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- Sep 13, 2023
Occupational Therapy, OT Personal Statement Examples
Updated: Aug 13
Introduction
Occupational Therapy (OT) is a vital field that helps individuals regain or develop the skills necessary for daily living. Crafting a compelling personal statement is crucial for aspiring OT professionals aiming to stand out in competitive graduate programs. In this blog post, we'll explore a sample personal statement from a Filipino woman and U.S. Army veteran who is passionate about pursuing a career in Occupational Therapy. We will break down the key elements of her statement and provide insights into what makes it effective.
OT Personal Statement Example: A Filipino U.S. Army Veteran’s Journey to Occupational Therapy
Background and motivation.
I am a Filipino woman, born and raised in the Philippines and now living in Las Vegas. I speak fluent English, Tagalog, and Cebuano. I have lived in the United States since I was eighteen and I will earn my B.S. degree in Kinesiology this coming May 2015. My GPA is 3.2.
![occupational therapy personal statement for jobs Occupational Therapy, OT Personal Statement Editing](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6c2903_365071acccf9420ea7c3c59b22c960eb~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_147,h_147,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/6c2903_365071acccf9420ea7c3c59b22c960eb~mv2.jpeg)
Experience and Passion for Occupational Therapy
As a U.S. Army veteran, I have always been inspired by the power of helping others. I have witnessed the transformative effects of occupational therapy firsthand, and I am dedicated to integrating that passion into everything I do. My years of service taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and dedication to helping others. It is an honor to be applying for graduate school in OT and I will be thrilled to be given an opportunity to use my leadership and problem-solving skills at the service of others.
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Educational Foundation and Career Aspirations
From the age of sixteen, my ambition has been to become an Occupational Therapist. As a highly motivated individual with a passion for human motion and physical activity, I am eager to embark on the next phase of my education by pursuing a master's in occupational therapy. I have always been fascinated by the ways in which the human body moves and the factors that contribute to its functioning and dysfunction. This interest led me to complete a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology where I gained valuable knowledge and skills that are highly relevant to the master's program in OT. I am excited to continue my academic journey in a field that aligns with my passions and career aspirations.
Relevant Volunteer Experience
My experience of meeting wounded and injured soldiers whilst serving in Iraq increased and re-fired my determination to become an Occupational Therapist and make a direct and profound difference in the lives of my fellow veterans by helping them to achieve as much as they can. I have also volunteered at our local hospital since leaving the Army and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience of helping staff and patients.
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Personal Qualities and Professional Goals
I am aware that technical knowledge about the human body, and the equipment available to assist patients, is not all that is needed to become an effective Occupational Therapist. Just as important is empathy and an ability to assess and make sense of the patient’s individual personality, characteristics, and attitudes. A good therapist must be able to project an unfailingly positive attitude, encourage the client through personal warmth to tackle achievable challenges and test their boundaries even though they may be fearful or lack confidence. I possess the empathy and caring attitude necessary to succeed with my clients, helping them to achieve maximum independence. Occupational therapy is less a career choice than a vocation for me and I am passionate about the pursuit of this vocation.
Conclusion and Aspirations
If selected for a master's degree program in Occupational Therapy, I hope to develop a focus on the hands and go on to become a certified hand therapist. I am aware that there will be many well-qualified applicants for the MS OT program. However, I possess all the necessary personal qualities combined with a genuine passion for the subject to enable me to excel in the program and make meaningful contributions to class discussions.
Thank you for considering my application.
Analysis of the Personal Statement
Strengths : The applicant effectively ties her personal background, military experience, and educational qualifications to her passion for OT. Her narrative is compelling and well-rounded, with a clear focus on empathy and patient care.
Areas for Improvement : The statement could benefit from more specific examples of challenges she has overcome in her academic or military career, which would further demonstrate her resilience and problem-solving abilities.
In this section, the applicant introduces her background, highlighting her multicultural experience and academic achievements. Her identity as a U.S. Army veteran is also introduced, which sets the stage for her deep-seated motivation to pursue a career in OT.
Here, the applicant shares her direct exposure to occupational therapy during her military service, reinforcing her commitment to the field. This section effectively connects her military experience with her passion for helping others through OT.
The applicant discusses her long-standing interest in OT, supported by her educational background in Kinesiology. This section showcases her preparedness for the next step in her academic and professional journey.
The applicant highlights her volunteer work, demonstrating her hands-on experience in a healthcare setting. This adds credibility to her commitment to the field and her ability to work effectively with patients.
In this section, the applicant emphasizes the importance of empathy and interpersonal skills in OT. She reflects on her ability to connect with patients, which is crucial for success in the field.
The personal statement concludes with the applicant’s specific professional goals and a reaffirmation of her passion and qualifications. She humbly acknowledges the competitive nature of the program while expressing confidence in her ability to contribute meaningfully.
FAQs on Writing OT Personal Statements
What should be included in an OT personal statement?
Background, motivation, relevant experience, personal qualities, and professional goals.
How can I make my personal statement stand out?
Additional Resources and Contact Information
For more personal statement examples and personalized editing services, visit our website or contact us directly. We are here to help you craft a compelling narrative that showcases your strengths and sets you apart from the competition.
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- Occupational Therapy Statement Help
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Write an Awesome Personal Statement for OT School
So you want to be an occupational therapist, but you still have to jump through the many hoops of applying for grad programs. One mandatory part of the process is writing a great personal statement specifically for occupational therapy school, which can be pretty intimidating when it’s time to put pen to paper.
Well, I’m here to help!
I personally spent quite a bit of time crafting the best possible personal statement I could for OT school, and have since read and edited many, many personal statements from pre-OT applicants. (Want me to edit yours? Sign up here !)
These are my top tips for you to craft a great occupational therapy personal statement that will help you stand out from the large crowd of pre-OT applicants.
First, the Do’s and Dont’s of Statement Writing
![occupational therapy personal statement for jobs personal-statement-do-img](https://www.myotspot.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/personal-statement-do-img.jpg)
- Do start early: Give yourself enough time to brainstorm, write, and revise your personal statement well before the deadline. This will really reduce your feelings of stress and being rushed.
- Do show sincerity in your writing. It’s encouraged to let your positive emotions and enthusiasm shine through.
- Do talk about why you want to be an occupational therapist. You want the programs to see that you are serious about this decision. You are not just applying because you can’t think of anything else to do for a career.
- Do in one way or another demonstrate through your writing that you know what OT is and why it’s important.
- Do showcase why you’ll make a great addition to their program, adding unique qualities that will differentiate you from the other applicants.
- Do talk about your shadowing experience, volunteering and work experience that is relevant to the field of OT. Make sure you keep patient information confidential if you discuss certain cases you observed.
- Do feel free to use the language of OT if you know it and are familiar with it (i.e. interventions, treatments, occupations, goals, evidence-based, functional treatments, etc.)
- Do tie your personal statement together. If you make several different points, try to piece them together for the reader to show that you’ve really thought through the big picture.
- Do have at least two people (but the more the better) read and proofread the final draft of your statement. Ask friends, family members, and someone at your school’s writing center. This can help spark ideas and ensure your application is completely free of typos or grammatical errors. The last thing you want is admissions to immediately notice any glaring spelling mistakes that you may have missed.
- Do keep the length to 1-2 pages max. You want it to be short and sweet. If any sentence or paragraph looks unnecessary after you do a final read-through, get rid of it. As a general rule, personal statements run on average 600-800 words.
Don’t…
![occupational therapy personal statement for jobs personal statement dont](https://www.myotspot.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/personal-statement-dont-img.jpg)
- Don’t start your essay with clichés. In fact, leave them out of your statement altogether. An example of this is “I’ve always wanted to help people” (they see this all the time).
