The Back Up Plan: What to do if You Don't Get into OT School

A few weeks ago I helped with interviews for the University of Utah’s OT program. It was really fun getting to talk to a bunch of future OTs and see how excited they are for their future careers. I can still identify with the nerves, excitement, and anxiety of interviewing for graduate school. Acceptances will be likely be sent out soon--or maybe they already have been--I have no idea! Either way, I wanted to provide some options for applicants to boost their applications in case they don’t get in this year.

Before I make some recommendations, I want to convey some great advice that I received when I applied. Not getting into OT school does not mean you won’t be an OT, or that you wouldn’t be a good OT. If this is what you love, then apply again. Honestly, I think the majority of my class consisted of reapplicants. It’s much more common than I initially thought. So, if it doesn’t work out for you this year, look at some opportunities to expand your knowledge and experience in OT. There is SO much you can do, I feel like I discover a new OT avenue all the time.

1. Work at a rehab aid. Ignorantly, I thought you needed a special license, or certification to work in a clinic. Nope, I was wrong. All you need is a high school education and you can work as a rehab aid. Working in a clinic gives you an idea of the daily roles and responsibilities as a therapist. Now, you probably won’t get as much direct engagement between OT and patient during your observation hours, but you’ll still gain a more comprehensive understanding of how a clinic works. You’ll be more hands on for setting up evaluations, and treatments. Plus, it could get you a really great letter of recommendation if you play your cards right.

Personally, I would recommend the University of Utah Life Skills Clinic. The Life Skills Clinic is affiliated with the Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies. OT students have a few classes in the clinic, and we frequently see clients there. Once again, this gives good exposure to clinic culture and direct access to some faculty and OT students.

2. Volunteer for UFIT. If you are local to SLC, I would recommend volunteering for an organization that works with people with disabilities. UFIT is a service provided through the University of Utah. It’s a health and fitness program for children ages 3-18 with special needs. What I like about UFIT is that the program focuses on developing motor skills, social skills, and self-esteem by participating in fun activities. They are always looking for volunteers and provide a great service for the SLC community. Once again, this gives future OTs the opportunity to work with individuals with special needs. I also think UFIT embodies a lot of OT philosophies by promoting engagement, health and wellness, and socialization.

http://health.utah.edu/health-kinesiology-recreation/kinesiology/u-fit/

3. The TRAILS program: This is another awesome U of U program (go Utes!)  that focuses on promoting health and fitness for individuals with spinal cord injuries. TRAILS provides adaptive exercise equipment that allows people with SCI to hand cycle, kayak, sail, target shoot, downhill ski, cross country ski, swim, and play wheelchair tennis. TRAILS embodies so many OT principles, such as adaptation, modification, participation, and community engagement.

4. Voluntary research with an OT professor. The faculty could always use a hand for their research, and you don’t need to be an expert. To be a competent research aid, you need to be interested in the project, and willing to learn. If you go this route, take initiative. Take the opportunity to self-teach and work hard. Being a good research aid can give you amazing experience, and give you a step up for when you’re conducting research in your second year.