To get to this point, is a miracle in itself. While taking the test it took everything in me to not run out crying the timed 4 hour 200 question test was so nerve racking stressful. I left the testing center (Practically a jail in which they take your fingerprints, pat you down and make you raise your hand if you want to take off your jacket) my nerves were shot. I felt completely defeated and was positive I was going to end up homeless on the streets of Seattle ( a common negative place I go straight to when I feel I have failed) in my mind at the time, I had just wasted thousands and thousands of dollars, and years of my life.....my family was extremely supportive during these 4 days of torture and delirium waiting for my exam results and I would have never made it through without them. I received my results on a Thursday morning and remember waking up several times that night and morning wishing I could just go back to bed so I didn't have to find out my results. My classmate Rachel broke the news to me that morning via a text at 7:30am. I couldn't believe it. I checked my status over and over.....over and over. Honestly, until I received this piece of paper in the mail confirming I still couldn't believe it. It is such a big deal because although I received my degree in Occupational therapy from an accredited program, if I didn't pass, like so many people I had read about on Facebook attempting their 5th even 6th time, I could not do anything with my degree without passing this national exam. I feel extremely blessed to be able to overcome all the obstacles that I faced while in school, including 4 of my teachers quitting and having to move to Vegas to finish my requirements for graduation all the while going through some of the hardest trials of my life with Josh. We made it through. Here is a pic my mom insisted she take to post on Facebook of course. What would I do without my mom? I would have no documented accomplishments.
This piece of paper is by far more important than any other because without it I could not practice. (Sigh of relief) Finally, I can start doing what I love.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Occupational therapy. I am an "assistant" in the way a nurse "assists" a doctor. I treat patients independently of other professionals but collaborate with the occupational therapist on client status, progress ect. Occupational Therapy practioners help people of all ages to become/achieve independence when dysfunction, disability or delays in function that affects their daily life occurs. I can work in all different settings including hospitals, outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation units, pediatric clinics, skilled nursing facilities, schools, mental health facilities just to name a few. If your interested in learning more visit: http://www.aota.org/consumers.aspx
My first job as a therapist. Mosaic Children's Therapy in Bellevue, WA.
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