Welcome to my blog!
My name is Annie Barnett, and I am an occupational therapist. I will tell you a little about myself and where I work.
I have been working as an occupational therapist since May, 2007. My undergraduate degree in communication is from “The University of Scranton” in Scranton, PA. I went on to get my second bachelor’s degree in Health Science as well as my Master’s in Occupational Therapy both from “Mercy College” in Dobb’s Ferry, NY.
I work at suburban therapy center in Cedar Grove, NJ. For 30 years it was a private outpatient practice for physical therapy only. I started the OT program at this facility, and where it was hard in the beginning, I feel I am finally in my groove and doing well. The PTs in this clinic are wonderful to work with, contrary to popular beliefs about OTs and PTs.
I mainly work with orthopedic populations (shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand injuries) secondary to surgical repairs, fractures, overuse syndromes, etc…. I am also making static splints for my appropriate patient candidates.
I am looking into refining my skills in splinting (inlcuding dynamic splinting) by attending courses, and researching with books and the internet. So far, I have attended 4 continuing education courses, and I have 2 more I am registered for these next few weeks.
Suburban offers an inservice every week, given by Peter Barnett, PT, DPT, OCS (the owner) on different topics. We practice using PNF patterns (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation), and many techniques started by Brian Mulligan. It is a fantastic learning opportunity for manual therapy.
Please visit back…as I am going to dicuss orthopedic conditions, handled by occupational therapists, on my blogs on a weekly basis.
Good luck to all of you who are studying to become occupational therapists. It is a wonderful profession!
Sincerely,
Annie
Hi Annie,
I came acorss your blog while searching online for info about becomming an Occupational Therapist. I also have a degree in communications and was wondering if you went back to school full-time? I’m thinking of doing that but its such a huge leap. Especially when I am used to a weekly salary. What made you get into OT? thanks for any help you can give!
Best,
Kim
HI Annie!
I am excited to find out you attended Mercy College for your Master’s in OT. I am 26 years old and I am considering going back to school for Occupational Therapy. Like you, I have a BA in Communications but I have not been happy in the field. I live in the NYC area and have been looking into a few programs, including Mercy’s. Were you enrolled in the weekend program…if so, how was it? I would like to work part time while I go back to school so their program interests me b/c it allows flexibility. What do you like most about being an Occupational therapist? What do you like least? Why did you choose OT over PT? I plan to start volunteering at a hospital or clinic so I can get an idea of the profession b/c I don’t have any prior experience. Do you have any suggestions how I can learn the most about the field and how do I know if its for me? I love health, working w/ people and making a difference in someone’s life (thats why im leaving the corporate world). Any words of wisdom would be appreciated!!!! thank you and good luck w/ everything!
-Shannon
Hi Kim!
Thanks for viewing my blog!
I think it’s great you want to go back to school- and yes, it is a hard decision because when you are used to getting a salary- it does chew that up a little bit…I actually went to school part-time to Mercy College week-end program. It meets 2 full week-ends per month and you have plenty of homework in those 2 weeks to keep you busy until your next class…There is an on-line component as well in case you have questions, etc.
My father is a physical therapist and has had his private practice for 30 years. I decided to start the OT program to bring a new discipline and more referrals into the office…
I think OT is a great way to go! I am personally involved with orthopedic OT- but I do get some neurological populations here and there- so it’s a great mix.
I wish you luck with your decision for college. If you can do part-time- Mercy College is a good way to go- I am sure full-time is also a really great way to go…The ending reward of being an OT is great!
Good luck and feel free to ask other questions!
Hi Shannon-
Thanks for visiting my blog!
Okay- I also have to correct what I said to Kim in the above message- I meant to say I went to school FULL-TIME and worked PART_TIME…
Shannon- I think it’s a great idea to give Mercy College a shot…I was able to get my bachelor’s in health science in 2 years (which is the pre-requisite if you go to Mercy) and then my Master’s in OT. I chose OT over PT because my father is a PT and already has PTs working for him and I wanted to bring a different discipline to his practice.
How will you know if it’s for you? Well, I didn’t know if it was for me until I went to school…You really have to take it one semester at a time. You may decide half way through your pre-requisites that you may not enjoy it- however, don’t give up just because it gets tough….Keep with it if you honestly enjoy working with and helping people….
There are also other schools that offer week-end programs ( If you look at occupationaltherapist.com they list all the schools that offer OT and they provide a link to that school’s website) You can find out what schools locally offer week-end programs…
I was like you that I didn’t want to do anything with my BA degree! So, I wish you the best of luck and feel free to ask any questions about the program…
I will re-read your post to be sure I answered all your questions….
thanks again!
Thanks so much Annie. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. Shannon, I think you and I are in the same boat. I’m also working in NYC in communications. I’m definitely going to check out Mercy and some other schools and start volunteering as well! Thanks again for all your help!
Best,
Kim
No problem Kim!
Best of luck to you!
Feel free to ask any questions about Mercy if that is where you end up!
Sincerely,
Annie
Hi Annie,
I was recently in a Nursing Program, completed the first semester, but felt I was pursuing the wrong career. I researched other Medical professions and fell in love with OT. I was curious if CNA work would be benificial for college resumes, working in the clinical enviroment??? Do you recommend anything different, for experience…? I know that college admissions look for experience in the medical field.
Thank You,
Amanda
Hi Amanda-
As far as a clinic- I am not sure if you mean outpatient? CNAs are not really seen in outpatient private clinics, which is where I work….
Colleges love to see any experience you have in the medical field- so of course, you should put that in your resume.
As far as other experience- it would be great to get as much as you can. I don’t know what population you would be interested in. If you like nursing homes and hospitals- I would try to get in a nearby one to volunteer and learn as much as possible about the OT role in those particular settings.
I wish you luck!
I hope I answered your question…
Annie
I just came across your site for the first time. It was very refreshing to know that I am not alone in the orthopedic world of OT ! I also work with some wonderful PTs/PTAs. It really can be such a great work environment when PT/OT collaborate and don’t get “territorial” over diagnoses. I have been asked why I did not go to PT school myself. I have finally come to the conclusion that any time I am helping someone regain function I am doing what OT does best ! I am always looking for good continuing ed. I also wish that I felt more confident with splinting !
Hi Annie!
My name is Fran and I just graduated in May from Fairfield University as a psychology major. After a lot of back and forth with what type of profession I want to pursue, I chose occupational therapy. Last week i received my acceptance letter from Mercy College, and just started my classes. It makes me very happy to see you attended Mercy, and I hope you don’t mind questions or concerns of mine regarding the program. I currently am enrolled in Anatomy with Cadaver as well as Group Process. I only attended one class of each, but I already feel overwhelmed and nervous for Anatomy. Science is not one of my very strong points, rather, I have to study a good amount to do well. Any suggestions, stories to share from your experience? Did you enjoy Mercy’s program? Did you like the weekend schedule? Were you able to work during your time there? All of the professors I have met within the graduate program seem great and I hope my fears regarding upcoming courses will lessen! Any words of wisdom would mean the world to me!
Fran