occupational therapist

Hi there,
I am looking to go back to school to get
a master's in OT and I was wondering if anyone had input on cheap grad programs. If you're on a tight budget, where are the best places to apply? I've been doing some cost comparisons on schools and I haven't found anything yet that I could possibly afford. I currently have no ties to my "home" state, RI, and can move anywhere in the country and establish residency (or in the world, for that matter)...Any help would be very appreciated...thanks!

cardinal78 in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: Hi there,
I am looking to go back to school to get
a master's in OT and I was wondering if anyone had input on cheap grad programs. If you're on a tight budget, where are the best places to apply? I've been doing some cost comparisons on schools and I haven't found anything yet that I could possibly afford. I currently have no ties to my "home" state, RI, and can move anywhere in the country and establish residency (or in the world, for that matter)...Any help would be very appreciated...thanks!

Check out University of Utah, after 1 yr in-state tuition, very affordable, great program.

Don't forget to take a look at the financial aid, both need and merit based that programs offer. I am at USC, not cheap, but have received a lot of grants to make it more affordable.

i currently hold a bachelors in business but would like to pursue a career in occupational therapy. Is it best for me to go work for a rehab /nursing home and gain experience to become an occupational aid and take advantage of on the job training and tution reinbursment for occupational therapy school or go to TWU in Dallas, Texas to take advantage of the Master of Occupational Therapy...If my grade point average from undergrad is not sufficent should I consider persuing another bachelors in OT.....Please help..

Confused..

Try looking at the local state colleges. There are a few in California. I am in the same boat and will only consider state colleges instead of private (USC) because I do not want to spend the rest of my life paying off loans. The point is to make more money not owe more.

I think CSU Dominguez Hills has a pretty good/affordable program. So does San Jose State.

As far as quality of education, both of the above schools will probably compare to USC (i graduated from there a couple years ago) which is supposed to be the #1 ranked OT program.

As far as jobs are concerned, it really doesn't matter as long as u graduate from an accredited school and pass the NBCOT exam.

Good Luck

If you are willing to travel and stay for a while, SUNY DOWNSTATE here in Brooklyn is probably one of the cheapest in the country. It is a state school which means you can get grants etc, and the tuition is not too high to begin with..about $6000 per semester..The program is very decent and is medically based since the University has a only a Medical college and other health related professions OT,PT,Nursing, PA etc.

Has anyone ever heard of Dominican University of California or Samuel Merritt (both in Norther California)? I'm trying to find out if they are good schools for OT. Thanks!

amroberts in Pomona, California said: Has anyone ever heard of Dominican University of California or Samuel Merritt (both in Norther California)? I'm trying to find out if they are good schools for OT. Thanks!

Hi,

I am currently attending Samuel Merritt College.
I am very glad I chose this school. There is a small student to teacher ratio. We have 2 on campus clinics (adult and pediatrics)during our second year; we go to three different mental health facilities in Oakland and S.F.
The teacher are very involved and genuinely want you to succeed.
It may sound corny, but it feels like family between other students and professors.

The tuition is on the upside, but there are a lot of work study opportunities available (both short-term and long-term.

Downstate in BKNY is a good school. I had supervised a few students from there and they were all good students who like dtheir program.

USC vs CSU, Dominguez Hills... Will the cost of USC be worth it in the end? If I graduate from USC will there be better internships available?

so much to think about...

Both USC and CSU, Dominguez Hills have A LOT of contracts with different sites. I do not think you get better internship placements depending on what school you go to. A lot of it has to with if the site has the availibilty to take in a student and if your school has a contract with that particular site. Also, most fieldwork coordinators ask you if you have a preference of where, or which type of setting, you are interested in beign at.

You can also post your question on www.OTConnect.com

hi there, id be interested in hearing more about your time at merritt college. i am thinking about pursuing OT and am trying to get as much info as i can before hand. i live in SF, and was thinking san jose state or merrit. if you dont mind answering a few questions about the schol and the program, i would love to pick your brain.

thanks

Go to CSU DH, USC is too expensive and I would argue too theoretically based. Not enough practical/clinical training.

hello there!

if you have any questions about the OT program in CSU Dominguez Hills, check this site out:

www.msotcsudh.blogspot.com.

We are students in the OT program and would be glad to answer any of your questions!

Whoat about Boston University Online? Any ideas on how much it is?

Check out The University of New Hampshire. The progam's great and affordable too!

