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unsure of whether I want to do occupational therapy or social work

so I’m 21 and currently in university. I’m doing a bachelors in sociology. I want to preferably work in the mental health sector in the future and I know that occupational therapists and social workers can work in that area. I know that there are mental health nurses too but I don’t have an interest in being one. I’m not sure whether I would prefer to be a social worker over an occupational therapist because both professions seem very interesting to me but I’m worried about potential burnout. I know that both areas are also quite broad though and you can go down different avenues. I’m just not sure. What do other people think?
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by lorelaigilmore
so I’m 21 and currently in university. I’m doing a bachelors in sociology. I want to preferably work in the mental health sector in the future and I know that occupational therapists and social workers can work in that area. I know that there are mental health nurses too but I don’t have an interest in being one. I’m not sure whether I would prefer to be a social worker over an occupational therapist because both professions seem very interesting to me but I’m worried about potential burnout. I know that both areas are also quite broad though and you can go down different avenues. I’m just not sure. What do other people think?


Try to get some shadowing experience with an OT in the sector to see if it is for you. You need to be certain as you will need to take an OT undergrad or pre-reg masters to work as an OT.

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