I'm seriously thinking of OTA school. I have a Bachelor's in accounting, and that was stressful, so I'm trying to get mentally prepared to go back into the gauntlet.
Finally a video about surviving OTA program. I just submitted my application for the program where I live at and just waiting for the acceptance letter. I’ve been searching for more videos and finally came across your channel. Thank you!! Looking forward for more videos from you!
Hey Mary! YAY! I'm so glad you found my channel! Please share with anyone you know that is interested in OT. I noticed such a gap in resources online when I was researching OT and I hope to help fill that gap. Keep me updated on your acceptance!!!! Do you have any specific videos/subjects you'd like addressed or any questions?
@@carlythecota Thank you! I will definitely let you know of the acceptance to the program. I barely found out about OTA couple of months ago and have been doing research of my own but sadly was not able to find much. But looking forward to your experience in the field on upcoming videos. 😊 I just wanted to know if you were working during the OTA program?
@@MaryKayy It is definitely not talked about enough!! I did not work through my program. We were encouraged not work. There were people that did work AND managed a family, and it was very hard for them, but they managed. It gets very difficult when you do fieldwork because that usually entails full length work days on top of textbook classes. In my opinion, if you’re able, start the program not working so that you can get adjusted, and then if you feel you can manage, then work! OR if you need to work, start the program working, but have the realistic expectation that you may need to take a break from work (if possible ofcourse).
I am starting an OTA program at the end of August. I am excited, but I am not setting expectations. I know there'll be times it will seem difficult, but it will be okay. 💚 Thanks for the video!
You are not alone! I have been there, girl. This profession is not easy, but goodness, you are learning how to help people live their lives to the fullest! OT is a love profession, not just medical. You’ve got this!!! Don’t lose heart. ❤️
Thank you Regina! After working for a few months, I feel more confident in my ability to explain OT than I did even in this video. Thanks for watching! - C
Hi there!! This depends on the state you live in. In Alabama, Wallace State Community College is the only college that has Occupational Therapy Assisting. Thanks for watching!! ❤️
Would you recommend public school over private or vice versa? The public school only takes students in January, whereas the private has many semesters available.
Thank you for sharing, I do have a question, the OTA program is fairly new in my city. Are you required to make an A or a B on all test like I heard in nursing school?
Hey Darron! For my program we had “component completion.” We had to make at least a 70% in all areas of the class. For example, all tests had to average out to 70 or above, all homework average out to 70 or above, all daily work average out to a 70 or above, etc. So we weren’t required to make an 80 or above on tests, but it was definitely hard to pass if you didn’t.
@@carlythecota okay thank you so much for that info, I don’t run crossing a lot of students that are going into the OTA field so it’s good to hear anything regarding the program, thank you a million.
This profession sounds neat but some videos talk about lack of work opportunities?! I don't think anyone should go into any profession solely for the $ aspect, but obviously job security is important.
Definitely a factor! The work opportunities fluctuate just like any other profession. It also depends heavily on the setting you prefer and where you live. Pediatric positions are difficult to find whereas positions in a SNF are more available. Something great about an OTA or OT degree is that it can apply to various other jobs, not just a treating therapist. You just have to embrace the culture of OT and think outside the box!! Thank you for watching!!
The career sucks. Ex-working COTA here. I feel lied to and wasted 2 years of my life in hell coming out not knowing anything useful except for fluff. That's OTA school in a nutshell. FLUFF (frames of reference, theories and SOAP notes). Once I graduated, I couldn't find a job. Once I found one (after 6 months), the pay sucked and it was only part-time. After a while, it was more like PRN because the caseload sucked.
I didn't know. My son gets OT (he's on the spectrum) and he LOVES it. It has taught me that we need to fulfill his sensory needs before ALL of this therapies for him to flourish. Currently planning to go back to school for COTA program.
What are your favorite ways to de-stress?? Let’s help each other out! :)
I'm seriously thinking of OTA school. I have a Bachelor's in accounting, and that was stressful, so I'm trying to get mentally prepared to go back into the gauntlet.
Props to you for considering going back to school! OT is a great second career option! Thanks for watching :)
@@carlythecotais the statistics part (qualitative and quantitative research) really hard? I'm not good at maths and worried about this
Same here man, I have a bachelors in earth science education and it’s extremely stressful
Thanks for the help, hopefully accepted into the program Fall 2025.
Congratulations!!
Finally a video about surviving OTA program. I just submitted my application for the program where I live at and just waiting for the acceptance letter. I’ve been searching for more videos and finally came across your channel. Thank you!! Looking forward for more videos from you!
Hey Mary! YAY! I'm so glad you found my channel! Please share with anyone you know that is interested in OT. I noticed such a gap in resources online when I was researching OT and I hope to help fill that gap. Keep me updated on your acceptance!!!! Do you have any specific videos/subjects you'd like addressed or any questions?
@@carlythecota Thank you! I will definitely let you know of the acceptance to the program. I barely found out about OTA couple of months ago and have been doing research of my own but sadly was not able to find much. But looking forward to your experience in the field on upcoming videos. 😊 I just wanted to know if you were working during the OTA program?
