Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Jennifer29 in Kittanning, Pennsylvania said: Now who's trying to impress people?????

for someone who is no longer in the OT profession why is COTAMAN still on the OT site. Doesn't he have any"doctor" friends to discourage?

luvOT in Massillon, Ohio said: for someone who is no longer in the OT profession why is COTAMAN still on the OT site. Doesn't he have any"doctor" friends to discourage?

Why are you so worried about what COTAMAN or other people are doing here. If he or anyone else what's to come to this forum, or any other, then that is their business not yours. I have been an OTR for a long time and share some of the same views as COTAMAN. However, I don't let what others have to say about this field detour me. Also, the quote you are quoting on was a long time ago. How long do you hold on to things.

Thanks for the backup,luvOT but COTAMAN really doesn't discourage me. I am proud of who I am and how far I have come and plan to continue my education in this field. Yes it has its problems but so does every other field. My friend is a Physical Therapist and a Chiropractor. He has chosen to stay in the field of Physical Therapy due to the costs of medical malpractice insurance amongst other costs that do not make it worth opening a private practice. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and COTAMAN doesn't have to agree with me or like me for that matter. I'm not really all that disappointed. Regardless of the "problem areas" in this field I still love it and will continue to further my education in this area. And as far as people in this field only being in their 20's and 30's then changing careers....tell that to another friend of mine who is a now 76 year old Physical Therapist and still going (on a per diem basis if you want to call it that since she works almost every day) and my other friend who didn't retire from the field until the age of 66. Wonderful ladies who deserve a lot of applause and respect.

Hey Keith,

I am an OTA student who is getting ready in about 3 months to start my level 2 fieldwork. Basically, I graduate next June (2008). I have been reading all the comments on this OTA Forum and I am flabergasted (and so depressed)! There are 16 students left in my program and I am within the top 4 in my class. All our professor seems to press to us students is "Therapeutic Use of Self" each and every day. A lot of individuals on this forum are talking about the OTR's as if they are terrible, with no heart. I have yet to come across a mean, over-powering OTR. I was an OT tech./aide for about a year before I decided to become a COTA (this was and still is my dream). I know that Siskin Hospital in Chattanooga Tennessee pays their COTA's straight out of school $14.00-$16.00 an hour. I know that I have a friend who works for Cleveland Home Health care as a COTA and she makes $25.00 an hour. I have another friend who just graduated who works at a private practice w/MR children under an OTR and she makes $29.50 an hour. Maybe Tennessee/Georgia just pay more and have more of a need for COTA's. E-mail me @ katiekaylee@catt.com

Thank you,

Katie

rate are how I make my money. I know what the bill rates are, and I know how much of that can become mine. I also make sure that my overtime rate is time and a half of my total rate and also that my 40 hours are guaranteed in writing on my timesheet. I am willing to travel anywhere, any setting. Any length of time less than 13 weeks and at a moments notice. Ben in Daytona, if you really are a starving COTA you need to send me your number so I can get you to work and I can make a referral bonus.

SandyOTR said: Why are you so worried about what COTAMAN or other people are doing here. If he or anyone else what's to come to this forum, or any other, then that is their business not yours. I have been an OTR for a long time and share some of the same views as COTAMAN. However, I don't let what others have to say about this field detour me. Also, the quote you are quoting on was a long time ago. How long do you hold on to things.

Sandy, u are very right in that no one should discourage a person if going into the OT field is something that they wish to pursue. Even if i make $11.00 an hour working in the school system, at a nursing home, or wherever----this is what I have chosen to do for the rest of my life.

Have a blessed day.

Katie

I did medical records work for so many years and got burned out. But would I disparage the field and tell people do not go into it? Of course not-it just did not work for me anymore. The same thing with OT or OTA-at least, try it and give it a shot. No field is perfect and without challenges and problems. I think a lot of people out there are looking for "perfect careers"-that to me is a myth. It just does not exist. Even Hollywood actors have trials, problems (demanding directors, creative differences) and I guess they do it with the ridiculous compensation at times. But it still can be work aggravation otherwise why would so many of them be drinking, doing drugs and ending up in rehab programs?