Of course! Ask away.
I'm sorry I didn't reply sooner.

Debbie, go ahead and ask any question you'd like.
You can also go to www.OTConnect.com
It's a forum that was created by 5 Samuel Merritt College students and has a couple threads regarding which schools to choose from and there some students have also posted why they chose to go to Samuel Merritt College and why they love it.

amroberts in Pomona, California said: Has anyone ever heard of Dominican University of California or Samuel Merritt (both in Norther California)? I'm trying to find out if they are good schools for OT. Thanks!

Hi,
I've heard Dominican University is a realy good school, in a beautiful area in California. (I grew up near there) It is very expensive (over 35,ooo a year) because it is private. The average rent for a one bedroom apartment around there if you are not living on campus is 1100 - 1800, 2 brms 1500-2400, room for rent 500-800. Hope this helps

cardinal78 in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: Hi there,
I am looking to go back to school to get
a master's in OT and I was wondering if anyone had input on cheap grad programs. If you're on a tight budget, where are the best places to apply? I've been doing some cost comparisons on schools and I haven't found anything yet that I could possibly afford. I currently have no ties to my "home" state, RI, and can move anywhere in the country and establish residency (or in the world, for that matter)...Any help would be very appreciated...thanks!

Hi. I am currently in one of the most inexpensive colleges in the nation. It is the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). I in the OT program. My average semester runs at about $2,500. It is a master's of OT.
If you are interested the university website is: www.utep.edu

Damn...$2500/ semester! I'd just do that program. Its a crap load of money to save vs. spending ~$50,000 and up on other programs. Its only 2-3 yrs of your life and as long as the program is accreditted, you can work anywhere...as long as you have the state's license.

Yeah, I forgot to mention that $2,500/semester is in-state tuition. You might want to look into that if you are considering coming in from outside of Texas. But yeah, at most it may come out to $3000 with books and all.

Hi, I am considering OT after graduation from temple university but i was wondering which school for OT are easier to get into? TEmple program? Philadelphia University? Jefferson? University of Sciences of Philadelphia? And is it competive? is Ot programs hard?

OT dude in Brooklyn, New York said: If you are willing to travel and stay for a while, SUNY DOWNSTATE here in Brooklyn is probably one of the cheapest in the country. It is a state school which means you can get grants etc, and the tuition is not too high to begin with..about $6000 per semester..The program is very decent and is medically based since the University has a only a Medical college and other health related professions OT,PT,Nursing, PA etc.

I was also considering that, NYU is expensive. I'm going to look into it, just wished I could speak to current students in the program.

NYinterestOT in Elmhurst, New York said: I was also considering that, NYU is expensive. I'm going to look into it, just wished I could speak to current students in the program.

I went to NYU and I would not recommend it...very expensive and some classes were too large. My program accepted 90 students! 75 full time and 15 part time. Many of our lectures were in huge lecture halls for all 90 of us. I'd look into Downstate or Kean University in NJ.

OTdude in Parlin, New Jersey said: I went to NYU and I would not recommend it...very expensive and some classes were too large. My program accepted 90 students! 75 full time and 15 part time. Many of our lectures were in huge lecture halls for all 90 of us. I'd look into Downstate or Kean University in NJ.

Wow, Yes that sounds like a huge class. Thanks, may I ask what year you graduated there? I'm asking because when I went for the info session at NYU they said they had discontinued the part time program and it was now only fulltime. They also said that they only accept about 50 students a year. So perhaps it has changed? I was concerned about how expensive it was but supposedly they say they have one of the nations top 10 OT programs.

I know this has been answered by many others on these forums but would you personally say that it doesn't matter what school I go to as far as future salary or opportunities in OT? Say Suny-Downstate vs New York University? I am currently in NYU as undergrad so I was considering it for grad school especially since they don't require the taking of the GRE. Actually as long as I have a 3.0 GPA on my pre-reqs I am guaranteed admission into the program. Please if you can let me know your opinion on schools and salaries. Thank you so much.

NYinterestOT in Corona, New York said: Wow, Yes that sounds like a huge class. Thanks, may I ask what year you graduated there? I'm asking because when I went for the info session at NYU they said they had discontinued the part time program and it was now only fulltime. They also said that they only accept about 50 students a year. So perhaps it has changed? I was concerned about how expensive it was but supposedly they say they have one of the nations top 10 OT programs.