@@carlythecota a video of tips and tricks when studying for your board exam would be great 👍
@@MaryKayy that is coming up in a few weeks! I just started studying this week :)
@@MaryKayy It is definitely not talked about enough!! I did not work through my program. We were encouraged not work. There were people that did work AND managed a family, and it was very hard for them, but they managed. It gets very difficult when you do fieldwork because that usually entails full length work days on top of textbook classes.
In my opinion, if you’re able, start the program not working so that you can get adjusted, and then if you feel you can manage, then work!
OR if you need to work, start the program working, but have the realistic expectation that you may need to take a break from work (if possible ofcourse).
love ur video! u seem like such a sweet person! thank u for the tips!
Love you for this! I'm trying to find things to review before I start in the fall
I am starting an OTA program at the end of August. I am excited, but I am not setting expectations. I know there'll be times it will seem difficult, but it will be okay. 💚 Thanks for the video!
Same here, am starting on the 26th of August... Am looking forward, Really!!
If you don't mind telling me, What college are you going to??
Great video. I am almost done one more semester to go and definitely feel burnt out
You are not alone! I have been there, girl. This profession is not easy, but goodness, you are learning how to help people live their lives to the fullest! OT is a love profession, not just medical. You’ve got this!!! Don’t lose heart. ❤️
Awesome elevator speech. I really enjoyed this video.
Thank you Regina! After working for a few months, I feel more confident in my ability to explain OT than I did even in this video. Thanks for watching! - C
Been waiting for this one!
Yay!!! I really hope it helps!
These tips are great!!!!
I love how to the point you are
Thank you!!! No room for fluff here! Thank you for watching
This was such a helpful n informative tips, can you list out some community colleges to get into a OTA program?
Hi there!! This depends on the state you live in. In Alabama, Wallace State Community College is the only college that has Occupational Therapy Assisting.
Thanks for watching!! ❤️
Loved your video! I'm starting OTA school on May 9th. Do you have a link for the A&P coloring book?
Congratulations 🎊
Thanks for the tips
Thank you for watching!!
Would you recommend public school over private or vice versa? The public school only takes students in January, whereas the private has many semesters available.
I went to a public college so I do not have an opinion on this! I would say go with what fits your life best.
I'm wanting to start OTA school but I'm very nervous. I'm older too, so I feel like I wouldn't get hired.
In my cohort in school, we had people of all ages!! Your wisdom, knowledge, and experience will be very valuable!! Go for it!!
@@carlythecota aww, thank you so much for your encouragement 💖
I want to register for the winter. I am doing as many research as I can. English is not my first language smh.
You’ve got this!! This profession is so worth it! ❤️
Thank you for sharing, I do have a question, the OTA program is fairly new in my city. Are you required to make an A or a B on all test like I heard in nursing school?
Hey Darron! For my program we had “component completion.” We had to make at least a 70% in all areas of the class. For example, all tests had to average out to 70 or above, all homework average out to 70 or above, all daily work average out to a 70 or above, etc. So we weren’t required to make an 80 or above on tests, but it was definitely hard to pass if you didn’t.
@@carlythecota okay thank you so much for that info, I don’t run crossing a lot of students that are going into the OTA field so it’s good to hear anything regarding the program, thank you a million.
I'm in VA. In my program the final grade in each class has to be a C or better. We are also on a 7 point grading scale 100-93 A, 92-86 B etc
Question is it easy to find a job after graduation if you have nursing home experience as a Cna?
I would say yes! Rehab and in-patient facilities are ALWAYS hiring!
Was considering doing this over nursing school, but every school that has this program in my state is 5-6 hours away 😭
That is so frustrating!!
@@carlythecota extremely! You’d think a state like Florida with a lot of retirees would have more OT schools 😭
How did you go into pediatrics OTA?
I emailed the owner of the pediatric clinic I wanted to work at, interviewed, and accepted the position.
@@carlythecota Wow ok. Did you apply right after graduate school?
This profession sounds neat but some videos talk about lack of work opportunities?! I don't think anyone should go into any profession solely for the $ aspect, but obviously job security is important.
Definitely a factor! The work opportunities fluctuate just like any other profession. It also depends heavily on the setting you prefer and where you live. Pediatric positions are difficult to find whereas positions in a SNF are more available. Something great about an OTA or OT degree is that it can apply to various other jobs, not just a treating therapist. You just have to embrace the culture of OT and think outside the box!!
Thank you for watching!!
The career sucks. Ex-working COTA here. I feel lied to and wasted 2 years of my life in hell coming out not knowing anything useful except for fluff. That's OTA school in a nutshell. FLUFF (frames of reference, theories and SOAP notes). Once I graduated, I couldn't find a job. Once I found one (after 6 months), the pay sucked and it was only part-time. After a while, it was more like PRN because the caseload sucked.
@@MrJbee1982Where City/State we’re you trying to find where out of?
@@MrJbee1982where you couldnt find a job?
No one seems to know what OT is
TRUE - it is so broad that it’s hard to wrap your mind around
I didn't know. My son gets OT (he's on the spectrum) and he LOVES it. It has taught me that we need to fulfill his sensory needs before ALL of this therapies for him to flourish. Currently planning to go back to school for COTA program.