Michael in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: I did medical records work for so many years and got burned out. But would I disparage the field and tell people do not go into it? Of course not-it just did not work for me anymore. The same thing with OT or OTA-at least, try it and give it a shot. No field is perfect and without challenges and problems. I think a lot of people out there are looking for "perfect careers"-that to me is a myth. It just does not exist. Even Hollywood actors have trials, problems (demanding directors, creative differences) and I guess they do it with the ridiculous compensation at times. But it still can be work aggravation otherwise why would so many of them be drinking, doing drugs and ending up in rehab programs?

Michael,

U are so right. There is no perfect field. I think I know this more than a lot individuals because-don't laugh---but----I am a licensed Cosmetologist in both GA./TN.---I sold hardwood/kiln dried lumber for 6 years to cabinet makers/furniture makers---now I am 30 and fixing to be in the field as a COTA. "A rewarding job is what u make of it." If helping Pts. to use the bathroom, so they can have a little bit of dignity back makes people sick---then of course I do not want them coming into the OT field to be a comrad of mine.

Have a blessed day.

Katie

I agree with your statement, too, Katie. Amen.

Michael

I am still doing my pre-reqs for the OT program. I was just wondering if anyone would possibly know what the average GPA would be to get accepted into the program. I currently hold a GPA of 3.0. Do you think that that would get me in.
-Also, would anyone happen to know a website with case studies about OT so i could get a better understanding about the career. Thanks

Future OTR in Detroit, Michigan said: I am still doing my pre-reqs for the OT program. I was just wondering if anyone would possibly know what the average GPA would be to get accepted into the program. I currently hold a GPA of 3.0. Do you think that that would get me in.
-Also, would anyone happen to know a website with case studies about OT so i could get a better understanding about the career. Thanks

I know that WVU which is where I am applying requires a 3.0 GPA for pre-requisites. Also, as far as case studies you may want to check AOTA's website. www.aota.org/

I think there could be a lot more jobs for COTA's in this industry, but it is being outsourced by too many foreign therapists who are willing to take COTA salaries.I just finished a traveling contract in So. California and all the therapists were Asian. During my 13 week contract I never worked with any COTA's because there were none. Also, talk about rude attitudes, none of them would have anything to do with me. Being from Kansas, I've never seen so much culture bias or hatred.

Are there alot of male OTR in this feild or is it mainly females. Is it something like 50/50 or more/less. Whenever i do research, I see females helping out patients and barely ever males.

Does anyone know if COTAs can bill Medicare directly?

QUOTE who="Jenniferd29 in Kittanning, Pennsylvania"]Thanks for the backup,luvOT but COTAMAN really doesn't discourage me. I am proud of who I am and how far I have come and plan to continue my education in this field. Yes it has its problems but so does every other field. My friend is a Physical Therapist and a Chiropractor. He has chosen to stay in the field of Physical Therapy due to the costs of medical malpractice insurance amongst other costs that do not make it worth opening a private practice. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and COTAMAN doesn't have to agree with me or like me for that matter. I'm not really all that disappointed. Regardless of the "problem areas" in this field I still love it and will continue to further my education in this area. And as far as people in this field only being in their 20's and 30's then changing careers....tell that to another friend of mine who is a now 76 year old Physical Therapist and still going (on a per diem basis if you want to call it that since she works almost every day) and my other friend who didn't retire from the field until the age of 66. Wonderful ladies who deserve a lot of applause and respect.

They are probably TWO in several thousand
doing that back breaking work at that age!
You can always find the rare exception...and they are the rare exceptions. I've been at OTR for 12 years and I've only seen one in their 60s and he was only doing paperwork. Take a look around, most are in their 20s and 30s at most. Who wants to do all that physical work at that age? Look at your future and prepare for it, you're not going to be 29 forever.
I'm not being negative, just being REAL. Sanday, Cotaman and Janet have only spoken
the truth. Sometimes the truth is not what we want to hear. OT is fine in your 20s up to mid 30s. Very part time/per diem after that is even ok for awhile. But my advice, have a plan B because more than likely you're not going to want to do be a OTR or COTA until retiremen

Majority are women.

what is the majority of cases ot's see. Is it people with down syndrom or what kind of disorder. Also, usually, how long does it take for an OT to finish with a patient; a week? day?