- Don’t plagiarize. There are a lot of personal statement examples on the internet that you can absolutely use to guide your writing process. Do not use them word for word. Programs can find out and will exclude your application. U se the examples as templates of what kind of content you’ll cover in your statement.
- Don’t try to be humorous in your personal statement. Even if you’re hilarious, this is not the time to show this.
- Don’t just talk about your childhood. Focus on college and post college achievements unless something in your childhood or adolescence is what drove you to a career in occupational therapy. Remember that this isn’t an autobiography, it’s a statement on why you’ll be a great OT.
- Don’t guess what you think the reader wants you to say. Be honest and don’t write in a way that is out of line with who you really are. Don’t just write something to try to impress people.
- Don’t be a downer. Avoid going into detail about your dislikes, negative views, or problems in your life. If you have a low GPA or lack of experience, don’t mention it unless you can put a positive spin on it. Listing excuses for your low GPA or GRE score isn’t a good idea either, unless you really feel the need to tie in why your GPA is lower but how you’ll be an awesome therapist despite this.
- Don’t mention specific programs in your statement if you’re using OTCAS . It will be sent to every school you apply to and therefore won’t make sense. If you apply to an individual school (not on OTCAS) then absolutely mention the school and why you’re passionate about their program.
Check out the How Get Into OT School Guide! It’s the most comprehensive resource that covers everything you need to know.
Ask yourself this question:.
A bonus tip I found while perusing the Student Doctor Network Forums while researching this topic, which is to ask yourself this question:
“Can you replace your personal statement with a degree other than OT? If not, it’s solid. If you can, then try to revise to make it only relevant to OT.”
And that’s a wrap!
If you have any other tips or tricks you’ve discovered while writing your personal statement for OT school, please feel free to add them in the comments section. I wish you the best of luck with your statement writing and your overall OT school application process!
Be sure to check out these other helpful resources:
Writing the Personal Statement (Purdue OWL)
Start Your Grad School Personal Statement in Just 1 Hour! (The Muse)
Writing a Personal Statement (Emory Pre-Health Advising)
5 Big Mistakes I Made When Applying to OT School (My OT Spot)
This post was last updated on May 12, 2023.
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As I’m working on my application essay this week, your article is very helpful! Thank you.
I’m so glad it was helpful for you 🙂 Best of luck with your applications!
Thank you for this article! I just wanted to know, do you offer services proof reading other people’s personal statements? That would be really helpful for me!
Hi May, I do offer personal statement reviewing that you can set up here . Instead of the traditional coaching call that’s linked, it will instead entail personal statement edits and feedback via email 🙂
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Complete Personal Statement Guide for Pre-OT Occupational Therapy School Programs
Introduction.
This detailed guide will provide you with tips, do’s, don’ts, examples, and other helpful things along the way to write your personal statement for OT school.
You may be thinking:
- Where do I even start with writing a personal statement?
- Maybe I can look for some more examples online.
- My story does not seem as exciting as these examples.
- These examples don’t really relate to me.
- I don’t like the writing style or “feeling” that these examples give me.
- How do I even go about this?
Or maybe you didn’t have any of these thoughts and you are just looking for some extra tips to polish up your personal statement before you send it to the world. This guide will still help!
While this guide was written with Pre-OT’s for occupational therapy personal statements in mind, it of course can apply to other professions such as physical therapy, speech therapy, PA, RN, even undergraduate programs.
I am not part of any admissions committee or affiliated with them in any way. However, as a graduate of an occupational therapy program, I also read and edited many other personal statements for friends and family. This guide is not a guarantee that you will get accepted or a guarantee that you will produce the best personal statement. This is just my opinion and unfortunately, the writing is all up to you!
Fortunately, you already have the hard part done – building your education, experiences, personal character, and goals!
Not quite there yet, that’s okay too – this guide will give you a preview of how to prepare to write your personal statement.
The Process
The process of writing a personal statement may involve something like:
Reflecting, getting something typed on the screen, getting writer’s block, getting distracted, taking a break, editing it, reflecting, typing some ideas, deleting those ideas, repeat, have it proofread, reading it out loud, reflecting, make more edits, and you’re done! While this sounds like a lot, it’s doable.
Set-up and Preparation
Start Early
When you feel like you are ready to write your personal statement, start writing! Don’t wait until the last minute to write. Personal statements require editing, giving it some time for your mind to clear to re-read, having it proofread by someone else, and making more edits.
Install Grammarly
We use Grammarly as a browser extension for its spellcheck and grammar check. It is really good at catching mistakes as you go and the free version is all you really need to get some basic editing done. This allows you to focus on the writing and not the spelling. Software like Grammarly also helps if you especially have a hard time with writing in general. While it can suggest edits for errors, it is up to you to write the content. AI is not quite there yet, but we are close!
Cheating & plagiarizing
I just have to say it. Don’t cheat or plagiarize. Don’t hire someone to write for you. I hear stories of students cheating here or there, so it must still be happening. Grad school is not the time to jeopardize all the hard work you put in.
Have a back-up system for your document
It would be a huge set-back to lose all your hard work. These days, you can easily use the cloud such as Dropbox or Google Drive/Docs for storing your files. This goes for your personal statement document as well as your graduate school application files such as notes, deadlines, resumes, etc. All it takes is a coffee spilled on your laptop for you to lose all your hard work (it happened to my classmate in OT school). Better yet, back up all your data that is important to you. Lectures, recordings, assignments.
Write in a place you feel productive
It doesn’t have to be a quiet library. It just has to be what works. If it’s a coffee shop, then go there. Write in a place you associate with positive work (but also don’t get distracted too easily, e.g. a cat cafe) – like to your favorite study area.
It’s okay if it doesn’t seem perfect or even good at first
After all, you are writing something like this probably for the first time, with a unique set of experiences for a specific intention of impressing the OT’s admissions panel. It can be difficult for artists to create art or music, or write a book in one session. So don’t stress it!
- Re-research the profession, job description, duties, etc. BLS.gov is my favorite go-to for profession research. We have a video on it here .
- Follow the personal statement prompt and instructions. Read it several times to make sure. If there is a word limit, don’t go over. Double-check before you submit.
- Pay attention to the file format that is requested from the programs. Word doc? PDF? Make sure your file actually opens after you upload it and is not corrupt, if possible. If you are uploading to a central application like OTCAS, make sure you meet those guidelines.
- Write in the same tense and person throughout (“I”, first-person is fine).
- Write in an order that makes sense and flows to the reader, e.g. chronologically.
- Write with a purpose. Each sentence should be there for a reason and not be filler. Exclude extra information or too specific of information that doesn’t contribute to your story.
- Example: Nowadays, I want to be an occupational therapist first and foremost because I want to help people and really make a difference in each of their lives.
- Better example: My goal is to become an occupational therapist who makes a difference in people’s lives.
- Warning : I wouldn’t you use this specific example in your personal statement because it’s probably been overused. Try to be creative by saying how you want to “help” people in other ways .
- Be honest, try to copy an example’s voice, do not write over-the-top or fabricate the story.
- Be politically correct and culturally sensitive.
- My personal statement didn’t have big GRE words or fancy syntax. It told a great story that was (in my opinion) to the point, compelling, persuasive, and driven.
- Describe your values and goals while highlighting your strengths.
- In my opinion, it is best to talk about college, work, and other achievements and experiences in your “adulthood”.
- Even traveling experience (shows cultural awareness) as an adult is more noteworthy than say winning a basketball game in high school (less relevant to OT)
- Tip: think about when you first were motivated to become an OT and start from there, not earlier.
- Don’t use cliches or minimize them as much you can. Readers see this a lot and it does not make a big impact on their impression of you.
- Don’t use slang/informal speech, e.g. “sticking with it” -> perseverance.
