3 answers
Caitlin
Student
Magnolia, Delaware
1
Question
Updated
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What are the best ways to prepare for a future career in healthcare?
I am a high school senior looking to pursue a career in occupational therapy. I want to make sure I stay on track to have the most successful career I can.
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3 answers
Tess Zabele
Certified Nursing Assistant, Nursing Student, EMT-B Student
6
Answers
Salt Lake City, Utah
Updated
Tess’s Answer
Get some volunteer hours in healthcare, no matter the role! Start making connections right away and keep looking forward.
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
257
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
To become an occupational therapist - or most any healthcare role - the first step is to obtain a bachelor's degree from a respected college, obtaining excellent grades. You can usually major in just about anything that interests you as long as you take some prerequisite classes (check with OT schools for what is currently required).
I would recommend going for the doctorate (3-year) program, rather than the 2-year masters degree, as you have more options for career growth and earning potential.
For any healthcare career, it is ideal to be able to demonstrate well-roundedness through extracurricular activities and volunteer work. Since one usually is asked for letters of recommendation, try to get to know professors. A great way to do this is if you can find a way to work in their laboratories on research they are doing.
OTs and PTs are generally models of how to be healthy. Get in good habits of exercising, learning good technique. You will be teaching such to your patients in a few years. Not to mention that everyone should do this for their own health!
I would recommend going for the doctorate (3-year) program, rather than the 2-year masters degree, as you have more options for career growth and earning potential.
For any healthcare career, it is ideal to be able to demonstrate well-roundedness through extracurricular activities and volunteer work. Since one usually is asked for letters of recommendation, try to get to know professors. A great way to do this is if you can find a way to work in their laboratories on research they are doing.
OTs and PTs are generally models of how to be healthy. Get in good habits of exercising, learning good technique. You will be teaching such to your patients in a few years. Not to mention that everyone should do this for their own health!
Jin Yue
Supplychain
22
Answers
Dalian, Liaoning, China
Updated
Jin’s Answer
1. Start Building Connections Early
Connect with occupational therapists, college advisors, and other students interested in OT. Keep track of your volunteer and shadowing hours, create a basic resume, and build relationships with mentors who can later provide recommendation letters.
2. Be Consistent and Plan Ahead
Think of high school as the beginning, not the end. Stay active in healthcare activities throughout college, gradually accumulate volunteer hours each year, and keep track of prerequisites, exams, and graduate school deadlines. Consistency is key to a successful career in OT.
Connect with occupational therapists, college advisors, and other students interested in OT. Keep track of your volunteer and shadowing hours, create a basic resume, and build relationships with mentors who can later provide recommendation letters.
2. Be Consistent and Plan Ahead
Think of high school as the beginning, not the end. Stay active in healthcare activities throughout college, gradually accumulate volunteer hours each year, and keep track of prerequisites, exams, and graduate school deadlines. Consistency is key to a successful career in OT.