books helpful later in your profession!

Tags: Occupational Therapy, Occupational Therapy Student, OT Blog, OT Student Blog, Blog, OTS Blog, MOT blog, MOT student, MOT student Blog, OT Student Tips, Registering for MOT Classes, MOT Student Books