- Don’t make jokes and be careful if you decide to use humor (what may be funny to you may not be to the reader). It’s safe to leave humor out and just get to the point.
- Avoid being sarcastic.
- Pay attention to your use of OT – it can be occupational therapy or occupational therapist, but personally, I get confused when people use “OT” interchangeably.
- In my final submitted personal statement, I only abbreviated “MSOT” and “EMT” and did not “OT” once.
- Example: I got accepted to shadow at [facility] and was observing observed patients do their rehab exercises.
- Pay attention to these verbs in sentences that run longer. Consider shortening them to make it less tiring to read, avoiding avoid run-on sentences. (see what I did there?)
- Don’t abbreviate or hyphenate too often or incorrectly . If you do it one way, be sure you are at least consistent throughout. e.g. evidence-based, not evidenced based.
- O ccupational therapist is capitalized like this correctly.
- However, an Occupational Therapist is not correct if capitalized like this.
- This is the correct capitalization for an occupational therapist.
- The same goes for the field of occupational therapy.
- O ccupational therapy is capitalized correctly in this sentence.
- Abbreviations are always capitalized, e.g. OT.
- Don’t write anything negative about anyone, organization, place, etc .
- Don’t write in a negative tone, be a “Debbie Downer”
- “OTs make a lot of money.”
- “I will be the best occupational therapist because…”
- “I am the best candidate because”
- “Since I am… , therefore”
- “Unlike others”, or
- “Other professions” talking down, avoid talking about other professions in general. No one profession is better than another, the same applies to OT. Think about why OT over other professions leading to your decision to become one).
- Think about how someone in another profession, say a PT would feel after reading your personal statement. They should not feel offended after reading your personal statement, but instead think, “wow, such and such would make a great OT.” Not that OT is better than PT, that kind of thing.
- When I become an occupational therapist. If I become an occupational therapist.
- Don’t repeat yourself, you only need to say something once in its context. Of course, the bigger message can be repeated, e.g. intro and conclusion. Just don’t sound repetitive.
- Don’t use the same phrases (especially close to each other), try using different words. That doesn’t mean you should just look up words in a thesaurus. Really think about what’s the point you are trying to make.
- Don’t use profanity.
- In everyday speech we say things like, “that’s crazy”. Someone with a mental illness who really is crazy could be offended. I had a teacher whose pet-peeve was people who said things were crazy . Remove crazy from your personal statement.
- “He probably was abused since he was in a recovery program/”
- I would avoid using “ normal” too. “Occupational therapists help patients get back to their normal.” This implies the patient was abnormal before. Better words: recover, improve, rehabilitate, strengthen, adapt, overcome, etc.
- Other labels: retarded, slow, crippled, mental, insane
- You can include a facility name, e.g. Standford hospital – as long as you don’t talk about it in a negative context.
- “Standford hospital treats a lot of poor patients.” Standford hospital is a valuable asset to the community for the underserved.
- Don’t include anything that can be seen as a weakness, e.g. low GPA, took a semester off, DUI, unexplained career changes.
- This is your chance to “say” what you want to say and include your story that is not apparent in the other pre-requisites. All the other candidates likely have high GPAs and had to take the same pre-requisite courses, but they did not shadow at your facility with your patient , so here’s your chance to distinguish yourself.
- What experience may be unique to you ?
- For example, I included my experience of being an EMT to make myself stand out.
- This could backfire and show your lack of research into how broad OT can be. Don’t forget about mental health too! OT’s study to be generalists , not specialists.
- While it’s okay to want to work with a specific population as a goal, don’t accidentally make it sound like you think OT’s only do one thing. Hope this one makes sense.
![occupational therapy personal statement for jobs Reflection](https://www.otdude.com/wp-content/uploads/4564431-1024x1024.jpg)
Question’s to address or reflect on
Reflect. Write. Take a break. Repeat.
- What is your experience with other backgrounds and cultures in your pre-OT journey?
- How did you realize that OT was for you? Why not PT? (Reflect, but don’t answer this directly.)
- What or who were the influence(s) or influencers?
- This is a rich opportunity to mention your specific OT shadowing experience at the stage in which you want to be an OT.
- I would include at least 1 example from this, 2 is better, but not too much either.
- Not just becoming an OT (graduating) but afterwards. e.g. 1 year post-grad, 5 years, where you see yourself 10 years out.
- What challenges did you overcome in your pre-requisite pre-OT journey?
- What sets you apart from other applicants? Why should I not pick person A or person B over you?
- Tip: research the school’s website for their mission statement, OT program background, etc. to get familiar with the specifics. If you can include and relate to some of this, even better!
- “My motivation to help others and my passion for occupational therapy will guide me to be successful in the [program].” or
Since [school] strives to “[OT program mission statement]”, I firmly believe that [school] will help me reach my goals of becoming a successful occupational therapist.
Recommendations
- Talk about why you want to be an OT, but not just to “help” people. How? Which population/community/background? Conditions? Why? Tip: three major categories of OT are: mental health, pediatrics, and adults/older adults. Nurses help people too. How is OT different for you?
- Hint: occupations ! meaningful, client-centered.
- Check out the OTDUDE Podcast and other podcasts for ideas; Episode 1: What is OT
- Reflection tip: other professions may be based on the medical model or helping people become healthy, but OT is different because…
- Check out AOTA.org for some phrasing of the profession to inspire you.
- If you are comfortable, use OT related terminology or phrases, but don’t go overboard, e.g. occupation, intervention, treatment, activities of daily living, evidence-based, collaborative, interdisciplinary, client-centered, holistic, functional. Plain English is fine, you don’t have to sound like a journal article.
- As mentioned, highlight why you would be a valuable candidate (fit) to their program. Think about not only your experience but your character and quality traits . Examples: creativity, leadership, patient, resourceful, reliability? Teamwork and communication?
- Show indirectly through your stories or experiences why you will be successful in the program and not “drop-out”. Perseverance.
- Psychologically, readers tend to remember the beginnings and end more than the middle.
- How will being an OT help you achieve your goals, career? Not just short-term, but think bigger. While this sounds cliche – OT is not just a job, it will become your life. A person’s job (and career) is a large part of their identity.
- The reader should feel like they read about a person they would want to meet in the program and in real life, someone who can contribute something to the cohort, school, faculty, alumni – long term relationship. You will not only graduate as a student but a colleague in the field of occupational therapy to the faculty.
Here is a template I created to get you started. This is of course not a magic template that works for everyone or neither was it created by any OT entity for students. Copy & paste this into your favorite word processing program and write away.
Paragraph 1
Sentence 1: Attention-grabbing sentence. Hook into your story.
Supporting sentences: Support the above story with specifics.
Concluding sentence: “Thesis statement” stating why you chose (or) may be a successful OT.
Body Paragraphs (2, 3, 4, 5, etc.)
Opening sentence: As a , I [did this, and that] at [place or company or school]
Supporting sentences: strengthen your narrative in the opening sentence. These sentences should not deviate from the opening sentence topic or story, otherwise start a new paragraph. Should answer a [ Question’s to address or reflect on] section (see above).
Concluding sentence(s): wrap everything in this story up, optionally include a transition sentence.
Concluding Paragraph
Opening sentence: restate why you will be a successful OT.
Supporting sentences: start wrapping things up. Big picture. If applying to a specific program, consider answering why this program (e.g. does its mission statement appeal to you?).
Final sentence: end strong stating that you want to be an OT. Mention because it is in your long-term goals. Consider ending everything with the words “occupational therapist” (identity), e.g. “…be a successful occupational therapist” OR “occupational therapy”, e.g. “… to pursue a career in occupational therapy”.
Here are some examples. All identifying information and some facts were fabricated for example sake.
