<p>I am considering studying occupational therapy right out of high school, and am looking for a five year combined bachelor/master program. </p>
<p>I am mainly looking into Duquesne, Ithaca, Quinnipiac, and the University of Scranton.</p>
<p>Any reviews? Suggestions? Thanks!</p>
<p>My sister is studing OT. For entry level programs (you are accepted into the program as a freshman, no reapplying junior or senior year), in addition to the schools you are considering look at Elizabethtown ¶, Misirecordia ¶, St. Francis ¶, and Springfield (Ma).<br>
Be prepared to apply early, usually by Nov. 15th, and many of these schools require an interview prior to applying.
Good luck</p>
<p>I am an OT, but graduated awhile ago. I don’t know the schools on your list, but, honestly, there is such a huge demand for occupational therapists throughout the country that it doesn’t matter where you go, as long as it is accredited. Everyone I have worked for has asked for my OT state license and my NBCOT certification, but no one has ever asked what school I graduated from, even my first job. Having said that, look at these areas for the schools that are on your list:</p>
<ol>
<li> How much is it going to cost me? OT is a great career, and you will be paid well, but you will not be rich. Go out with as little debt as possible.</li>
<li> What area of OT are you interested in? Pediatrics, orthopedics, hospital rehab, school system, geriatrics, hand therapy, mental health? Its ok if you don’t know, but if that is the case, make sure the school is well-rounded in all areas. If you do know, make sure the school is strong in that area.<br></li>
<li> What is their clinical fieldwork program? This is the place where you will really learn to be an OT; the hands on, finally, after all the theoretical stuff from class. Very important to get good clinical fieldwork positions. Are they able to get you clinicals in the areas you are interested in? Do you have a choice to stay locally if that is important to you? For example, my school had fieldwork sites all over the country. The only people who were guaranteed to stay locally were students who were parents.<br></li>
<li> Make sure you like the school, and the program. Sit in on OT classes. Can you see yourself with those people for 5 years? That is who you will be with most hours of the day.<br></li>
</ol>
<p>Good luck!</p>