Advice on my next move? Move on from OT?
I’m looking for some honest advice from people in healthcare/rehab fields.
I currently have —>
A.S. in Exercise Science
B.S. in Health Sciences
M.S. in Science (Occupational Therapy)
I completed my OT degree and fieldwork in Dec 2025, but I still need to pass the NBCOT exam for licensure. I have unsuccessfully taken the test multiple times. I plan to continue pursuing OT, but right now financially I thought I’d already be licensed by now, and upcoming student loans/bills are starting to stress me out as I live on my own.
I currently work as a therapy aide in inpatient rehab but that’s a minimum wage and I’m trying to figure out what healthcare jobs I could realistically pursue with my college background while continuing to study for the NBCOT behind the scenes.
OR
Are there OT-adjacent careers or healthcare roles where I could still make a solid living without currently having my OT license? I’ve been looking into things like discharge planning so I’m not just having my life on hold.
Would appreciate any honest advice from people!