After graduation, I did a lot of soul searching in terms of the career I wanted to pursue. Did I want to appease my parents and pursue [career]? Should we expand [business name] and take it to the next level? I knew I wanted a career that could help people in my day-to-day, but none of those paths fulfilled that desire. After my [family member] injured her arm and was unable to return to work or help out around the house, I saw her frustration and loss of dignity. Our family took a significant financial toll. When my [family member] finally saw an occupational therapist, I motivated her to do the exercises from her care plan and she eventually regained upper arm function. My [family member’s] perseverance inspired me to become an occupational therapist to help people develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living, working, and leading active lifestyles .
- This excerpt, although really did happen, sounds cliche with phrases like soul searching, take it to the next level.
- While the reflection part and figuring out what to do may seem important, it can be shortened to and still get the message across.
- Using the family member is a good example especially since it related to a story with an occupational therapist.
- The last two sentences highlight that I know what OT is (and why I want to become one) but can be cleaned up.
I was inspired by a personal experience with an occupational therapist when my [family member] suffered a rotator cuff tear and was unable to perform her activities of daily living . My [family member] became discouraged and did not do the recommended home exercises , but I saw the value in them and helped my [family member] complete them daily to recover. I learned the value of occupational therapy and how important it is to take a holistic approach by involving caregivers .
- Mentioning ADL’s shows I know what OT’s do.
- Shows my direct involvement with OT intervention.
- Shows my understanding of OT’s holistic approach.
- Words like “value” are strong. The word caregiver is often used in OT documentation.
I was hired as a EMT at [employer] in [city] for a small business that reminded me of our own [business name]. My role as a EMT at [employer] involved caring and treating for the sick and injured that involved tasks such as CPR or patient comfort and advocacy. As an EMT I again found that I was a valuable asset to the company having known how to speak some Spanish. Patients and staff members challenged me and tested my patience. My contact with patients out in the field was a unique experience that exposed me to the reality of what a healthcare profession involved. Due to the physical demands of the job and the high stress environment, many EMTs “burned out” and quit. I admit that I have thought about quitting, but I found the interactions with my patients far more rewarding and continued to work close to two years as an EMT. Working closely with these patients taught me to be sensitive to each person and their unique experiences. As an EMT, I developed my critical thinking skills to adapt the environment to my patients in order to safely transfer care, as well as educate patients on how to minimize hazards and prevent further injuries. Hearing my patients personally thank me for my care and education reassured me that I was pursuing the right career in helping patients resume their activities of daily living and accomplish their own goals.
- How would you improve this example?
- Lots of specifics can be taken out like employer name, city.
- Role as EMT is well-known, better to include more significant things such as experience, outcome, or relevance to OT.
- Being bilingual is nice, but more for a resume than a personal statement as it does not add to the story.
- Leave out specific thought process of thinking about quitting (weaknesses). Perseverance was also already shared in a previous example – talk about another quality instead, e.g. stress management, working with diverse population, fast-paced environment, patient education as an EMT and how it translates to OT.
- Reflect on how one story can share multiple strengths you have not mentioned so far in previous examples.
- The example does not translate or relate back to OT in a clear manner, but alludes to the qualities of one. This can be written to be more obvious because EMT and OT have very similar qualities that are needed to be good practitioners.
As an EMT, I developed my critical thinking skills with my patients in order to safely transfer care and educate patients on how to prevent further injuries. Hearing my patients personally thank me for my care and education reassures me that I am pursuing the right career by helping patients resume their activities of daily living and accomplish their own goals .
Much shorter, to the point, and use of effective words that highlight what OT’s also do – educate, doing it safely, prevention of disease and injury, and meeting client’s goals.
![occupational therapy personal statement for jobs Self-doubt](https://www.otdude.com/wp-content/uploads/piece-paper-with-paper-balls-around-1024x673.jpg)
FAQ and Self-Doubt
Addressing negative self-talk and negative beliefs about yourself.
“This is my 100th time applying…”
Maybe it will be your 101st that you get in. You see this all the time with graduates taking the board exam who fail X number of times. Don’t give up!
“I was never good at writing.”
Writing takes practice. I never liked writing in grade school. Now I enjoy writing about OT. So use your resources, e.g. spell-check, someone to proof-read, reading other examples. You CAN do it.
“My experience is not that special.”
Not everyone did CPR on their patient, observed a miraculous rehab recovery, etc. It’s what you make of the moments, how you interpret it, become inspired by it, how it changes you, and make you want to be an OT. It’s all from YOUR perspective. You can take 2 people who watch the same movie. One person could be moved by it and the other not be interested, right?
“The more I read this, the more I feel like it is not good enough.”
Take a break, put it down, and come back to it. Have someone else read it and get their opinion. Sometimes, we get stuck in our own thoughts and they can trick us and lead us down a negative path of thinking.
“I have the opposite problem, I have too much to write about and not enough room.”
You can probably take our your younger experiences. Leave the “resume” stuff out. Try to pick the most “OT” related or healthcare moments. If you do not have these examples to draw from, choose ones that fit the characteristics of a good OT. Each example should not be a repeated theme of another and highlight something profound.
“Now I am not so sure what OT’s do anymore, after writing all this.”
Go on BLS.gov for OT’s, listen to OT podcasts (to become inspired), watch some YouTubers on OT.
“I am having doubts about OT vs. (other profession)”
Avoid reading forums, facebook groups, Reddit for OT. These are often skewed towards OTs who may be burned out (which could happen for any other profession on social media). Dig deep into why you wanted to be an OT in the first place! If still in doubt, maybe you should observe some more, talk to some more OT’s and listen to some OT podcasts (because they are positive about the profession usually). I would avoid YouTube as many who are burned out could make videos.
“No one can proofread my personal statement.”
Try writing workshops, a school or public library, or similar resources. A simple google search could help and you won’t necessarily need to pay. Avoid suspicious websites and uploading your work to avoid others from plagiarizing you. Use people or resources that you trust.
“This is my 100th draft, it’s not perfect yet”
Deadlines will often help with this. Don’t let them catch you off guard. Consider going back and making an outline and seeing if you covered everything you want to talk about. A timer may help. Get the approval of at least 2 readers to give you support for how awesome your personal statement is.
“I don’t know where to start in writing”
That’s okay, start writing about a story or experience you have in mind and build around it. Start in the middle as intros and conclusions can be very difficult to begin writing.
- Read some other examples online, but don’t stress about it. If possible, have someone who may have been accepted to a graduate program send you theirs. You can use it as a template or for inspiration to the types of stores, tone, conclusion paragraph used, etc.
- Set a timer (e.g. Pomodoro method) so you won’t stress out and remind yourself to take breaks, move-on, just get something out and fix it later. Exact grammar, spelling, and other “writing” can be fixed later – focus on content.
- Get into a habit of writing, set a schedule …or do it randomly, no-schedule (whatever works for you ). Maybe it’s writing every other day in the morning, after a nap, after playing video games, after a meal, after walking your dog, or whatever sets you up for success.
- Have at least 2 people read (and edit) your personal statement. Don’t take it personally and not all suggestions are necessarily correct.
- In the earlier stages of writing, if deciding between two stories or segments in your writing, consider having two drafts and see which one your proof-readers prefer.
- Read your personal statement out loud, spaced out, e.g. 1 week later (when it is no longer fresh and you forgot some of what you wrote). Make edits as needed.
- Candidates come from all walks of life, have different personalities (e.g. type-A vs. B), extroverted vs. introverted, outspoken vs. quiet – so some of these tips (or your editor suggestions) may not appeal to you or seem unnatural, etc. This can be your strength. Follow your gut. It’s not like OT schools are only looking for outspoken, extroverted candidates. It’s how you use those qualities to better the world with OT. This is what makes you unique, special, and distinguished. Highlight those features!
