Any Occupational Therapists or their parents? BS/MS in OT (Ithaca) vs a better university Psych. BA?

Parents Forum
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<p>Now that the acceptances are in, D is very happy with her options but unfortunately they can only choose one school :)</p>

<p>She originally wanted to become a clinical psychologist but after she got introduced to an OT and observed a couple of pediatric OTs, this is what she wants to do. Out of the schools she got in, her top choices are SUNY Binghamton (Psychology BA) and later applying to OT for graduate school vs Ithaca College 5-year OT BS/MS program. </p>

<p>She likes both schools and would be happy at either so it is about making the right decision. Based on my research, Binghamton appears to be a better school in general, better reputation, stronger student body and it will cost us about $40K less for four years than Ithaca. On the other hand, getting into OT programs after graduating will require a high GPA, GRE and other requirements. D is a B+/A- student in HS and although she definitely improved this year, she is unlikely to be an applicant with high stats when it is time to apply to grad schools. </p>

<p>Ithaca College would be more $ but would allow her to continue to the graduate program with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and complete her masters in one year so graduate school cost would be reasonable. Although it is not a highly ranked OT program, the license exam passing rate is good, 89% on first try in 2012. I also heard that it doesn't matter much where the degree is from as long as the program is accredited. At the same time, the program is very focused on OT (as it should be), courses are set in stone and even electives are limited to a certain list so no room for any "exploration" except during the Summer.</p>

<p>If she starts at Ithaca and changes her mind about OT later, we already told her that it would mean a transfer to a different college because a psychology degree doesn't warrant the high cost of the college even though we technically can afford it. At this time though, she is sure pediatric OT is her career choice.</p>

<p>Any OTs or parents of OT students out there? Which way would you advise to go?</p>

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<p>I thing Bing offers the 3 + 2 program in OT with Binghamton and SUNY Upstate Medical in Syracuse… I think both Binghamton, Oswego and one other SUNY offer this program. Check out <a href=“http://www.suny.edu”>www.suny.edu</a> or <a href=“http://www.upstate.edu/”>http://www.upstate.edu/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>My mistake, I was thinking of Physical Therapy</p>

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<p>go to the 5 year program. Lots of competition for OT and PT.</p>

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<p>Totally agree with bookworm </p>

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<p>If she is sure she wants OT definitely go for the 5 year program. She’ll save herself a lot of worry by not having to apply to grad schools for OT.</p>

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<p>As the parent of a student in a 5 year program, I’d say DEFINITELY go that route. Your child will be under much less stress.</p>

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<p>It’s a little late for this advice…this student needed to make a matriculation decision by May 1.
But maybe it will help someone else next round.</p>