Carla:

You are right...I won't be 29 forever...in fact I am older than that now. 29 is simply the number after my user ID. I am perfectly happy in this field and WILL probably do this until retirement but maybe because I have a more personal reason for wanting to be in this field, that being my brother who I watched recover (not fully but much further than they ever thought he would come) from a massive brain injury. I have actually wanted to do this since I was in 5th grade and have currently been in the field for 13 1/2 years and don't plan on going anywhere but rather furthering my degree in this field. You have the right to your opinion and maybe in your are all of the therapists are in their 20s and 30s but around here it is quite different. In fact, while there are a lot of therapists in their 20s and 30s, most of the therapists that I have worked with over the years are older than that and are very happy with the careers that they have chosen. We also do not have OTRs who look down on their COTAs here. On the contrary they are all very respectful and aside from one I have become very good friends with all of my OTRs and respect them highly and would not trade their friendship for anything. True there have been hard times but all in all it has been a very rewarding career. Guess I just have a different viewpoint than you and that's okay. You don't have to agree with me. My choice...not yours.

Hasuna in Dearborn, Michigan said: what is the majority of cases ot's see. Is it people with down syndrom or what kind of disorder. Also, usually, how long does it take for an OT to finish with a patient; a week? day?

That is not easy to answer, Hasuna. It depends on more than just the primary diagnosis. It can range anywhere from 1 week to 2 to 3 months (or more) depending on the setting, diagnosis, underlying issues such as infection; dementia; other complications; etc. I work in acute rehab right now and we see mostly hips, knees, strokes, and amputees and I have seen them come into the department and be gone in one week while others have stayed for 5 or 6 weeks. In the long term care setting I have had patients that we have treated for 2+ months. Home care I have treated from 2 visits for safety evaluations and environment modifications to 5 weeks. There is no set time limit. It depends on the patients rehab potential, their level of progress, and ability to carry over the techniques you are teaching them.

I wonder why so many people get upset when those working in this field just tell it like it is. Granted there must be people who like doing this. More power to them. But all I know is that working in this field leaves me so drained and and that there is absolutely no enjoyment in this line of work. I do notice that those who become rehab directors avoid doing any therapy like the plague. (Can't say I blame them). Truthfully what an O.T. does can easily be done by a CNA given a 1 week training. I mean how complicated is it to put someone on the toilet or teach them to use a sock aide, or give them some theraband. (OK... I can hear the true blue O.T. getting ready to blow a fuse now telling me what an evil person I am to say this, and making fun of their sacred profession.) Well just do not tell me to quit and find another field because I would love to but have to wait until I can find something to pay the bils. Love to you all....

lynn in Alexandria, Virginia said: I wonder why so many people get upset when those working in this field just tell it like it is. Granted there must be people who like doing this. More power to them. But all I know is that working in this field leaves me so drained and and that there is absolutely no enjoyment in this line of work. I do notice that those who become rehab directors avoid doing any therapy like the plague. (Can't say I blame them). Truthfully what an O.T. does can easily be done by a CNA given a 1 week training. I mean how complicated is it to put someone on the toilet or teach them to use a sock aide, or give them some theraband. (OK... I can hear the true blue O.T. getting ready to blow a fuse now telling me what an evil person I am to say this, and making fun of their sacred profession.) Well just do not tell me to quit and find another field because I would love to but have to wait until I can find something to pay the bils. Love to you all....

Lynn,
Wow......

No enjoyment in teaching a person to feed themselves again, who was tube fed for the last 4 months. I find VALUE AND ENJOYMENT IN THIS.
No enjoyment in teaching and assisting a person to use their right hand again (who hasn't used it proficiently in 2 months) to write their daughter who lives in Florida a letter. Here again, I find value and enjoyment in this.
Your own INTERNAL values (Lynn) must be to help others to reach their full potential (whatever that might be) (even using the toilet) and IF THERE is no enjoyment in doing this for U--then by all means find another field (and fast for your own well being).
I just pray that your anger that came out in your words as to how u feel towards the field of OT--- is NOT FELT BY your patients.
Sincerely,

Katie

Katie off course gave the predicted response because I just mentioned how I felt and for some reason she takes this personally. But it doesn't surprise me in the last.

