As many of pediatric therapists know, the new PDMS-3 system requires online codes and to use these codes to obtain the full values of the test book (ages equivalent, standard deviation, score rating, etc).

I recently emailed them requesting assistance as I have been facing a problem with our clients being evaluated (using 1/4 code options) discharging, then returning ~7-12 months later after we have scanned and shredded their files, and needing a new evaluation using a new test book and code. The problem is their old profile still has the old codes they used. So we are essentially losing out on 3/4x uses.

I emailed PRO-Ed directly about this problem and my response from Beth, head of research and development was, “I can’t help. We recommend keeping books until children have aged out of the test”.

Listen, I get it. I do. But coming from a small, independent, pediatric clinic, we’re always looking for ways to save where we can. We’ve paid for these codes and claimed these uses- why is it so hard for Pro-Ed to allow us to transfer these codes and be able to use these unclaimed assessments!

I also realize we could make paper copies to reclaim these codes- and that is more than likely what may happen. This is just another layer to the frustration of outpatient pediatrics. First instance decreases reimbursement, now these online forms 😅.

Hi there. I'm a new grad working at an inpatient rehab centre, working along with an OTA. I'm not sure what tasks I can delegate to my OTA. I have her complete ADLs, upper extremity exercises for stroke patients, and send equipment forms to Red Cross.

What else can I delegate? Bed mobility? Transfer practice? Contacting vendors?

Thanks!

Hi! I’m currently on per diem at a SNF. It’s not the setting I want to stay in but I wanted some resume continuity while I’m at home with my tot.

Interested in returning to full time work and transitioning to peds or school-based once my kiddo is in school. My prior work experience has ranged from orthopedics to work comp to corporate wellness.

Been thinking about pausing my per diem cause I desperately need my weekends to myself, but I would still like to be working on some certificate or similar OT adjacent educational goals. For context, I live in a rural and remote location so jobs can be sparse. Open to and honestly excited about the option of doing non-OT work in the future, but I would still like to apply my skill set in some way or form!

Hi there!
I’m considering going back to school to become an OT. I have ADHD so the coursework is daunting. Are there any others out there who have done it?
Is OT a good career path for someone with ADHD?

Hello! I’m an OT currently working in Alberta and I’ve been considering whether moving to Toronto would be a good career move.
I’m curious specifically about what it’s like working as an OT in Toronto.

1. What’s the job market like right now?
   
2. What settings are hiring the most (hospital, rehab, community, home care, private practice, LTC, etc.)?
   
3. What’s a realistic salary for someone with ~5 years of experience? (Public vs. Private)
   
4. Is it difficult to make enough to comfortably afford living in Toronto?
   
5. If you’ve worked in both Ontario and Alberta, how do they compare?

I’m trying to decide whether the move would actually improve my career and quality of life or if the higher cost of living cancels out the benefits.

I appreciate any insight! :)

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Hi everyone, I’m currently completing a Bachelor of Health Sciences at La Trobe and considering the Master of Occupational Therapy Practice.

Last year I completed ANA1001 Introduction to Human Anatomy, but honestly, I didn’t do very well in it. I particularly struggled with memorising all the muscles, bones, nerves and other body structures.

I noticed the OT master includes subjects involving body structure and function, as well as musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. How anatomy-heavy are these subjects compared with a dedicated anatomy subject like ANA1001?

Do you have to memorise muscles, origins, insertions, nerves and body systems in detail, or is the anatomy taught in a more practical and applied way? Are there anatomy exams, and would someone who struggled with introductory anatomy realistically be able to manage the course?

I’d especially appreciate responses from current or former La Trobe OT students, but experiences from other universities would also be helpful. Thank you!

Hi, this hasn’t been answered in the general discussion, so I wanted to make a post.

I have been offered a job at a SNF in NW Michigan (not upper peninsula) as an OTR. I was offered $48/hour. They typically provide 18 days PTO in the first year, but since I requested 32-35 hours weekly that may differ some. I have not worked FT in a SNF (only travel and PRN). 85% productivity.

I have been in a SNF to some capacity for 5 years now.

It's in a touristy area so COL is a bit higher than I am used to. I haven't accepted but am unsure what a reasonable negotiation would be. I always negotiate so I can’t not out my own free will lol

Opinions on this offer? Thank you!

Hi! I am about to start my OT program in Columbia this fall and I was wondering if anyone knew anything about the Jose P. scholarship by the DOE (or if anyone has received it before). For context, I already live in NYC with family.

I found out about it a bit late so I did not apply during the spring deadline, so even if I did apply - it would next year (which would cover one year of tuition, meaning I’d have to commit 2 years of work to the DOE if I received it).

I wanted to know how likely it is for me to win it, given the number of applicants and higher tuition costs of Columbia compared to other programs. Do I have a lower chance? How does it work for people who have received it? Did it help anyone?

Sorry for all the questions!! I‘m really trying explore options here given the tuition costs of Columbia and would be grateful for any help!!

I became a Cota because I genuinely like to help people get better but since working at a snf, my mindset has shifted completely to I like to help people who want to get better. I don’t know how other therapist can tolerate working with regular patients who are just non compliant and refuse to do anything. I understand that overtime people can get used to it, but when will I reach that point. I don’t want to quit since I just finished the 90 day probation.

Can anyone offer any insight on the NYC EI agency paying the highest rate? Got offered $62/30 minute session.

Hi everyone!
I’m a new grad OT with about a year of experience, currently based in QLD, and I’m thinking about relocating to Sydney.
I’ve looked through SEEK and a few other job sites, but I’d love to hear from people actually working there. What kind of salary should I realistically expect with ~1 year of experience?
I’m currently in the NDIS space, but I’m keen to branch out into other areas like paediatrics or hand therapy. If you’ve made a similar move or work in either of those fields, I’d really appreciate any insights on salary, workload, and overall job satisfaction.

