Occupational Therapist Career

July 2004

I am thinking of going back to school to train as an occupational therapist. I would love to hear from OTs or OT students on whether this is a good profession for a mother. I would like to apply to San Jose. Any advice on the university or the application process? (I am from Ireland and I am not familiar with the US school system). Also, I would to hear from OTs who need volunteers. Any help/advice would be appreciated. Thank you! Grainne.

My husband & I are both proud grad's of the SJSU OT program. I would be happy to answer any questions you have about their program as well as about the profession.

I am an OT, and one of the great things about it is how flexible it can be. In many cases, you can pick your hours. If you intend to work in a school setting, you can almost always count on working primarily when your own kids are at school. Of course, you may not get to be picky about both your hours and the specifics of your job. Also, if you are working with children while your own children are still young, it can be pretty exhausting (which is why I took off quite a few years while my kids were young).

I don't know what the educational program is like at San Jose, so can't answer that part of your question, but be assured that ther are lots of openings for occupational therapists, and it can be a great career for moms! R.K., OTR