Career change into O&P

Career change into O&P

Karen Linehan

4/4/2011

Hello,



I would love to get people’s opinions and thoughts about entering into the O
&P field as a career change, rather than straight out of college. I am
currently thinking of a career change to O&P Clinician. I have already
started the pre-requisites to enter a Master’s program and have had one day
visit to a local office to talk to the people who worked there. I also plan
on more visits to make sure this is something I wish to pursue.



What are people’s thoughts on entering the field in your 40’s? If things go
as planned I will be in my late 40's when I graduate a program. Is it
realistic to be thinking of a career change into this field at my age? Would
you do make this leap knowing what you know? Is it a good idea to
transition into this field later in your working career?



I have seen several different web pages that give different salary ranges
for O & P practitioner. I live in the New England area of the United
States. I realize that salaries may be different in different areas of the
country, but what would be a reasonable salary to expect upon
graduation?…..after 2 years…after 5 years? I see discussions of salaries is
not appropriate on the listserv, so if this fits in with that guideline and
is not appropriate to ask on this listserv, which web page do you feel has
the most accurate information?



Do some schools have better reputations than others when it comes to their
O&P clinician program or are they all equal?


Thank you for your time and valuable input.

Karen Linehan
Possible future CPO