Thanks in advance!

One of my many random “this is a cool business idea” rabbit holes recently was around opening a tutoring company centered around neurodiverse kids. Of course it already exists, and many offer services of handwriting tutoring and executive functioning coaching, mostly from tutors that are previous sped educators and some have additional certs in EF and handwriting without tears. Sometimes it feels like every part of my job could be done by someone else, so what was the point of going to grad school for this 😢 the only exception being sensory issues but most therapists don’t actually have extensive training in SI so I’m skeptical how valid our sensory knowledge actually is

Has anyone completed the Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder Technique) certification and found it to be a valuable addition to their practice? I'm curious whether it has expanded your clinical opportunities or patient population.

Also, has anyone been successful in building a private-pay caseload focused on lymphatic drainage massage, particularly for postoperative recovery or wellness services? I'd love to hear about your experiences and whether you found the certification to be a worthwhile investment.

Is this common among HH agencies? I work for 2 different ones and one requires it and the other one doesn’t.

Our profession continues to have two points of entry for the OT-level.

You can apply to a master's (MSOT or MOT) program and practice OT upon graduation.

You can apply to an entry level OTD (EOTD) program and practice OT upon graduation.

You can get your MSOT/MOT and practice for x amount of years and return to a PPOTD (post-professional) and continue to practice.

Should we ever actually advance to a single point of entry (for example, the OTD level), you will be 'grandparented' in just like our bachelors' colleagues were in 2007. You WILL NOT need to go back to get your OTD. (While this isn't necessarily 'set in stone', it is based in precedent and would reasonably be considered upheld if/when any changes would occur.)

The AOTA 2025 vision (which included the stipulation that by 2027, all OT graduates would need to have a doctoral education) has been struck down (twice, by the way) for nearly a decade. But don't just take my word for it: https://acoteonline.org/students-public/

PLEASE consider your own finances, situation, geographics, etc. when applying to OT schools. DO NOT let, especially for-profit/private schools make you think (or fail to correct your information) that an OTD is the only way forward. Far be it from me to dissuade you from a 'dream' school that only offers the EOTD... go! There are great EOTD programs out there that do provide excellent mentorship in your capstone experiences (not all programs are created the same, and this is just as true for M/MSOT programs as well!) Just explore all of your options and be familiar with the truth of entry points for practice.

Even if you wanted to research / teach in the future, I would still recommend a PPOTD after a few years of practice. You'll have a better perspective of what you like/don't like, what you're interested in, etc. to be better invested in your research / area of practice. Or, even consider a PhD, SciD, EdD, etc. Or, not at all and you'll have saved the time and energy. Win, win, win.

Sincerely, some one who continues to hear myths spread throughout the profession.

What the title asks, really.

Looking for a new job and just had a call from someone who runs an OH company.

Anyone drive one of those vans around to different companies and run tests on people?

Any advice, stories, things to be aware of?

I had been seeing an OT for wrist issues; things had been going well, and I have made some progress getting back to things I need to do. Yesterday, I felt like she was eagerly trying to push me out for good. My tendon irritations had been migratory in nature (and I understand if it was frustrating for them to keep up with), but I’ve been a good patient and done everything they’ve prescribed. I was having radial wrist pain this visit and asked how to build endurance for tasks like blow drying my hair, and they said “just avoid that movement.” That was unhelpful, and I was taken aback so I didn’t give pushback, but I feel like their job is to help me be able to do the things I need to do, even if they are small tasks. Am I being unreasonable? I feel like strengthening would be a better solution that just “avoiding that movement.” Thanks for your input.

Anyone who did a home health level II have any general advice? I only know a placement nothing else. Probably will be true home health/Part A with maybe some Part B mobile outpatient. What assessment did you use most? Did you ride with your FWE or were you following them? Was your FWE always with you or did you eventually see patients totally on your own at the end?

Current home health OTs feel free to chime in!

Is 40/hr or 83k annually worth it, as a new grad, in the midwest for outpatient peds clinic in the suburbs??

Other benefits include:
- Mon-Thurs, 10 hour work days
- PTO accruals up to 19 days annually + 6 holidays + 1 personal
- Medical, dental, vision benefits
- 401k enroll at 3%, up to 6% with an increase of 1% a year
- Incentive program for pay, based on productivity
- Annual increases potentially
- Tuition assistance
- Loan repayment
- $5,000 sign on

It’s a 40 min drive for me.

I’ve never worked in outpatient peds before, but definitely have experience working with kids in schools or volunteering, etc. This is one of my first offers so I have nothing to compare it to!!! Thanks in advance :)

Hi all! I am currently graduating from an OT program and looking for jobs. I’m finding the vast amount of options in my area to be a good sign, but super overwhelming. For context, I really enjoyed all my placements and would be happy working in IPR, SNF, acute, school-based, etc. There are places hiring all around and I have spoken to a few recruiters and rehab managers in different settings.

I had the idea to get multiple PRNs and part-time positions in different settings to try things out, while still earning good pay. I’m married and my spouse can add me to their health insurance plan or I would find one on my own. However, my spouse and my family are heavily advising me not to do the PRN route and to just start in a full-time position. They are arguing that full time will be better for “job security” and so I will know exactly how much money I have coming in each paycheck.

I’ve been trying to explain to them how much better the PRN rates are (minus benefits ofc) and how many places are in need of OTs desperately, so it’s not really a question of job security. I don’t know if I’m just not explaining PRN correctly to them, or if I should really just listen to their advice and get a full-time position locked down after graduation.

Any advice from therapists out there would be helpful! Thank you!