- Take care of yourself – eat well, exercise, manage your stress, breathe.
Thank you for reading this long guide. I wish you the best in your journey to becoming an occupational therapist (or whatever career). See you all in the field!
![occupational therapy personal statement for jobs OTDUDE Logo](https://www.otdude.com/wp-content/uploads/Logo-Retina-R2021.png)
- Personal Statements
- Occupational Therapy personal statement
Occupational Therapy Personal Statement Example
Sample statement.
Occupational Therapy is a highly rewarding career that allows you to meet a range of people from different backgrounds and get real job satisfaction. If you’re planning on applying to study Occupational Therapy at university, and you’re struggling with your personal statement, here is an example to help you out:
I have been interested in a career within the care industry for a long time and after completing various work experience placements I have decided that Occupational Therapy is the correct career path for me.
At school I spent time at a paediatric ward as part of my work experience placement and was able to shadow various members of staff, including the paediatric occupational therapists.
I got to see first-hand how different therapy techniques, such as art therapy, can be combined with an individual’s care plan to give them as normal a life as possible. This placement gave me a valuable insight into the daily life of an occupational therapist and convinced me that I was making the right career choice.
During my time at college I was employed part time in a care home for the elderly as a kitchen assistant. This allowed me to become familiar with one of the environments that an occupational therapist could find themself in. My time at the care home also allowed me to see how different kinds of specialist equipment and therapy can be used to make a real difference to a patient’s life.
My time at school and college, as well as my part time work, has helped me to develop my communication and teamwork skills. I enjoy interacting with other people and meeting new people. I also enjoy learning about how the human brain works, which is why I studied Psychology and Sociology at A Level.
I hope that my time at university will enable to me to further understand how people interact with each other and develop the vital skills I need to become a good occupational therapist. I look forward to the new challenges life at university will bring.
![occupational therapy personal statement for jobs Applytouni _guides _button](https://www.applytouni.com/media/800185/applytouni_guides_button.jpg)
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Guide to a Better Personal Statement for Occupational Therapy
Table of Contents
Writing a personal statement is integral to the occupational therapy application process. This is your chance to introduce yourself to the admissions board and explain why you want to study occupational therapy. A strong personal statement will highlight what makes you unique and set you apart from other applicants.
With careful preparation, thoughtful writing, and self-reflection, you can create a compelling personal statement for occupational therapy . Keep reading to learn more!
Understanding Occupational Therapy
Before getting started with your statement, it is vital to understand what occupational therapy involves. Occupational therapists deal with people of all ages with physical, developmental, social, or emotional difficulties that limit their ability to lead active, independent lives.
They provide assessment, treatment, and consultation services to help people increase their skills and knowledge to manage daily tasks.
Reflect on Why You Are Pursuing This Career Path
Think about what motivates you to pursue a career in occupational therapy.
Ask yourself the following questions: What experiences have led me to this path? How has my background prepared me for the challenging work of an occupational therapist? What values or qualities do I have that will be beneficial when working with clients?
As you reflect on these questions, take note of any stories or unique insights that could be included in your personal statement .
Write Your Statement
When writing your personal statement, begin by introducing yourself. Provide an overview of why you are interested in pursuing a career in occupational therapy . Use this section to explain what you have learned about the field and why you are passionate about it.
Then, discuss your skills, experiences, qualities, and values that make you a good fit for this profession. Remember to keep the focus on how your background has prepared you to become an excellent occupational therapist. Finally, wrap up your statement by illustrating how becoming an occupational therapist will help you fulfill your professional goals and contribute positively to society.
Get Feedback
Solicit the opinions of those close to you before sending in your personal statement. Ask them if there is anything else they would add or take away from the statement. Additionally, consider asking someone in the field of occupational therapy to review your essay and provide feedback. This will help ensure that your statement is professional and conveys the message you want to present to admissions committee members.
Example of a Personal Statement for Occupational Therapy
![occupational therapy personal statement for jobs man in blue crew neck t-shirt holding black and white bottle](https://inkforall.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/b358c890-f614-4079-99fc-adb96ad1a00a-714x476.jpg.webp)
I can’t wait to start my Occupational Therapy profession. I believe it is the perfect blend of my interpersonal skills, scientific knowledge, and passion for helping others. Having an autistic older brother gave me firsthand experience with the life-changing effects of occupational therapy. This experience inspired me to discover more about this field. I have a thirst to develop my own thoughts on what makes a good therapist.
I have worked with patients with physical disabilities at a local hospital and completing research projects related to child development. This makes me confident that I possess the necessary skills and qualities needed to become an excellent occupational therapist. My capacity for empathy and patience allows me to understand the unique needs of each individual patient. My problem-solving abilities help me find creative solutions to their challenges. In addition, I have developed excellent communication skills and an unwavering commitment to advocating for my clients.
Becoming an occupational therapist would enable me to fulfill my dream of improving the lives of those with physical, developmental, social or emotional difficulties. With thoughtful writing, self-reflection and dedication to the field, I am committed to creating a professional portfolio. One that reflects my qualifications and passion for this career path.
By taking the time to fully prepare for your personal statement, you can create a compelling narrative. Ensure it shows why occupational therapy is the right career path for you. Keep in mind that this document is an opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and experiences that set you apart from other applicants.
With careful planning and thoughtful writing, you can create a powerful personal statement that demonstrates your commitment to becoming an excellent occupational therapist . Good luck!
![occupational therapy personal statement for jobs Guide to a Better Personal Statement for Occupational Therapy](https://inkforall.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Abir-Ghenaiet.png.webp)
Abir Ghenaiet
Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.
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Occupational therapy personal statement example
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Have you ever had a moment where you thought to yourself, “This is exactly where I am supposed to be”? This exact thought runs through my mind as I work toward my goal of changing career paths, from healthcare administration to a career as an Occupational therapist. My interest in the profession began in high school while working at a home health and rehabilitation company. Occupational therapy attracted my attention because not only does the discipline address physical needs, but it addresses the psychological and emotional needs of individuals. I have always wanted to work in healthcare , to work and interact with people, and the opportunity to assist others in leading healthy and fulfilling lives; which makes Occupational therapy the perfect fit for me.
Initially, when I began my undergraduate studies at Slippery Rock University, I was an exercise science major with every intention to pursue a career in Occupational therapy. Unfortunately, during my first semester I dealt with difficult personal issues that caused me to struggle to adjust to the college environment and focus on my coursework, therefore negatively impacting my academic performance. Being new to the university, I was unaware of the resources available for emotional support nor the option to withdrawal from the courses in which I fell behind. This experience left me with a lack of confidence and confusion in regards to my capability of succeeding as an exercise science major. Despite the challenges that I was facing, my fervor for helping others persisted and I was lead to my major in Healthcare Administration and Management, where I found my work could still benefit others while working behind the scenes in administration.
While I had once believed that a career in administration was right for me, after graduation I decided to pursue Occupational therapy based on my experiences with my grandfather who has Parkinson’s Disease. While other members of my family are living with Parkinson’s, it was not until my grandfather was diagnosed in 2016 that I fully understood it’s effects. This diagnosis has a rippling effect, radiating onto the individual as well as their loved ones. It has been incredibly difficult to watch as Parkinson’s disease attempts to strip my grandfather of his self-reliance and ability to do the things that give him fulfillment. Occupational therapy allows him to hold onto his independence and to remain living safely in his home. His occupational therapists have provided him with intervention such as the special pencil grips that enable him to complete his nightly crossword puzzles, an exercise plan that allows him to maintain his strength, and education on safety in the home and safety during transfers. The positive impact that occupational therapy has on my grandfather’s quality of life is the reason that I have chosen to pursue this path again. I too, want to be someone who enhances and enables others to participate in the everyday activities that give their lives meaning.
