Tips For New Ot Students

[OT2018]

Hello!

I'm just finishing up my first year of OT studies, and I wanted to share some tips on how I've managed the busy work load so far. Hopefully this is helpful for all the new students starting in September! I'm also available to answer any questions/curiosities regarding my first year at UBC OT.

 

http://www.newgradoccupationaltherapy.com/5-tips-for-student-success-in-ot-school/

[gOTeem]

Hey! 

 

I will be starting at UBC OT in the fall and have a few questions about the program. I have been looking at areas of specialization as an OT and Hand therapy is something that I am really interested in. I know my interest may change when I am in the program and exposed to other areas of OT and I am keeping an open mind but for now that is the direction I am headed. I am wondering what kind of emphasis is put on orthopaedics, splinting, MSK, etc? Are their any courses that involve manual therapy? 

 

Thank you for creating this thread and looking forward to meeting everyone

[OT2018]

Hi GOTeem!

 

Yes, we spent 2 full weeks on hands and making hand splints. You're expected to have a broad understanding of hand anatomy prior to the splinting module. Although most of anatomy is self directed learning, we received learning resources and equipment (an anatomy glove) to help us. Splinting was taught by a team of 5 hand therapists who are well known around Vancouver/BC and have tons of experience.

 

In terms of manual therapy, we learn to do manual muscle testing to see how much strength the pt has, but we're not actively providing manual therapy. Theoretical approaches regarding different manual therapies are also taught.

 

One of the courses introduces lots of common injuries seen by OT's, and includes a lot of ortho. If you do the readings, you'll definitely have a good understanding of lots of diagnoses.

 

For me, most of the hands on experience I've had on orthopaedics and MSK injuries is from fieldwork. I'm in an acute ortho floor right now and it's intense!

[gOTeem]

That's awesome, thanks for the reply. It's nice hearing the specifics of the program. I read through the curriculum but everything is very general. Cant wait to get started! I read through your blog and you give good advice! any more tips specific to UBC OT? 

[OT2018]

Yeah, I mentioned in the blog post about staying active and exercising. At UBC specifically, there's so many fun and active things to do before/after classes. Me and some classmates have been regularly going to the indoor climbing wall, some others have joined crossfit classes, rec sports, etc. I think those outings with classmates are super useful to destress and to get to know your classmates a bit more. UBC makes it easy to be involved in these sorts of things.

[Eian01]

Thanks OT2018, for the tips. They are really worth reading for the new students.