(spelling).. I mean surprise me in the least.

lynn in Alexandria, Virginia said: Katie off course gave the predicted response because I just mentioned how I felt and for some reason she takes this personally. But it doesn't surprise me in the last.

Lynn,

No offense, sincerely--even though I know u want catch what I am meaning---

Look back @ your response please. If your professors allowed u to progress through the OT program spelling of --as off ---and spelling least as last---then maybe u don't need to be teaching pts. anything.

Burn out---burn out---burn out----indeed has taken over u.

I see u made corrections---glad u caught it.

Love the field----Katie---I hope u never reach old age!

Katie

Katie E. Womack in Ringgold, Georgia said: Lynn,

No offense, sincerely--even though I know u want catch what I am meaning---

Look back @ your response please. If your professors allowed u to progress through the OT program spelling of --as off ---and spelling least as last---then maybe u don't need to be teaching pts. anything.

Burn out---burn out---burn out----indeed has taken over u.

I see u made corrections---glad u caught it.

Love the field----Katie---I hope u never reach old age!

Katie

And you call yourself a caring person Quote from you -I hope u never reach old age unquote.
I pray that in my old age I am spared from the likes of you and your so called therapy.
by the way you can hardly make a sensible sentence. What the heck does this mean "even though I know u want catch what I am meaning" So the ones that make fun of others are usually the ones that can't do it themselves. Your spelling, grammar, and punctuation leave a lot to be desired girl.
You would be a difficult one to work with I imagine.

And the cat-fight is on.

Ya noooo... everyone has there own opinion about the pros and cons of OT. I've been in facilities where patients received excellent OT and facilities where OT's did nothing but give their patients Theraband and have them exercise. I've worked with patients who really needed a person experienced in a spacific diagnosis (Spinal Cord/TBI). I would never let a CNA or Nurse do therapy on these patients. Then there are those patients who are high level that could be trained by a CNA or Nurse. Sometimes I wonder why I am doing therapy on patients who can do everything for themselves. The reason I am leaving this field is not because I don't like OT, it's because I am tired of the high productivity requirements, arrogant attitudes, no room for advancement, no job security, and low pay. I hope I spelled everything ok, I
don't want to get my a$$ burnt for this.

Yea....Michael...Thanks
I'm tired of reading all the negative things about the OTA profession. It Can be NOT a bad profession to work in...

Debbie in Fayetteville, North Carolina said: Yea....Michael...Thanks
I'm tired of reading all the negative things about the OTA profession. It Can be NOT a bad profession to work in...

If you think COTA's have job disatisfaction issues-read this. I am 1 course shy of completing a certificate in therapeutic recreation. Here in NM, most nursing home administrators would rather pay for an Activity Director than a Recreation Therapist. Only 4 states in the US license Rec. Therapists. COTA's are probably doing a lot of therapeutic rec interventions with their patients. One of the reason that I am pursuing a COTA prg. is that I will probably get to utilize a lot or as much of my TR education in practice. And in states like Florida and NC (where TR is licensed), I have something to look forward to. In every cloud-there is a silver lining.

For people wanting to get into this field and want to know what the job market is just read some of the comments about the companies that advertise on indeed. Most of it is not positive because more and more companies are requiring their therapists to be highly productive, and commit more Medicare fraud. A lot of these jobs do not exist and are put there so headhunters can save their job. If you want a more rewarding career go find something else... I did.

