[QUOTE who="becoming an OTR in Indianapolis, Indiana"]I am a COTA and I have NEVER found that families undervalue what I do..because I educate them, the OTR educates them, and it becomes clear why there is delineation between these two fields. I am also happy to say that I haven't ever encountered boorish, rude, and hostile PTAs or PTs...except on here. I have 10 years of experience in multiple settings, and I love this job. I am working for my Masters degree. I haven't ever had difficulty getting a job! If I wanted to leave the field, I have skills that are highly valued in the current economy and would apply in other areas. You should do what you love. Both fields require strong written and verbal communication , a decent memory, and good math and science foundations. If you are more psych oriented, like problem solving, and don't have difficulty advocating for yourself, you will like OT. If you are more biologically oriented, prefer clearer cut and more structured activities, you will prefer PT. Ideally, you would work in an area where these two fields are working collaboratively for the most positive patient outcome possible. It's a little disturbing to me that someone on a team of caregivers would so completely disrespect and undervalue their peers. In my current market area (midwest) there is very little compensatory difference for OTA/PTA. In the more rural areas, OTA's earn slightly more because there are fewer of them. The markets for all of the allied health fields are all extremely regional and have fairly wide pay variance.[/QUOTE]
Thank you for your message. Reading all the nasty messages from both parties was making me wonder if either field was a good choice. Your message describes both careers completely that now I feel confident in making OTA my future career. Thank again
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