I know this has been answered by many others on these forums but would you personally say that it doesn't matter what school I go to as far as future salary or opportunities in OT? Say Suny-Downstate vs New York University? I am currently in NYU as undergrad so I was considering it for grad school especially since they don't require the taking of the GRE. Actually as long as I have a 3.0 GPA on my pre-reqs I am guaranteed admission into the program. Please if you can let me know your opinion on schools and salaries. Thank you so much.

There is no salary discrepancy between students graduating from NYU and students graduating from Downstate. The only money differance is in how much you graduate with in your pocket, Downstate>NYU. There are many more good reasons to attend Downstate's OT program, but this reason is strong enough.

DownstateStudent said: There is no salary discrepancy between students graduating from NYU and students graduating from Downstate. The only money differance is in how much you graduate with in your pocket, Downstate>NYU. There are many more good reasons to attend Downstate's OT program, but this reason is strong enough.

I totally agree and that is me being an NYU grad. I graduated Dec 1998. There is no salary difference based on which school you came from. All you need is a license....however you need to pass the exam first :-). Also, I would re-think about the idea of being guaranteed admission with a 3.0 GPA. You can have 100 students apply with 3.8's and only have 50 seats....are you still guaranteed with your 3.0??? GPA isn't everything but its definately one of those statical criteria to help you further in the application process. INTERVIEW is definately a big winner-over...it illustrates you in person and matches the face to the application. If could do it all over again, I wouldn't go to NYU grad school...too much $$$$$$$$$$$. I'd say go as cheap as possible even if that means out-of-state. Good Luck!

OTdude in Parlin,

Thanks for your suggestion and thanks to others as well. I greatly appreciate it, I am seriously going to consider less expensive grad schools. Yes, even if there are students with 3.8's and have limited seats they supposedly choose me as long as I have at least a B in all pre-req courses. It is a "program" for those coming into OT from my specific major at NYU as an undergrad. It is in print and was also stated directly to me at an info session. Also,they stated they no longer do interviews so they said the personal statement is what they consider most aside from the volunteer experience and GPA in pre requisites rather than overall gpa. Thanks all, will do my research perhaps still apply to NYU for that program just in case.

If you are considering a less expensive MOT grad school... I go to the University of Texas at El Paso. I pay about $2,300/semester just in-state tuition. You might wantto check out of state tuition...
www.utep.edu

Julie,

When are you graduating? We are looking for OTRs right now in Houston.

Heather

Student at Samuel Merritt College in Oakland, California said: Hi,

I am currently attending Samuel Merritt College.
I am very glad I chose this school. There is a small student to teacher ratio. We have 2 on campus clinics (adult and pediatrics)during our second year; we go to three different mental health facilities in Oakland and S.F.
The teacher are very involved and genuinely want you to succeed.
It may sound corny, but it feels like family between other students and professors.

The tuition is on the upside, but there are a lot of work study opportunities available (both short-term and long-term.

What was your GPA? D o yo know what is an average to get in? Any hints to help me to get in to the program? Thanks.

Thanks for your comments. How much does it cost to graduate from USC. How much debt are u in since USC is among 5 schools i will be applying to.
Is it managable to pay off debt with the OT salary. Quality of an education program is very important to me since i have meet some OT is certain hospitals in southern california who i suspect their credentials. Help will be greatly appreciated

hey! I was looking into applying at CSUDH this fall...I was wondering what you liked about the program in general and how the classes are. I heard they only accept around 50 candidates out of a pool of 100+...any tips on the application process such as the interview?? Thanks!

Has anyone heard of the two schools in Arizona? They are Midwestern University and A.T. Still University. I'm am looking to apply to both of these schools for Fall 2009, and was wondering if these schools had good programs. I eventually want to go into pediatrics, are these school a good choice?

As far as I can tell these schools are both going to cost around $25,000 a year, and I think is one of the cheaper schools. I'm in Southern California but I don't want to go too far from here to go to school. USC is too expensive, and CSUDG is in a terrible area of So.Cal. If you guys have found cheaper school around here, please let me know.

OT dude in Brooklyn, New York said: If you are willing to travel and stay for a while, SUNY DOWNSTATE here in Brooklyn is probably one of the cheapest in the country. It is a state school which means you can get grants etc, and the tuition is not too high to begin with..about $6000 per semester..The program is very decent and is medically based since the University has a only a Medical college and other health related professions OT,PT,Nursing, PA etc.