I believe that my undergraduate degree in Healthcare Administration and Management is my strength and makes me a unique applicant. My degree provided me with the knowledge in the principles behind healthcare leadership , healthcare quality improvement processes, motivation, teamwork processes, healthcare information systems, the legal and regulatory environment, as well as managed care and healthcare reimbursement. I have had the opportunity to gain insight and experience by working in a variety of settings such as home health, long-term care, and adult day health care. By working in administration, I have seen firsthand how Occupational therapists work cohesively with different departments in order to ensure that patients receive the best quality of care. I have grown professionally through my experiences in healthcare, by developing a strong work ethic along with key skills such as communication, team work, social perceptiveness, problem solving, and organization – all which are skills that I will carry with me into a career in Occupational therapy. I possess knowledge not only in the science and anatomical requirements necessary to pursue a graduate degree in Occupational therapy, but also in the skills needed to become a leader in the field. As the healthcare industry evolves, Occupational therapists are being asked to take on leadership roles which include a greater understanding of the business of healthcare. My degree in healthcare administration and management has provided me with the assets needed to successfully take on these roles.
2018-6-23-1529723627
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OT Personal Statement
Hello! I am applying to OT schools this application cycle and would appreciate any feedback on my personal statement. I know it can be improved upon but I want to put it out there for a fresh set of eyes. I only have about 55 hours of observation hours so far and a 3.8 GPA. I take my GRE in August and feel behind on the whole application process. I want a strong personal statement to help stand out. Thanks so much in advance!
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Masks Strongly Recommended but Not Required in Maryland, Starting Immediately
Due to the downward trend in respiratory viruses in Maryland, masking is no longer required but remains strongly recommended in Johns Hopkins Medicine clinical locations in Maryland. Read more .
- Vaccines
- Masking Guidelines
- Visitor Guidelines
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Occupational therapy.
Occupational therapists at Johns Hopkins help patients participate in meaningful daily activities and practice habits they may need for work and recreation. Our team of occupational therapists works with adults and children recovering from injury and surgery, and those managing chronic illness, to help them care for themselves and be independent.
Why Choose Johns Hopkins
![occupational therapy personal statement for jobs A therapist helping a woman fold laundry](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/-/media/physical-medicine-rehabilitation/specialty-areas/occupational-therapy-adl.jpg)
- We start with an evaluation that focuses on discussing your personal health goals. This helps us set benchmarks to measure your progress.
- Next, we develop a customized rehabilitation plan to help you achieve your goals. Occupational therapy treatments are focused on re-training movement and self-care skills, providing adaptive equipment, and training in the use of energy conservation and work simplification to increase independent living.
- As you move forward with occupational therapy, we set intervals to measure success and make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.
- Our work with children is focused on helping them fully participate in school and social situations .
- For older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes, we provide support so they can safely perform activities of daily living .
- Occupational therapists also perform upper extremity wound care and whirlpools, dynamic and static splinting, and make recommendations for medical equipment, such as bedside commodes, tub seats and grab bars.
Schedule An Appointment
Schedule by phone.
![occupational therapy personal statement for jobs occupational therapy personal statement for jobs](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/-/media/jhm/images/icons-png---shared/phone-alt-blue.png?h=440&iar=0&w=640&hash=605EE75CD0859F18A5241A5CB5D4AF11)
Schedule online through MyChart
![occupational therapy personal statement for jobs occupational therapy personal statement for jobs](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/-/media/jhm/images/icons-png---shared/desktop-blue.png?h=440&iar=0&w=640&hash=124BA3A73CF00DC42BEC3EE95EDEF9DE)
Who Can Benefit From Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy can be effective for people suffering from these and similar impairments:
- Visual impairments and difficulties with perception
- Trouble with fine motor skills, such as writing or tying a shoe
- Problems with balance or hand-eye coordination
- Sensory integration dysfunction: when information from the senses doesn’t get properly interpreted by the brain
- Decreased upper body and/or extremities strength and/or range of motion
- Cognitive impairments (memory, sequencing, problem solving, insight, safety awareness, etc.)
- The need to wear splints, orthotics, prosthetics or other devices that impair normal fnction
- Impaired performance in self-care and community reintegration
Our Specialized Occupational Therapy Programs
![occupational therapy personal statement for jobs Physical therapist working with a patient](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/-/media/physical-medicine-rehabilitation/images/education/hand-therapy.jpg)
Other Specialty Areas
- Traumatic brain injury and stroke
- Spinal cord injuries
- Trauma from falling
- Sports injuries
- Amputations
- Multiple sclerosis
- Neuromuscular diseases
Find an Occupational Therapist
We have many experienced occupational therapists who specialize in neurology, hand therapy, mental health, and other areas. At Sibley Memorial Hospital, occupational therapy subspecialties include hand therapy and lymphedema. All our therapists are friendly, caring and easy to work with. They will help you overcome challenges and will motivate you to stay on track with your goals.
- Johns Hopkins Bayview
- Other Maryland Clinics
- Washington, D.C.
Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Our pediatric team at the Johns Hopkins Hospital provides occupational therapy and other rehabilitation services to children, teens and young adults with ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, hypotonia, childhood trauma and many other conditions. Our therapists use games, coloring, writing and other age-appropriate activities to help your child achieve independence in the areas that are important to him or her.
![occupational therapy personal statement for jobs kid playing with blocks](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/-/media/physical-medicine-rehabilitation/specialty-areas/pediatric-occupational-therapy.jpg?h=640&iar=0&w=640&hash=27D72B9AAC1E2B996759F3A747191972)
Applying to study occupational therapy in the UK: a comprehensive guide
Many students won’t have heard of occupational therapy – but it’s a competitive course, so in-depth research and preparation is vital
![occupational therapy personal statement for jobs Kam Stylianou's avatar](https://www.timeshighereducation.com/cms-academic/sites/default/files/2023-12/Kam%20Stylianou.jpg)
Kam Stylianou
![occupational therapy personal statement for jobs Occupational therapist working with young child](https://www.timeshighereducation.com/cms-academic/sites/default/files/2024-05/Occupational%20therapy.jpg)
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Occupational therapy (OT) is a very interesting course, which comes under the umbrella of Allied Health Professions . It tends to be one of the lesser-known healthcare professions – unlike physiotherapy, students often have little direct or indirect experience of occupational therapy.
OT is a competitive course in the UK, so in-depth research and preparation is necessary to enable international students to be successful. The website Supporting Students into Occupational Therapy provides useful information for counsellors.
What is occupational therapy?
The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) offers a helpful definition: “Occupational therapy helps you live your best life at home, at work – and everywhere else. It’s about being able to do the things you want and have to do. That could mean helping you overcome challenges learning at school, going to work, playing sport or simply doing the dishes…
“It’s also a science-based, health and social care profession that’s regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).”
A good starting point is to guide students to find out more about the day-to day life of an OT . If they find this interesting, they can research more about the profession, the career paths and options in their own country.
It is imperative to check if a university programme is accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, to ensure that it meets the educational quality standards set by the UK professional body, in addition to those of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists .
Occupational therapy: is it right for your students?
There is excellent guidance on how to choose a university course and what students should look for on the RCOT website. Most universities want to see work experience with an occupational therapist and reflections on what students have learned from this experience.
As healthcare professions are very demanding, if students have not researched the details of what is required – in terms of the contact hours of the course, the expectations regarding placements and the interaction with patients, which can be stressful – it can lead them to drop out of their studies.
Another key factor to emphasise is the importance of lifelong learning. Changes in treatment methods, as well as advances in technology, result in frequent updates, so continued professional development is mandatory. By giving the students pointers for research, a counsellor can help to ensure that their students build an awareness of the profession and have realistic expectations of it.
