Occupational therapy or special education?

Should I major in special education ? ?

• Im in high school right now but I want to get a bachelors in special education And work as a special Ed teacher while I get my masters in occupational therapy and become an occupational therapist ., I like the idea of helping people better themselves and I want to give the students an opportunity to learn . I know that it won't be easy but I like the idea of teaching kids with disabilities something new and helping them, and figuring out ways to help each student learn something .... I chose special Ed because I honestly don't like any other major like history , English. Philosophy and etc...I like helping people but I don't want to be a nurse. They don't have an occupational therapy major only a pre- program but I don't want to do that and special Ed is the only one that I like for an undergrad degree

• Answer:

  Special Ed is a great starting point for acquiring for Masters degree in OT. Having experience working with children living with developmental disabilities will surely help as you enter the field, when you go into your pediatric placement, your NBCOT, and if you choose later on to pursue pediatrics in your practice as an OT. OTs can work in many areas such as the school system, private practice, hospital pediatric units, outpatient with children, and neonatal; so having that experience is definitely important. If you choose to be a Special education teacher, that background will help you with IEP, as both Special Ed teachers and OTs are involved in IEP Team. Also its a good idea to get that BS degree in Spec Ed, that way, you always have something to fall back on in case you choose not to pursue the MOT degree. Meet with your HS counselor/advisor and ask if they could set up something for you to meet with an OT intent advisor with the univeristy during your senior year of HS. Universities have different OT programs and if you choose to get your Special Ed degree and go for your Master's degree later on, it will take about 7-8 years.. If you choose to pursue MOT without getting your BS in Special Ed, there are 3+2 programs available that will allow you to get your MOT in 5 1/2 years. You will have a Bachelors in Biology instead.