One reason I am leaving this field is not that I don't like OT or working with people, its because I am tired of being degraded by OTs all day. I hate when an OTR looks at my name tag and says "Oooh, your just a COTA". Who do these people think they are. I am a person who is not afraid to say whats on my mind and stand up for myself. But if you do say something back then you face reprimand or the chance of getting fired. I've had two other careers and thought they where the most horrible jobs I've ever had. One was working in the business field with a bunch of men but not even they were as bad as the feminist OT females I had to deal with everyday... and I'm a female.
One COTA I worked with was correct when she said "sometimes I think I would get more respect if I was a POW then I do as a COTA". Maybe my last two jobs weren't that bad after

I worked as a volunteer for about a year at a SNF working in Rehab. All I heard was COTAs and PTAs complaining how they had no say so in anything and how they were degraded by therapists. I have to agree with them and is why I chose not to become a COTA. From what I am told there is a huge turnover in assistants and most assistants either go on to become
therapists or just leave the field all together. Also, this a feminist field and I don't want to work with a bunch of women who let their feelings get in the way of rational decision making... men are bad enough! I found OT to be a fun job, but not working with the arrogant therapists.

Cris said: Majority are women.

Yep! most of Occupational Therapy is made up of women. 88% from what I hear. Run men run.

I have worked as a COTA for about three year's and I am already back in school focusing on a new career. I presently work with two other COTA's who are doing the same thing not because they don't like OT, but due to the lack of job security and low pay. At the facility I work at Therapists get the hours before Assistants and that goes for PTAs as well. I thought about getting my OTR but only two colleges in So. Cal offer it... USC and Loma Linda. Both cost about 250K for a Masters degree. Thats more than I can afford. I've heard the job market for COTAs is better back east. however, I have family here and that is very important to me so that is not an option.
Maybe if enough COTAs voiced their opinions there would be a more stable job market and pay for us.

Betty in Kansas said: I think there could be a lot more jobs for COTA's in this industry, but it is being outsourced by too many foreign therapists who are willing to take COTA salaries.I just finished a traveling contract in So. California and all the therapists were Asian. During my 13 week contract I never worked with any COTA's because there were none. Also, talk about rude attitudes, none of them would have anything to do with me. Being from Kansas, I've never seen so much culture bias or hatred.

About two years ago I did a traveling assignment in Cost Mesa, CA and have to agree with you about all the Asian therapists. However, there was other foreign therapists there as well. Why do they let these people come to the USA and take American jobs. I also feel they need to get rid of rehab techs and stop letting them treat patients. This would open things up for COTA's which were brought into the field in the first place. I was surprised that they let rehab techs treat patients when there was no therapist in the building which is suppose to be illegal in California. Makes you wonder where this field is going.

Donna in Indiana said: About two years ago I did a traveling assignment in Cost Mesa, CA and have to agree with you about all the Asian therapists. However, there was other foreign therapists there as well. Why do they let these people come to the USA and take American jobs. I also feel they need to get rid of rehab techs and stop letting them treat patients. This would open things up for COTA's which were brought into the field in the first place. I was surprised that they let rehab techs treat patients when there was no therapist in the building which is suppose to be illegal in California. Makes you wonder where this field is going.

It is illegal and it is mine and your responsibility to report it to the proper authorities. If more of us would stand up and do the right thing then these rehab companies that are forcing you and me to break the law would be forced to go away and therapy would go back in-house and our salaries and job satisfaction would rise.

Larry in Peterson, Alabama said: It is illegal and it is mine and your responsibility to report it to the proper authorities. If more of us would stand up and do the right thing then these rehab companies that are forcing you and me to break the law would be forced to go away and therapy would go back in-house and our salaries and job satisfaction would rise.

At what cost... our jobs. Most people don't report these things because they fear loosing their jobs and getting a bad reputation in their work area. You are right by say if more of us would stand up and say something illegal practices would stop. However, we have to separate reality from fiction.

I am actively working as a dental hygienist in South Carolina. I graduated from OTA school in 2001. I have yet to take my boards. I am now ready to have a dual career and I would like to know if anyone could give me advice on where to start studying. What study guides, books or review courses would be helpful?

rdh0504 in Columbia, South Carolina said: I am actively working as a dental hygienist in South Carolina. I graduated from OTA school in 2001. I have yet to take my boards. I am now ready to have a dual career and I would like to know if anyone could give me advice on where to start studying. What study guides, books or review courses would be helpful?

