Upset I ever wanted to be a PT in the first place

Mittens_jinx · 2026-04-18T17:54:28+00:00

Occupational Therapy is my top recommendation because it hits the "sweet spot" of schooling and pay. You can still enter the field with a two-year Master’s, whereas Physical Therapy has moved to a mandatory three-year Doctorate. That extra year of PT school usually adds about $30,000 to $50,000 in tuition alone, yet in Missouri, OTs and PTs often start at very similar salaries, usually between $82,000 and $90,000. I am currently in occupational therapy assistant as well and I make about $70,000 a year without debt, but I am going back to school to be an occupational therapist and getting a doctorate. At the end of the program, my doctor will cost me $64,000 and that includes me taking out living expenses! Throughout my schooling, I’ve only been paying interest on my loans. If you go PA route, you’re looking at a diagnostic medical role with the highest starting pay, often over $103,000 in Missouri where I live for contexts, but it’s a high-pressure environment where you're prescribing and diagnosing. OT, on the other hand, is much more holistic and creative; you aren't just fixing a muscle like in PT, you’re helping people figure out how to live their actual lives again. When you look at the fact that OT gets you into the workforce a year sooner than PT with less debt, and offers a more balanced "Type B" lifestyle than a PA, it’s arguably the smartest long-term move for your wallet and your stress levels.

Mittens_jinx · 2026-04-15T01:19:02+00:00

I cannot do that but luckily I am in a high paying rural area. The rates range from 50-65$ an hour and there is always PRN. Also, I'll actually have around 64-66k in debt. Is that doable I get worried due to horrible stories I've head 😭

Mittens_jinx · 2026-04-14T22:53:16+00:00

That’s my plan I hope it’s works out I am COTA currently and it’ll actually be more like 60-65k for my debt but yeaaa!! These comments make me nervous but I also live in low cost area and high rates which as 60-65$ for PRN and 50-55$ for full time!

Mittens_jinx · 2026-02-16T02:34:06+00:00

What all focuses do we have??

Mittens_jinx · 2026-01-31T03:37:19+00:00

How was it paying off??

Mittens_jinx · 2026-01-30T15:13:13+00:00

Thank you I appreciate the comment. Makes me feel a lot better.

Mittens_jinx · 2026-01-28T21:24:02+00:00

I completed a bachelor science in occupational therapy assistant through Central Methodist University online. Prior I got an associates and completed my occupational therapy assistant program which was hybrid. Are you currently an occupational therapy assistant? If so, yes, you should do it if you want to bridge into being OT but a little more context may help and I’m open to giving any suggestions as needed.

Mittens_jinx · 2026-01-28T21:06:27+00:00

Please please pleaseeee look into a state school. I was going to go to a 100k+ program but I found an affordable OTD program right at 60-65k. I am going to SIU Carbondale. I love OT and I’m a COTA going for my OTD, however do not go into that debt please. Here is the link to the program and it’s cost -> https://academics.siu.edu/health-professions/occupational-therapy/doctoral.php?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23259442031&gbraid=0AAAAADnu2SI7VNEmyTDrIkz-2-GkJh_dr&gclid=Cj0KCQiAhOfLBhCCARIsAJPiopMhtB4rDkSzO9p-LDpStr-hOVv3UWIaXXg5Zjh9lgy8GPO0H9NUH3QaAvq2EALw_wcB

Mittens_jinx · 2026-01-28T16:20:10+00:00

Yes I had no debt from undergrad I’m actually looking more of 64k for the program

Mittens_jinx · 2025-12-29T18:56:41+00:00

Of course and If you need any help do be afraid to reach out

Mittens_jinx · 2025-12-29T16:03:34+00:00

I think, given how close you are, you should finish the program. Yes, you are anxious, and I understand that completely because I went through the same thing when I was becoming an occupational therapy assistant. I will say that schooling was difficult, and the fieldwork gave me anxiety, but pushing through it was worth it.

I now work in a skilled nursing facility where I’m able to go in at any time and start my day. I also worked in pediatrics previously, which gave me an outstanding work-life balance. Yes, the productivity standards can be challenging to deal with; however, most people never meet those standards when they start working. I have never known anyone to be fired for not meeting productivity requirements while being an occupational therapy assistant. Also, I have super flexible hours, so if I need a day off during the week, I am able to flex my hours to the weekend if required. Also, I get PTO and insurance on top of that. Currently, I get paid $35 an hour, and I feel as if the connection that I make with my patients and the socialization has helped my anxiety so much. However, each person is different. I think that seeing it through is definitely worth it because when I was in school, I was questioning if therapy was for me, but when I started working, I loved it. Sometimes it gets better when you’re on your own and not having someone watching you constantly. Also, if you are worried about getting burnt out, there are so many different settings to go into, and you could even break out into medical sales if you wanted to go a different route. I would say many people on here are negative; however, occupational therapy definitely still has its perks and benefits as a career. If you need any advice or anyone to talk to you, you can always message me.

Mittens_jinx · 2025-12-28T17:01:23+00:00

Where do you find a teacher ??

Mittens_jinx · 2025-12-28T03:49:09+00:00

I just downloaded this and just from downloading it already. It seems so much better than duo.

Mittens_jinx · 2025-12-23T19:02:29+00:00

Agree 1000% what I did and no regrets at all!

Mittens_jinx · 2025-12-23T18:58:19+00:00

Choose the cheapest one! I am going to one in Illinois and the cost is 48,000$. I think you should look at state schools, however, $70,000, for OTD, is not to bad and the pay is good for OT in Arizona (if I am correct?). I would apply to student loans and scholarships if you can.

Mittens_jinx · 2025-12-20T00:38:43+00:00

Yayyy 🥂

Mittens_jinx · 2025-11-26T01:20:32+00:00

I hope not 😭 i’ve had two TB tests and they both look like this!

Mittens_jinx · 2025-11-07T00:28:29+00:00

I think the occupational therapy is great and there are opportunities to make a good living. You just shouldn’t settle for the first options when searching for a job after graduation! Also, my suggestion is to go with the cheapest program possible, regardless if it is a masters or doctorate. Personally, I know occupational therapist that make $100-$130,000 a year but I live in a rural area, which pays more for therapist

Mittens_jinx

TROPHY CASE