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Deciding between occupational therapy and teaching.?

I’m a freshman in college and am still undecided. I know I want to work with children but am still teetering between OT and teaching (special ed or early childhood). There are several issues in both professions that I have been struggling with. One that is the most prevalent is age group, with teaching I would be guaranteed to work with kids but I know that there is a growing need for OTs to work with adult and geriatric patients. Probably one of the most difficult aspect of deciding for me is the coursework. Becoming an OT and a teacher means having very different classes. At first I was determined to become an OT. I have shadowed and volunteered in a variety of facilities with OTs, teachers and speech therapists. I liked the idea of being an OT because I am a creative individual and like the idea of forming unique plans and setting goals to help patients. Looking into the coursework for OT and possible majors at my university has made me wary. The requirements are growing and becoming more math and science-related. This is a problem for me as math/science is not my strong suite. I would like to have my dream career but also hopefully have a little less stress in college, taking classes that I can excel in. One other issue is the number of people working with, I think I would do best working one on one with the kids. OTs typically work with one patient at a time. Something that I think teaching offers more of is playfulness. Early childhood and special ed teachers have goals but seem to be able to goof of more and be more silly. I am a kid at heart and can appreciate fingerpaints , story books and all things in the classroom. The final issue is job availability and salary. OTs have a significantly higher salary and chance of getting a job. I would like to be able to decide soon to declare a major. All advice and experience is greatly appreciated!

2 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    As a fourth year teacher with an undergrad in middle childhood education and a master's in special education, I would like to say RUN toward occupational therapy! Public schools are way too political and you will work WAY too hard for WAY too little pay. I know, it's not about the pay, but when you are not able to pay off your student loans and still afford the basics, you'll be singing a different tune... And when every decision made in your district is geared toward state tests, you'll want to run. OT is certainly a better bet.

  • Betsy
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    I would suggest occupational therapy. Teaching doesn't pay very well, and jobs can be hard to find. No Child Left Behind is ruining education by putting so much emphasis on standardized testing.

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