I am currently in my 2nd year undergraduated level in OT and I was wondering if you can get a Doctorates in OT? If you can, is it even worth it? Or should I just stay with getting a masters becuase longer schooling doesn't mean any pay or rank difference? I also was wondering where is the demand for OT's the highest in the US? Thanks~!
2007-01-29 05:14:11 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Yes, you can get a doctorate in OT. There are a number of programs throughout the US that offer this. (Check out www.aota.org if you are interested.) Getting your doctorate is worth it if you want to teach, but not really worth the money and effort if you just plan on being a clinical practioner. In fact, it may make it harder to get a job as a clinical practioner because you would be too expensive to hire as an entry-level therapist.
If I were you, I would just stick with your master's for now because it is the best bet for clinical practice. Plus, if you want to teach, you still can do some limited teaching with your master's at the technocal college level and as a part-time or adjunct faculty at most colleges. If full-time teaching is your ultimate goal, by all means go and get your doctorate!
You also asked where the demand for OT's is the highest in the US. Well, according to job postings around the US, most of the open positions are on the eastern and western coasts of the country (a lot in Florida and the New Englad states). Most of these openings are in outpatient rehab and long-term care. As the baby-boomers age, they will be demanding more therapy services both in hospitals and nursing homes. The trend with OT is to see a bigger demand on the coasts that slowly works inward toward the midsection of the country. However, with the recent move to a required master's degree, there will be shortages of OT's all over. Right now and within the next few years will be a really good time to be looking for a job as an OT!!!
Good luck to you. I hope you find what you are looking for.
2007-02-01 08:21:23 · answer #1 · answered by k 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
no a doctorate in OT or PT will not put you in any better position than having a masters would. It would be a waste of money and time unless you wanted to do some research or teach but I am sure there are people doing that with a masters. if you were working in a practice you would not get re-imbursed anymore with a PhD than you would with a masters or bachelors.
2007-01-29 13:28:40 · answer #2 · answered by butterfly234 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