I'm not sure if you can take your NBCOT exam now that it has been more than three years. The NBCOT changed how long you have to take the exam a few years ago. I remember an a an OT student who waited four years before she applied for examination and she was denied. Contact the NBCOT and see if you can still take it. By the way... why would you want a dual degree as a COTA. I am looking into the Dental Hygiene program as my Dentist pays his Hygienists good money.

Oh, its about the money-as if being a dental hygienist doesn't have problems. Standing up all day, craning your neck in so many directions;having hand problems. Not that I do not think dental hygiene is a great profession but I am sure it does have drawbacks. I cannot believe the negativity on this web site.

Michael in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: Oh, its about the money-as if being a dental hygienist doesn't have problems. Standing up all day, craning your neck in so many directions;having hand problems. Not that I do not think dental hygiene is a great profession but I am sure it does have drawbacks. I cannot believe the negativity on this web site.

Sure, every field has it's drawbacks, but some are worse then others. I was talking to a few of the Dental Hygienists at my Dentists office and the only problems they have is the long standing requirement... come on who doesn't. Oh, and yes, money is important when you have little mouths to feed and bills to pay... do you? I can make more as a Dental Hygienist then I can as a COTA, plus the hours are there if I want them. As a COTA I have to rely on the caseload and facility census. You call that job security. I think not.

Yaaah, this field is about as fun as a barrel full of OTRs.

I think dental hygienist would be a wonderful field. Wish I had thought of that long ago. I was trying to think in my mind the positives about the O.T. field, and besides the paycheck and the daylight hours and at least having a job when all else goes kaput then there just is not much. (Was going to say just ain't much but someone would spank me here for that! and send me back to my professor.) It is just the mentality of the O.T. field that is so bothersome. Completely stagnant and depressing. So if you still have half a mind and can do something with your life students beware and do something that lets you breathe.

Betty in Kansas said: I'm not sure if you can take your NBCOT exam now that it has been more than three years. The NBCOT changed how long you have to take the exam a few years ago. I remember an a an OT student who waited four years before she applied for examination and she was denied. Contact the NBCOT and see if you can still take it. By the way... why would you want a dual degree as a COTA. I am looking into the Dental Hygiene program as my Dentist pays his Hygienists good money.

Being a dental hygienist is very rewarding and yes I make good money. Since I already have a degree in OTA I just thought maybe it was time for me to utilize it and not let it go to waste. I am not going to quit doing hygiene because I love it. I just want a plan B. Thanks for your comment.

Betty in Kansas said: I think there could be a lot more jobs for COTA's in this industry, but it is being outsourced by too many foreign therapists who are willing to take COTA salaries.I just finished a traveling contract in So. California and all the therapists were Asian. During my 13 week contract I never worked with any COTA's because there were none. Also, talk about rude attitudes, none of them would have anything to do with me. Being from Kansas, I've never seen so much culture bias or hatred.

Isn't California wonderful. I lived there for two years and could not believe all the racism. The only way to stop this practice is to stand up and speak out. New York decided last year to stop accepting new applications for foreign trained therapists. This will give more jobs to American therapists. There are many jobs in New York for COTAs but they are low paying, This is due to foreign therapists coming to America and accepting lower salaries. This not only affects COTAs but OTRs as well. These rehab companies are making millions every year so I do not feel sorry for them.

Debbie P, COTA/L in Fayetteville, North Carolina said: I want to appolize for these people in the OT profession. The profession as a whole is wonderful, helping people try to gain or regain their independence in everyday living skills. I find it very rewarding and the pay isn't that bad either. You have to like working with people. Some of these people could be burned out and they may need to do something else. This can happen in any job profession anyway. You just have to learn how to prevent it and not allow it to happen. Anyway, I hope this helps.