Building a strong personal statement
Start by brainstorming and mapping out ideas. Points to consider:
Students will need a detailed understanding of the role of an OT , the scope of the profession and how an OT might fit into a multidisciplinary team.
Show the universities how students have gained depth of experience, perhaps through volunteering or work experience and shadowing , or even by talking to a variety of people in different settings. It is also good to show how they have also furthered their understanding of the NHS core values and, if possible, where they have put these values into practice.
Soft skills are paramount , because an OT helps people, and empowers people to help themselves. The scope of the work extends also to mental health issues such as depression and dementia, and the job is very practical, so creativity and problem-solving are essential.
Students need to be caring and empathetic and genuinely want to help people to help themselves. OT s often deal with refugees and homeless people, as well as working to rehabilitate hospital patients after operations, and adapting people’s homes to their needs. Admissions tutors point out the importance of doing any form of voluntary work before applying , and strongly suggest that students experience speaking to a diverse range of people.
Students can also discuss interesting articles, blogs, videos or podcasts they have engaged with.
Good part-time jobs for potential OTs are shop work and bar or coffee-shop work, because they involve interacting with lots of people.
As OTs are often employed by the NHS, and students will work on placements as part of their course, students should consider how their personal values and attitudes are aligned with the NHS Constitution .
Preparing for interview
Interviews are required for OT courses at all UK universities. Here are some useful tips for your students:
Learn more about the OT profession , so you are confident talking about it. The profession itself involves working in both health and social care, and it is useful to read more about working in health .
Study the HCPC guidance on conduct and ethics for students .
Consider key questions , such as: what is occupational therapy and what does it mean to you?
Reflect on personal experiences of friends or family who have faced any types of disorders or disabilities.
You may be asked to watch a video and discuss it afterwards , or you may be given a scenario to work on in a group.
Think about your work experience : what you gained from it and how it has helped you to prepare for an OT course.
You may have a role-play activity involving a patient . Often, you will be tested on your communication skills and graded on how you approach the patient.
Research the university, the course and the placement opportunities , so you can talk about all of these, along with your motivation for entering the profession.
Be able to talk about specific clubs and societies you would like to join . Universities like to see how students will get involved in life beyond their course. It is also vital for health professionals to participate in other activities in order to relieve stress.
You should weave your knowledge about the OT profession and the NHS values into your answers . You should be prepared to answer questions on the challenges of the profession, some ethical issues, your personal strengths and weaknesses, how you deal with failure, how you cope with stress, your ability to reflect and listen to feedback, the positive and negative aspects of the NHS, your work or shadowing experience, as well as about the specific university and course.
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Start early!
Arrange a series of mock interviews tailored to the specific university. Arrange practice sessions with different members of staff the students don’t know well, so they get used to talking about their interests with a range of people.
For group scenarios, ask other students to help out, and assign them different characters to see how your student copes with a student who dominates the conversation or someone who says nothing. Discuss strategies for dealing with these group scenarios in your feedback.
Ensure that students are given positive and constructive feedback, so they can build their confidence and their interview skills.
If students are not native speakers, help them structure their answers in English and advise them on expressions to use (or avoid) .
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Occupational therapy personal statement example 3.
Who will be there to help you, when your life is turned upside down and you don't know how to carry on, what to do, or whether you can pick yourself up and start again?
Some of us, if we're lucky, have family and friends to hold our hands and guide us through the darkest, most difficult days of our lives. Others are lucky enough to have one or more health professionals, who are not just good at their jobs, but have passion and compassion; who care about their patients, and whose patient's care is of the utmost importance to them.
As a mother, daughter, wife, divorcee, partner and friend I am fortunate enough to have had support when I needed it and more importantly to have been able to give support to others who have needed it.
It's something which has always given me great pleasure - to be there for someone who needs me; to help, listen, advise, suggest ways of solving problems and positive action; encourage, nurture, teach and even to engage in activities with people at certain times in their lives to help motivate them.
Now that I have a second chance in life to study; to choose a vocation which I am passionate about - something rewarding, challenging, inspiring, enjoyable and most of all where I would be able to do good, help people empower themselves, change their lives - I know after months of research and talking to people that OT ticks every box.
When I was 17, I did work experience in a Foyer D'Handicapee in Epinal, France, with severely disabled teenagers and young adults. I found it immensely rewarding and enjoyable, although I later concentrated my studies on music.
Being a parent has meant that certain aspects of me have grown and developed; both in terms of bringing up my children and supporting other parents. In some ways this fuelled my interest in how the mind works, its development, and contributed to a bookshelf on the subject.
It has greatly increased my patience, intuition and creativity, and I believe I have always had very good communication, people and organisational skills, as well as a (highly necessary!) great sense of humour and positive approach to life.
I am a sympathetic listener, open-minded and tolerant of others lifestyles and I think that along with my problem-solving skills, and desire to help people, the range of activities which I am skilled at and enjoy would greatly aid me in helping people to rehabilitate themselves.
I enjoy listening to and playing music, creative writing, poetry, theatre and the arts - as well as being artistic myself (2 small children are a great licence to indulge all forms of art and craft!). I
am a great cook; enjoy DIY; keen on growing all things edible; I am IT literate and due to work and life adept at organising bills/expenses and general paperwork. I also love the outdoors and active pursuits, such as mountain-biking, paint-balling, riding the odd elephant and more - with a high degree of enthusiasm!
I've always been very sociable and made friends with people of all ages and walks of life; mainly due to my sense of humour, general affability and interest in others.
Of late it has given me pleasure to help my own friends by teaching one to drive, supporting friends with children by organising outings with them, and helping a friend who was very unhappy with her weight by motivating her to go biking/walking/to the gym with me and suggesting easy diet changes.
I have friends within this sector and talking to them has only strengthened my belief that this is something I very much want to do, and would be very good at - plus they seem to think I would make a great OT too!
I am a very determined person and extremely committed to doing this course. I believe that my past qualifications prove my academic capabilities and my life experience and disposition would make me an ideal candidate from a personal point of view. Unbeknownst to me, I have been a 'skilled helper' for most of my life, which I only found out recently through personal research and reading.
Profile info
This personal statement was written by andrealphus for application in 2007.
andrealphus's Comments
This was my personal statement to apply mid-August through clearing for an undergraduate degree as a mature student with 2 children. Hope it is of use to someone, as I found it very useful to read other peoples before having a go myself. I was offered a place at both the universities I rang on clearing day (Northampton and Derby)- possibly the few phonecalls I made to the heads of admissions (showing my commitment??!) prior to clearing day helped my cause! Good luck to everyone applying.
Related Personal Statements
Sat, 25/08/2007 - 10:45
I think this is a great start you have include ypur relevant skills,work experiences etc and these are especially what Universities look for...especially where you have mentioned the skills you have to offer to the career field. Well done...good luck!
Sat, 25/08/2007 - 10:47
I think this is a great start you have include your relevant skills,work experiences etc and these are especially what Universities look for...especially where you have mentioned the skills you have to offer to the career field. Well done...good luck!
Mon, 28/01/2008 - 17:37
This really helped with my personal statement but i'm just scared in case the parts i have used from yours is seen as plagiarism? Help!!
Mon, 18/02/2008 - 17:34
Thank you for sharing your statement with others! It has really helped me to see a real example and I feel I am more ready to write my own! Thanks!
this is brilliant
Sun, 14/09/2008 - 16:19
you definately sound like the character to fit the job!
I really agree with your
Fri, 24/10/2008 - 15:09
I really agree with your statement. I also wrote an article about how friends can help you through tough times. Have a look at my article on my blog 4burstbubbles.blogspot Leanne
u have still got alot of work
Fri, 12/12/2008 - 11:07
u have still got alot of work to do here havnt you!