Hi there, Suny won't tell me HOW competitive the program is..30 placements? How many people apply, do you know? I'm in my mid-40's..would I feel totally out of place? Where did you take your prereqs..anywhere in NY?
Thanks!

tracy in New York, New York said: Hi there, Suny won't tell me HOW competitive the program is..30 placements? How many people apply, do you know? I'm in my mid-40's..would I feel totally out of place? Where did you take your prereqs..anywhere in NY?
Thanks!

Hi, I am not OTdudefromBrooklyn. Just thought I should chime in....Don't quote me on this but I attended the information session at Suny Downstate and I thought they said something closer to 50 placements. I know the prereqs can be taken anywhere. I am considering taking them at a Cuny community college so save tuition money. I was wondering if the prereqs look better when taken at one school over another? But I doubt it. When I attended the info session I noticed that many prospective students were 35+ in age. I think some were switching careers and so I don't think that you will feel completely out of place. Undergrad, however, is a different thing. I am 33 and in last year as undergrad and can't wait for it to be over!

Hey,
Have you considered Stony Brook? It is a combined bachelor's/master's program, a semester longer than most graduate programs. It's a public school, though- the tuition isn't bad. I went to the info session and was pretty impressed.

This may sound like a dumb question, but I'm going to ask anyway : ) If I became a COTA, and wanted to be an OTR later, would any of my COTA training/classes count towards the OTR degree? Or, would I have to start from scratch in the OTR program despite having become a COTA? I ask this because I just finished an M.A. degree and need to pay down the student loans on that before I take on another Masters program. Also because, from what I understand, you can't work a full time job and be an OTR student at the same time (classes during the day, etc.)

OTdude in Parlin, New Jersey said: I went to NYU and I would not recommend it...very expensive and some classes were too large. My program accepted 90 students! 75 full time and 15 part time. Many of our lectures were in huge lecture halls for all 90 of us. I'd look into Downstate or Kean University in NJ.

Hi there,

Do you know which is a better program..Seton Hall or Kean? If I'm not accepted at SUNY downstate..I need a backup. Thanks!

tracy in New York, New York said: Hi there,

Do you know which is a better program..Seton Hall or Kean? If I'm not accepted at SUNY downstate..I need a backup. Thanks!

I think Kean would be better based on price. All programs give a decent entry-level education. I think spending the least amount of money is key as you will need to pay it back eventually if you borrow it. I was accepted to Kean but opted for NYu because of the MA degree; Kean would have given me a post-baclaureate degree.

Jasmine in Columbus, Ohio said: Whoat about Boston University Online? Any ideas on how much it is?

I graduated from this program a year ago. It is a very interactive program,allows 4 years for completion and can be done in 2 ,professors are available, and have the idea they are actually supposed to help you succeed! This is a program that requires you to have a job, and you apply your studies to the job. It is teaches the therapist to do evidence based research in the field of interest. I did it in mental health, one of the few places I could find to do mental health OT graduate work. It is inexpensive in that it is on line so you do not have added travel, housing or food expenses, otherwise it compares to other courses financially.

SMU claims their loan default rate for graduates is 0. it sounds like you would be able to pay off loans with a quality program.

Hi - For those of you that have been accepted to SJSU OT Master's program, can you offer any advice regarding the personal statement reguired for admission? I know the statement is rated high in the rank of acceptance criteria, so I want to make sure that I don't mess it up:-) I am able to articulate why I am choosing OT as a profession and why I believe I'd be a good candidate, but beyond that....I'm unsure.

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

I am trying to decide between CSUDH and USC. Any advice? Does going to one of the top OT schools make a difference when getting a job? Did you get a good financial package from USC?

Danielle in Mesa, Arizona said: I am trying to decide between CSUDH and USC. Any advice? Does going to one of the top OT schools make a difference when getting a job? Did you get a good financial package from USC?

I guess if no one else wants to answer I will. I'm not sure about the financial aid at USC but I do know that the only thing going to a top school does for you is help you get a Ph.D to go into academics if that is your goal, but even then you can do just fine with a state school. As far as the job goes all you need is a license and practical skills. So basically it doesn't matter in the workplace. But if you want to get into research or academia then yes I think it does matter.

Danielle in Mesa, Arizona said: I am trying to decide between CSUDH and USC. Any advice? Does going to one of the top OT schools make a difference when getting a job? Did you get a good financial package from USC?

It makes NO difference in getting a job. Definitely go with the cheaper school.

Are cheaper schools more competitive then the more expensive ones?

Has anyone applied to CSUDH for this coming spring?