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Original poster

OT or SaLT Which route to go down?

19 replies

WeAreSailing · 06/10/2018 20:45

Have been a SAHM for 6 years but next Sep am planning to start a 2 yr M.Sc in either Speech and Lang. Therapy or OT. I have an ancient psychology B.Sc and am currently doing an Access to course to sharpen up my academic skills.

Trouble is I am not sure which route to go down. I have shadowed both roles and both interest me, especially the paediatric side but am still undecided.

On a practical level I will be 49 when I qualify so do need to take into consideration realistic career progression and whether one job would suit a middle aged woman better!

Any advice gratefully received as need to make my mind up pronto!

OP posts:
Original poster
WeAreSailing · 07/10/2018 13:19

Bump

OP posts:
bellalou1234 · 07/10/2018 13:23

I would go down ot route personally. I work In mental health and ot input is invaluable in a persons recovery. As is speech and language therapy

OTincognito · 07/10/2018 13:24

Hi. I'm an OT and I think it's great Smile

Have you shadowed either of the professions?

OTincognito · 07/10/2018 13:25

Agh ignore me! Sorry I can see you have

OTincognito · 07/10/2018 13:27

In terms of your age that's not a problem with OT.

I like the fact I have worked in a hospital, I social services and in paeds.

It's a very flexible profession.

I never want to work on a hospital again but I'm glad I did it.

sabrinathethirtysomethingwitch · 07/10/2018 13:34

Another OT here. I work in mental health. Really enjoy it. I did 6 month rotations in a few areas when I first qualified. There is definitely something for everyone.
I live in NI. There seems to be a lot less jobs for Speech Therapists here and lots for OTs.
Speech Therapy was my second choice. Would not have minded doing it but glad I did OT.

Original poster
WeAreSailing · 07/10/2018 14:42

Thanks for all your thoughts.

Was slightly put off by an acquaintance who's an OT for social services. Says she just spends most of her time going from one elderly person to the next without any real structure to the service she is supposed to be delivering. Feels like a jack of all trades.

OP posts:
sabrinathethirtysomethingwitch · 07/10/2018 15:50

@WeAreSailing I can think of nothing worse than being an OT for social services. That is one job I would never enjoy. Definitely don't let that put you off.

Original poster
WeAreSailing · 07/10/2018 15:55

@sabrinathethirtysomethingwitch are you NHS?

OP posts:
Annandale · 07/10/2018 15:57

As a SALT i would say go for OT Grin

I love my job but OTs make the most difference imo. I work with adults though.

SixToEightInchesOfSnow · 07/10/2018 16:01

S&LT. it’s really interesting and our service is permanently short staffed so there could be good job prospects. You’re more likely to be able to work with children too.

Original poster
WeAreSailing · 07/10/2018 16:17

Did anyone here do a 2 year M.Sc as a mature student with a family?
Trying to also get an idea of how intensive the course is.

OP posts:
SleepyMcEdie · 07/10/2018 16:33

I am a teacher and am looking at these two options for retraining. However I’ve been unable to find a course close enough to me, and the nearest one is £22k in tuition fees!

sabrinathethirtysomethingwitch · 07/10/2018 16:40

@WeAreSailing yes I work for NHS.

I know some OTs who do some private work. You need to be very specialised and highly experienced to do so. Examples include hand therapy and Sensory Integration work (paeds).

I know a few OTs who work for Capita as disability assessors. I could never do this job either.

Some OT roles do seem "jack of all trades", but a lot are specialised. I would be bored working on an elderly medical ward. I found working on a stroke acute ward/rehab unit very interesting

autumnis · 07/10/2018 16:49

I'm an SLT. Clinical lead in a area and I love it. Both careers have good and bad points. For SLT you have to really want to help people communicate better and understand how poor communication affects everyone around the individual. You have to be amazing at communicating yourself and be extremely patient and compassionate.

BendingSpoons · 07/10/2018 16:50

SLT here. Your psychology would be relevant and there are reasonable options for term time only if that bothers you e.g. in a schools role (although this can also apply to OT). OT probably a bit more science-y, SLT more language based (obviously!). What are your strengths?

purplerabbit19 · 07/10/2018 19:25

I teach in a special needs school with both SLTs and OTs. Although both make a huge difference to the pupils I always say that if I had my time again I would be an OT. The work they do and the lifelong difference they make to our pupils is staggering. No day is ever the same either. An added bonus is that all the children love going to their OT sessions and groups!!

Original poster
WeAreSailing · 08/10/2018 21:10

Thank you all for your thoughts. Am decided on the OT route but am feeling a bit wobbly by how oversubscribed the M.Sc is at Essex

OP posts:
Pooleschoolschoice · 08/10/2018 21:13

I would love ti be an OT.

My friends who are OTs have the best work/life balance, flexibilitg and enjoy their jobs on the whole it seems.

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