Tue, 16/06/2009 - 19:00
I found your personal statment very familiar. I knew exactly where you were coming from having experience many of the same senarios. I am also not your typical student. I found your eassay touching and beyond helpful. thank you for creating something that got my creative juices flowing, I was really struggeling! again thanks!! and good luck =)
Found this the best and most
Tue, 27/10/2009 - 12:04
Found this the best and most interesting example so far.It really helped me layout my personal statement :) Not at all surprised you got into northampton and derby! Well done!
your statement is really good
Mon, 03/10/2011 - 12:55
your statement is really good. dont listen to those haters who dont have a clue about education or what they are talking about.
Tue, 04/10/2011 - 09:33
I am currently at school, applying to do occupational therapy for 2012. I found this very helpful as I did not have a clue how to write mine at all! Thank you for posting this. Also, don't listen to the haters, they obviously don't have a clue!!:)
Fri, 18/11/2011 - 21:03
Personally, i think this is an amazing personal statement im just about to write mine and this has inspired me. I wish you all the success in the future!
pretty amazing writing - you
Sun, 08/01/2012 - 06:38
pretty amazing writing - you've scared me now. Do they allow people with less amazing statements too?! ;)
great personal statement,well
Wed, 19/12/2012 - 21:50
great personal statement,well done
Mon, 28/07/2014 - 02:40
I cannot thank you enough for sharing your personal statement, it is very helpful to someone trying to write one hopefully as good as yours!
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Occupational Therapy Personal Statement Example 5. "All you have to do is know where you're going. The answers will come to you of their own accord.". - Earl Nightingale. For the longest time I wasn't sure where I was going. I was beginning the last year of my undergrad and was apprehensive about what do to next...
Personal Statement . Through my experiences observing Occupational Therapists in home care, hospital and private practice settings, I have witnessed individuals' frustration when asked to perform a task. At times, this frustration originated from the unfamiliarity with or aversion to the
We will break down the key elements of her statement and provide insights into what makes it effective. OT Personal Statement Example: A Filipino U.S. Army Veteran's Journey to Occupational Therapy. Background and Motivation. I am a Filipino woman, born and raised in the Philippines and now living in Las Vegas.
Through this personal statement, Studying BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, I hope to further my knowledge, clinical experience, values and professional strategies to be able to function effectively and autonomously in all spheres of occupational therapy. On completing this course, I hope to practice in a health centre or care environments ...
An exceptional personal statement for OT school will strengthen one of the facets of your application. This is an important piece to focus on ... These are my top tips for you to craft a great occupational therapy personal statement that will help you stand out from the large crowd of pre-OT applicants. ... 7 Best Jobs to Work in Occupational ...
Consider ending everything with the words "occupational therapist" (identity), e.g. "…be a successful occupational therapist" OR "occupational therapy", e.g. "… to pursue a career in occupational therapy". Examples. Here are some examples. All identifying information and some facts were fabricated for example sake. Example 1
Personal Statemen. -OTcolleges people . If I what have you were P. I dec figured ded to outmajor logical was way I began at occupational not to work therapy with University of Illinois as a Psychology major because it seemed. occupational for the therapist me (OT) and and began then I have been able to shadow I and found I immediately Shortly ...
An occupational therapist personal statement is a descriptive essay that shows recruiters and admissions board representatives who you are. They can affect how recruiters perceive you and your suitability for a job or course. Take the time to practice writing your personal statements, and remember to apply our tips. ...
I am looking forward to the challenges I will face at university, meeting new people, making a new start and to learning the skills that will eventually take me into an interesting and incredibly rewarding career in occupational therapy. This personal statement was written by coatmanwest for application in 2012. coatmanwest's Comments.
Occupational Therapy Personal Statement Example Sample Statement. Occupational Therapy is a highly rewarding career that allows you to meet a range of people from different backgrounds and get real job satisfaction. If you're planning on applying to study Occupational Therapy at university, and you're struggling with your personal statement ...
When writing your personal statement, begin by introducing yourself. Provide an overview of why you are interested in pursuing a career in occupational therapy. Use this section to explain what you have learned about the field and why you are passionate about it. Then, discuss your skills, experiences, qualities, and values that make you a good ...
As the healthcare industry evolves, Occupational therapists are being asked to take on leadership roles which include a greater understanding of the business of healthcare. My degree in healthcare administration and management has provided me with the assets needed to successfully take on these roles. 2018-6-23-1529723627.
This personal statement was written by otstudent for application in 2013. Degree Occupational Therapy at Oxford Brookes University. otstudent's Comments. Applied to: Northampton - Offer recieved Oxford Brookes - Offer accepted (I now attend) Derby - Offer recieved Canterbury - Offer recieved. Ratings. This personal statement is unrated. Related ...
OTCAS (Occupational Therapy): "Your Personal Statement should address why you selected OT as a career and how an Occupational Therapy degree relates to your immediate and long-term professional goals. Describe how your personal, educational, and professional background will help you achieve your goals." -No character limit specified.
OT Personal Statement. Hello! I am applying to OT schools this application cycle and would appreciate any feedback on my personal statement. I know it can be improved upon but I want to put it out there for a fresh set of eyes. I only have about 55 hours of observation hours so far and a 3.8 GPA. I take my GRE in August and feel behind on the ...
Occupational Therapy Personal Statement Example 2. For as long as I can remember, I have been brought up in a loving environment and encouraged to care for others. I have always been taught, 'treat others as you want to be treat yourself', no matter what I do in life. It has only been in the past 8 months that I have truly known what career ...
We start with an evaluation that focuses on discussing your personal health goals. This helps us set benchmarks to measure your progress. Next, we develop a customized rehabilitation plan to help you achieve your goals. Occupational therapy treatments are focused on re-training movement and self-care skills, providing adaptive equipment, and training in the use of energy conservation and work ...
Occupational therapy (OT) is a very interesting course, which comes under the umbrella of Allied Health Professions. ... Building a strong personal statement. Start by brainstorming and mapping out ideas. Points to consider: ... Good part-time jobs for potential OTs are shop work and bar or coffee-shop work, because they involve interacting ...
Occupational Therapy Practitioner (OTA or OT) Low Vision Works of Florida. Saint Petersburg, FL. $55,000 - $95,000 a year. Full-time. Monday to Friday + 2. Easily apply. Our Low Vision Works Certified program brings to bear the most innovative and clinically proven methods, and training to assist persons with low vision.
Browse 104 SAINT PETERSBURG, FL OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY jobs from companies (hiring now) with openings. Find job opportunities near you and apply! Skip to Job Postings. Jobs; Salaries; Messages; ... All titles Occupational Therapist (70) Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (53) Physical ...
Occupational Therapy Personal Statement Example 5. "All you have to do is know where you're going. The answers will come to you of their own accord.". - Earl Nightingale. For the longest time I wasn't sure where I was going. I was beginning the last year of my undergrad and was apprehensive about what do to next.
Quick Apply. 1d. Occupational Therapist PRN & COTA (FT,PT&PRN) Pinellas Point Nursing & Rehab Center —Saint Petersburg, FL3.1. Licensed in Occupational Therapy in the state of practice. As a *Certified* *Occupational Therapist Assistant with a pay rate up to 35.00 per hour*, you will…. Up to $50 an hour. Quick Apply.
Occupational Therapy Personal Statement Example 4. My life has been overshadowed with caring for people and a healthy living. Ever since I was a child my mother always instilled in me the importance of health and caring for my younger sisters and brothers. From a very young age I wanted to go into health care, as that is the one profession ...
Occupational Therapy Personal Statement Example 3 Some of us, if we're lucky, have family and friends to hold our hands and guide us through the darkest, most difficult days of our lives. Others are lucky enough to have one or more health professionals, who are not just good at their jobs, but have passion and compassion; who care about their ...