is it too late to be an occupational therapist? I'm going to be 40 at the end of this year...?
Asked by melanie_lanc
Is this field very demanding at the moment? I have been working in an IT related position but would like to change fields. Would it be too late for a person like my age? What is the normal path to become an OT? a Master in OT + work placement? I have a Bachelor and a Master from other fields but don't think they will help at all. Any advice will be appreciated. Many thanks.

Best Answer:
There is a shortage of therapists at this time and no I don't think that 40 is too old. Be aware that it is a very physical job. I lift people all day long to help them stand, instruct with donning and doffing clothing, and with transferring to one surface from another. As for the schooling, you will need all the science, math, etc classes before getting admitted to the program. These include bio, chem, physics, anatomy, neurophys, statistics, algebra, trig, and for some universities calculus. You will also have to complete about 60-90 hours of volunteer time. Once you are admitted to the program it is full time for 3 years, they make out your class schedule, and then you have to do an unpaid internship for 3 months that you pay college credit for. I think that it is wonderful to be thinking about changing careers just want you to know what you are headed for. Being an Occupational Therapist is a wonderful job and very rewarding!!
OTR
Answered by star772

It's never too late to invest in education.
Answered by hyabusawife

40s young now-a-days
Answered by zuries

never too late...
Answered by ellie1

I am 44 and starting college in Sept. Good luck to ya !
Answered by GER C

Never to late I read an article that an 85 year old woman went back to highschool and graduated adter being out of school for over 60 years if she can do that you should have no problem acheiving your goal. Good luck to you.
Answered by The Great Gazoo

not sure about it being very demanding but im in college and thinking abot switching to OT. neways, i see ppl in their 40-50's in my classes so its cool for you
Answered by fil-am19

It is never too late to go to school. I went back for a nursing degree at age 40 and I was not the oldest in my class. You have 25 more years to work; wouldn't you rather spend those years doing something you like?
Answered by Jodie G

It is never to late to do anything you put your mind to. and beleive it or not your still young you might as well start doing something you enjoy good luck
Answered by Chell dog

You are never to old to make educational changes in your life. I am almost 37 years old and currently going to school for business management...from scratch! I say go for it.
Answered by Brenda B

Go for it. It will take about 3 years to get qualified, but you can keep working into your 70s if you wish.
Answered by old know all

Not at all. Go ahead. Life begins at 40.
Answered by Alessandro C

if you go in now .. you can have you BS in 4 years .. that makes you 44 ... that at 69 you can retire ... and still have plenty of time to cruise the world dude .. if you seriously seriously want it .. go for it .. dont let anybody tell you that you can't
Answered by jedi0002

It's never too late, as everyone says. Just keep in mind that being an OT can be very physically demanding at times.
Answered by DVS

Go for it. You are never too old. 40 is young. You still have a good 30 years to work.
Answered by 1hotmamaG

No way! I am 41 and who made it law that 40 is old? Go for it! You'll do well! I promise you!
Answered by Saiyuki_Anyone?

I want to respond to the psychology of your belief that you might be too old at forty. No, you are not too old! Lets say it takes you five years to qualify. If you do nothing, you will be five years older in five years time anyway, having achieved nothing,so why not use that time to work toward your goal. Once you are qualified, your age won't matter. I was a little late qualifying as an Accountant, but I didn't let it stop me.
Answered by Veritas

no way, go back to school. good luck.
Answered by den763_2000

Its definetly not too late. Physical and Occupational therapists are in VERY high demand right now. You can get a 2-year certificate to become a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) or Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and expect to make $60k the day you graduate. For the PT or OT you will need a master's degree at least. The movement now in the field is to require a doctorate. However, PTs and OTs can make $90k plus easily.
Answered by felonius_monkey

Never too late!!! Why don't you look out for Occupational Therapist Assistant posts - being an OTA will show you what the job is all about, and they might sponsor you through the training. (Social Services etc.) Contact your local department. Don't need a masters - just a BSc will be good enough. (I got mine in Canterbury!). You will have to do placements as part of your course. Loads of people do OT later on in life as a new career!! And are usually a lot better than the 18 year olds who know nothing about life! (I did mine at 18!)
Answered by Smiler

No Go for it
Answered by The One