MSc OT Canada

[bestknightmare]

I am currently a MSc OT student in Canada. But I've always wanted a doctorate creditial.

First I would like to ask, does a MSc OT have equivalent creditial in the US as OTD?

in terms of roles and practice, what is the difference between OTD and one with a Masters degree?

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[exrx]

I am currently a MSc OT student in Canada. But I've always wanted a doctorate creditial.

First I would like to ask, does a MSc OT have equivalent creditial in the US as OTD?

in terms of roles and practice, what is the difference between OTD and one with a Masters degree?

I'll try and give this a go:

Not to insult your intelligence (I'm sure you know) but a terminal degree is one that is granted in a field/industry in which it is widely accepted as the highest degree attainable (therein may lie the main difference between Canada-MSc and US-OTD). Even though a PhD is ultimately the highest ranked "research" degree, (which is also considered terminal) clinical/professional degrees may also be considered terminal. Thus an OTD and PhD are considered equal although one is clinical in nature and the latter research-based.

I'm guessing in Canada the MSc is considered terminal even though you can earn a PhD. However, in the US the OTD is now the standard for a terminal degree of a clinical nature. So, I suppose you could make an argument that a Canadian MSc is terminal and would be equivalent to the US. But OTD's may have more coursework/clinicals than a Canadian MSc.

As far as I know, I don't think there are any definitive contrasts in roles or practice of an OT as of yet.

 

[bestknightmare]

I'll try and give this a go:

Not to insult your intelligence (I'm sure you know) but a terminal degree is one that is granted in a field/industry in which it is widely accepted as the highest degree attainable (therein may lie the main difference between Canada-MSc and US-OTD). Even though a PhD is ultimately the highest ranked "research" degree, (which is also considered terminal) clinical/professional degrees may also be considered terminal. Thus an OTD and PhD are considered equal although one is clinical in nature and the latter research-based.

I'm guessing in Canada the MSc is considered terminal even though you can earn a PhD. However, in the US the OTD is now the standard for a terminal degree of a clinical nature. So, I suppose you could make an argument that a Canadian MSc is terminal and would be equivalent to the US. But OTD's may have more coursework/clinicals than a Canadian MSc.

As far as I know, I don't think there are any definitive contrasts in roles or practice of an OT as of yet.

So what does a typical OTD program entail? I am definitely interested in pursuing this some time down the road to be a Doctor.

 

[exrx]

So what does a typical OTD program entail? I am definitely interested in pursuing this some time down the road to be a Doctor.

Just go to the AOTA website to find out. There are only a handful of entry-level OTD programs which I think will be the standard in the near future. There are however, several postprofessional OTD programs available in various formats. It's all on the AOTA website.

 

[superCOTA]

What do you think you can offer to a patient that you couldn't if you did not have the doctorate?

 

[bestknightmare]

What do you think you can offer to a patient that you couldn't if you did not have the doctorate?

Well for sure, legislation is different across the border. In Canada, the terminal OT degree is only a Master and we have set techniques we can and cant do. I am not familiar with the OTD degree and what they are able to do. So I wouldn't know where to begin answering that question without knowing the range of opportunities first.

So far, I have been exposed to OT being certified as hand therapist, psychotherapist, acupuncturist, seating specialist, capacity assessor .... and much more.

Is there anything that a Masters cannot do but a OTD can do in the States?

 

[superCOTA]

Those certifications are available to OT's and DOT's but any licensed OT or assistant can do hand therapy, seating specialist, capacity assessor... the cert means they took more ed towards that end.


as for psychotherapist.... I dont know of a cert in mental health is available but we can provide it w/ any OT license. Even assistants.
Acupuncture is out at all times.. they have their own school ..

OTD and PHd in OT have no special entitlements as far as what they do when treating a patient. zip. (same thing for the DPT except possibly writing a script to start PT)

OT's can do acupuncure in Canada?


..so .. why do you want a D in front of your name?

 

[bestknightmare]

OT's can do acupuncure in Canada?


..so .. why do you want a D in front of your name?

Yes, they can use it for pain management, but not into depth and scope of a real acupuncturist

Well getting a D just sounds much more professional I suppose. if there isnt a difference in practice, then maybe it isnt worth while to get it