Looking into therapy as an occupation?

I've always thought that I would be a large animal vet as an adult, but coming into my junior year I'm just not so sure. I'm finally starting to realize the huge sums of money that would have to come from somewhere to become one, and just how prestigious the school I'd have to get into is. And after watching The Incredible Dr. Pol, I'm just not sure that I'm tall enough, strong enough, or...mentally tough enough for that sort of job. I'm only 4'11 and barely 90 lbs. I can't imagine me being able to pull a calf out of a cow or hold down a squealing 300lb pig.

God has recently begun opening my eyes to the world of therapy. I've always thoughts that therapy would be a very great, rewarding job to get into, but I never looked into it past that. I have worked as the head volunteer of a therapeudic riding facility for years, and I absolutely love working with the children there.

My question to you guys, is how do I get into that? My dream is that I be able to work as a therapist (PT or OT) for a while and begin saving up, and eventually become head therapist somewhere, and last- begin my own therapeudic riding facility. I have no idea how to go about that though, in terms of schooling, college, and what it would cost me/how long it would take. I don't even know what college I would need to go to at this point! So shoot me with whatever you know. Do you need certain certifications? Would I need extra schooling/certification to go from PT or OT to solely hippotherapy or therapeudic riding? What are your experiences with the job? Pros and cons? I'm all ears!

In my opinion your best bet is to get your PATH certification. And work on a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy and minor in Business Management. Unless you want to work with psychically disabled kids than maybe a degree in Psychical Therapy. You can check with your state licensing board to see what the requirements are for licensing.

I'd actually really like to do work with physically disabled children. I was told originally that I could major in PT and minor in OT so that I can work as a 'normal' therapist before getting established as a hippotherapist if need be, and so that I'd have a fallback. But I've also been told that PT and minoring in Business might be a good way to go, so I'm not sure.

What exactly is PATH?

Here is a link to their website.
Certifications | PATH International

I'm an OT. (Endiku - I've never heard of anyone "minoring" in OT! You can get an MOT and your DPT and become an entry level therapist in both fields, though.)

I really like my "day job" as I call it. It is very interesting, challenging, and offers lifelong learning opportunities. I choose to work at places that offer me the flexibility to also do the ranching and polo that I like.

I also agree you should get your PATH certification! I was going to try and get mine however I think in my heart I want to pursue a different path.

I know you'll be able to get it girl :)

The idea of minoring in OT was just from a college student, its possible that you can't even do that xD After becoming 'entry level' OT and PT, is it possible to continue your studies in one of them to become more 'advanced' so to speak?

I'm a little confused about PATH still, as well. Is it through a college like a degree, or is it 'just' a certification that you take classes in?

It's a certification, you can take online classes, but you will have to take the practical exam at one of their facilities.

And I wouln't/shouldn't get JUST that certification right? It would just be to help me as a hippotherapist, and I'd still need a degree as an OT?

There are different levels of the certification, many of the horse therapy programs require certification, to ensure that you know how to handle a horse and ride, and can assist your clients safely around the horse.