Is anyone an Occupational Therapist Assistant or a Veterinary Technician?

[CanBeGrumpy]

I am looking for a career change. I'd like to know what the day-to-day work is for both Occupational Therapist Assistants and Veterinary Technicians, as well as pay scales (if anyone is willing to share). I've done some research of my own, of course, but there is nothing better than hearing about someone's first-hand experience.

Specifically for Occupational Therapist Assistants, what are the possibilities for work places? Hospitals? Nursing homes? Schools?

Thanks to all that answer!!

 

[HugsForEeyore]

Just wishing you luck on your potential career change. I may be in the same boat, as my field of work will probably be dying off and becoming obsolete in the next few years. I fear the thought of me pushing 50 years old with no marketable skills at all. Sigh.

I been researching other fields, but in this economy, nothing is a sure bet.

Good luck out there!

 

[CanBeGrumpy]

Thanks, HugsForEeyore! Best wishes to you, also!

 

[Pigeon]

Look in the Occupational Outlook Handbook, which is online, for salary and workplace information.

 

[beachcorey]

I worked as an certified OTA before quitting to stay home with my kids. It's been about 10 years so I can't help you with the payscale. I do know that most of the jobs are going to be in nursing home type facilities. There are also possibilities in schools, outpatient therapy, rehab places, etc but most of the jobs will be in the nursing home field. I worked at an inpatient facility and enjoyed it. A lot of the nursing home work is focused on upper arm strength and helping gain independance with activities of daily living (dressing, showering, cooking, etc). From talking with friends I do think that there is more of a demand for Physical Thereapist Assistants and I think the pay is higher for a PTA. That might be another profession to look into.

 

[CanBeGrumpy]

Thank you to all that responded. I will look into all the suggestions!

 

[adkkev]

My wife is a Licensed Vet Tech ... and has been for the past 13 years. It is her second career, having started in her mid 40s. Pay scale varies quite a bit, depends upon your area, size of the veterinary hospital/clinic, etc. There are several Vet Tech organizations on line ... google them and you should get an idea of opportunities.

Burn-out rate is fairly high ... it can be physically demanding, and emotionally draining at times.

In NYS the license fee is $160 for a three year period ... and you have to pass the national exam in order to get your license initially. The exam is long (several hours). NYS also passed a law this year that requires a specific minimum number of CE hours during the three year period.

My wife works in a small animal hospital, two vets (one new, fresh out of Veterinary school) & five LVTs. No weekend hours (it's closed). One evening per week. Her pay is fairly well above the national average, because the owner feels that his employees should be rewarded well for the demands placed upon them.

If you're squeamish at all, it's not a job for you.

 

[CanBeGrumpy]

If you're squeamish at all, it's not a job for you.

This could definitely be a problem!! Thank you for the info about your wife's job! I really never gave the "ick factor" much of a thought, but it sure could be a deal-breaker!!

 

[Owl's Friend]

OT can work in the hospital, medical buildings, and rehab places. My son did OT in an outpatient medical building. His OT did his feeding therapy. This office had full time, part time and contingent jobs.

 

[mamajoan]

I worked as an certified OTA before quitting to stay home with my kids. It's been about 10 years so I can't help you with the payscale. I do know that most of the jobs are going to be in nursing home type facilities. There are also possibilities in schools, outpatient therapy, rehab places, etc but most of the jobs will be in the nursing home field. I worked at an inpatient facility and enjoyed it. A lot of the nursing home work is focused on upper arm strength and helping gain independance with activities of daily living (dressing, showering, cooking, etc). From talking with friends I do think that there is more of a demand for Physical Thereapist Assistants and I think the pay is higher for a PTA. That might be another profession to look into.

PTA here, I have been retired for 10 years. I loved my career. At the time PTA's were getting higher salaries than COTA's,. However COTA's seemed to have less supervision requirements.. but that may have changed over the years. Most people who go into these fields do not do it for the pay. Yes, it is a nice benefit, but if you do not love working with people, the amount of money does not matter. KWIM? I always thought the COTA's got to do the fun stuff .. ADL's, splints, seating, etc. After my accident, it was an OT that did the eval for my hand controls for driving.
I suggest you check out ACCREDITTED SCHOOLS for COTA's. Then speak with a couple of clinics to see if they HIRE people from those schools. Yes, some schools are better than others.
Good Luck!

 

[Squirrel!!!]

I would like to second the squeamish warning for Vet Techs. I am a veterinarian, and believe me, you get blood, urine, anal glands, feces and pus on you on a daily basis. It is just part of my day, no biggie, but it is not for everyone.


Veterinarians for the most part are always watching the bottom line and are tight enough to squeak, so will pay as little as they can...or so it has seemed EVERYWHERE I have worked.

I work with amazing and wonderful and dedicated people, but unless you own the place, you are not in it for the money.....or at least not JUST the paycheck. If that were the case, no one would continue working there. Shifts are uncertain, might get a hit by car just as you are leaving for the day, can't go now, etc.

Research/lab animal medicine has more stable hours and more steady payscales, but research is harder for some to stomach than the gore of practice. But, RVTs are hired there as well.

Do not get me wrong, I cannot see myself doing anything else EVER!!!!

Good luck finding a second career. Very smart to be so proactive.



I have a friend who went back to school for massage therapy and is doing well. It isn't as hot of a career now as it was before the economy tanked, but that is another avenue to consider.

 

[kacaju]

I would like to second the squeamish warning for Vet Techs. I am a veterinarian, and believe me, you get blood, urine, anal glands, feces and pus on you on a daily basis. It is just part of my day, no biggie, but it is not for everyone.

I agree 100%. I worked as a Vet tech for 11 years before leaving 18 years ago to have my 1st child. There are some smells you just never forget. It was not a big deal for me either..but I can't say it was any fun to be the first person into the Hospital in the morning.