Occupational Therapy

Dory353

Hi everyone! Just wondering is there anybody on here currently studying OT? I'm looking for some info if possible. I'm fairly interested in a caring profession and working with people and as I am fairly squeamish I wouldn't really fancy any of the other healthcare professions! Basically I'm wondering is the course very difficult, what are hours/workload like? Are there good job oppurtunities in general? I've read up lots about the various settings you can work in and the people you may be working with but basically if I'm being completely honest I'm not exactly sure what an OT does bar help people with mental/physical disabilities. Anyone care to elaborate? Also I've read its generally a female dominated profession, would a guy be at a disadvantage? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

AndrewJD

I thought Occupational Therapists have Anatomy labs? Not one for the squeamish surely...

Larianne

AndrewJD wrote: »

I thought Occupational Therapists have Anatomy labs? Not one for the squeamish surely...

Yeah, OTs have to study the upper limb and a bit of neuroanatomy in First year. Everyone is a bit "Woah!" the first few times they go into the dissecting room but you get over it pretty quick.

There is a few OTs on here. If you do a search of this forum you'll probably find them and you could PM them your queries.

Mr_M

Look into social work in TCD. Seems like a good option if your looking for a caring profession but want to stay away from the more 'icky' parts of other health care professions.

http://www.socialwork-socialpolicy.tcd.ie/undergraduate/ba-social.php

Dr.Reid

I'm third year OT you can PM me for any info. There's also a thread on the LC Jobs and Careers Discussion forum which will have some info too. Anatomy labs are only for one semester and it's grand!

Feu

sorry just saw this now, you can PM me with any Qs.

I'm 4th yr OT in Trinity. Anatomy in first year was grand, only one or two of the girls out of 40 pulled total whiteners It's really not as bad as you think it would be, and it's only, what, 3 hours a week for 10 weeks. So not much at all in the grand scheme. [this varies for Galway and Cork] Galway, i know, they do much more anatomy and physiology, i think they even do practical neuro. Yuck!

in a really small tiny nutshell, OTs work with people to accomplish their goals. This can be in a physical or mental health setting, or a combination of both, or in the community, schools or a clinic. Some people say it's about making people as independent as possible, but it depends on your own and your clients perspectives. You could work with a client for 3 sessions, or over a number of years depending on the setting. There is not necessarily any necessity that you would be in a "squeamish" area, but you could be on placement or working in a hospital, so you should take that into account if you want to apply for the course

Overall, it's a really lovely profession, where you can work closely with people and build really great relationships with clients and staff. If you'd be interested you could ring the OT dept in any hospital or clinic, and ask if they would take you in for a visit so you could have a look around and talk to OTs in the dept. It's a really good way to meet a few OTs at once, and see if you really click with the idea of it