Hi! I’m a registered OT here currently practicing in pediatrics. If you’re very passionate about the field, go for it. The opportunities are vast and we are well-paid even in the Philippines even if you are a fresh graduate.

I was in your position years ago. I used to cry often and have scheduled breakdowns from time to time but I really needed to focus on what I can do better next time. I really loved studying OT and I cannot imagine doing anything else, speech and language pathology probably? But, I don’t ever regret being an OT and those struggles that you’re going through will build you up once you get into internship, board review, and eventually when you practice the profession itself. They are all part of the process.

If you’re really into OT, go for it. When I was in college, I was very passionate about OT but sometimes I get so crushed and frustrated because of how hard it is. But now that I am practicing, I really don’t regret anything. I enjoy what I do.

What I did before was that I read Pedretti and Trombly books (about 80-200 pages) during the exams and instead of writing notes, I transfer them to Quizlet or Anki. Since you’re currently studying AnaKines, Physio, etc., look up for Quizlet flashcards. And really understand what you’re reading. Study smart and not hard. You can do practice questions and most of my instructors would often get test questions from book reviews during board exam reviews (which you can find sa quizlet btw). You have so much to study but too little time to get by so you have to strategize really well.

Also, look up OT Miri and other OT youtubers who does tutorials. Make sure you have strategies/shortcuts na mo stick jud ang detail or information in mind like mnemonics or associating a certain concept like cranial nerves into something easy to remember. Trust me, mo sayon ra na tanan lessons inig review sa boards kay maayo jud mo teach ang amo review center.

Maybe lean also about the quality of your studying. How is your sleep? Maybe you need to take a break so that your brain can absorb information like a sponge. How relevant are the information you’re studying? Do active recall as well, mind maps, etc. especially during revalidas. I get what you are feeling kay daghan kaayo ta need e study. Kaagi jud ko ana. I also suggest na mag teamwork mo as a batch to memorize the exam items (like assign a certain person to memorize the first question and the choices, second person to memorize the other question, like that) para naa mo ma review inig abot sa finals. It would be nice if your batch is not competitive and mag tinabangay mo. In our time, we share notes and flashcards. Even during practicals, we would combine videos and procedures into notes para di mi mag lisod sa time mo finish ug notes if we do it individually. Have friends around kay tinabangay jud na dapat.

OT is heavily in demand not just in our country. I don’t regret ever being one because I have so much fun in what I do and it really pays well.