Debbie it is good to hear from a PCC graduate. I hear that Liz will be staying with you for FW2. I am glad you spoke up. I will graduate this December and I joined this field because I love the people; professionals and patients. The pay is an incentive but not the reason I chose this field. I came to this field because of a wonderful OTR that mentored me prior to my education. I loved what she did with the patients. She has instilled in me to strive to treat people with compassion and professional care--not to place a Medicare number on their heads! Burn out is dangerous because it can lead to malpractice and negligence. I don't feel that this forum should support the unprofessional bantering between people that has taken place recently. I LOVE THIS FIELD and regardless of the employability of COTAs in the future, I will always remain dedicated to the field. Naysayers also need to refrain from telling prospective people to avoid becoming COTAs--employers will need us while Master's level OTRs are finishing school--you do the math [3 years for a COTA vs. 6 years for an OTR]. Employers can also hire several COTAs to be supervised by 1 OTR; 2-3 COTAs cost approximately the price of 1 OTR---there will always be a need---HR departments understand the financial logistics to this scenario hence the relentless calls from recruiters! Good to hear from you!!!

Obviously Shannon, you have no experience in the field of OT. I had the same experience and felt the same way you did when I first entered this field. After five years I am looking to move on to another career like so many others. When you have to meet 100% productivity requirements, treat patients who obviously have no chance of getting better, fight and argue with your patients just so you can get their minutes in, etc... then yes, this can lead to burnout. I don't know how your mentor keeps her head off the chopping block when rehab companies do look at these as numbers and dollar signs.
This field is all about minutes and productivity, not good patient care. Corporate bureaucracy and greed... nothing more. Don't get me wrong I LOVE OT just as much as you, but then there is the reality I must face.

Not add fuel tot he fire but I was working a facility today through registry and all but one could actually benefit from therapy. One had constant syncopal episodes, another was in stage three Alzheimer's, another had been completely dependent on others for six years...the list goes on. I am not in this field for the money don't get me wrong, but sometimes I think that is all the pleasure I get from it. Like Karen said, why are we doing therapy on these people and how can you look at yourself in the mirror everyday and say you enjoy it. Is this therapy or just down right Medicare fraud and corporate greed making a bunch of investors millions of dollars.

I thank you for your reply but it would be nice to hear some optimism. This forum has become a garbage can for people that seem down-in-the mouth about OT. It is disheartening especially for me--just starting out and wanting to do so much. I understand your stance and respect it. However, I have also spoken with and know several other healthcare professionals and I think it would be prudent to tell people that Medicare is not just targeting OT, PT, or SLP. Nursing is also under a productivity requirement now. So the PPS system will affect anyone directly involved in the healthcare field and unfortunately those that suffer the most aren't the providers of the care but the patients. I would hope that even through frustration with the system that patients are still given the care and respect they deserve. Thanks again for your insight.

Thank you Rick for your reply. I would be frustrated as well if I were in your shoes. I am not a practicing COTA yet so I am not able to share your woes just now. Perhaps through professional organizations or through providing inservices to other healthcare professionals in your facility would help update them on the responsibilities of OT. You could also do some research on OT in Alzheimer's Care. OT is beginning to breakthrough into Alzheimer's Units and well as Hospice care. There is a need for OT in these areas but perhaps a change in the traditional view of how to treat these patients would be helpful. I have found several up-to-date articles on these practice settings in the OT Practice journal as well as Advance for OT. Thanks again for your insight.

Shannon J in Greenville, North Carolina said: Thank you Rick for your reply. I would be frustrated as well if I were in your shoes. I am not a practicing COTA yet so I am not able to share your woes just now. Perhaps through professional organizations or through providing inservices to other healthcare professionals in your facility would help update them on the responsibilities of OT. You could also do some research on OT in Alzheimer's Care. OT is beginning to breakthrough into Alzheimer's Units and well as Hospice care. There is a need for OT in these areas but perhaps a change in the traditional view of how to treat these patients would be helpful. I have found several up-to-date articles on these practice settings in the OT Practice journal as well as Advance for OT. Thanks again for your insight.

How can you treat Alzheimer's patients as there is no learning capability or carry-over. This is what they call end of life stage. The only thing you can really pick these patients up for is wheelchair positioning and restraint reduction. And at that, you can only pick them up for a few weeks at most. The sad part is I have had the same experience as RickCOTA and I can't begin to tell you how bad it makes me feel that I am using these poor people to make greedy corporate bigwigs millions. You will see this when you become a COTA like me.