Occupational Therapy OT

| 16 January 2024

The data in this blog is for general informational purposes only and information presented was accurate as of the publication date.

Occupational Therapy vs. Physical Therapy

A USAHS occupational therapy student works with a patient.

If you’ve ever felt called to work in rehabilitative care, one thing is clear: you’re passionate about helping others. What may not be quite as clear is which form of patient therapy you should pursue—occupational therapy (OT) or physical therapy (PT).

Both physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) help patients improve their lives, but there is one essential difference: A physical therapist’s job is to help people improve their movement and manage pain after an injury, while an occupational therapist helps people with daily living skills.1,2

Explanation of the difference between occupational and physical therapists.

For example, a person recovering from knee surgery would see a physical therapist to help them regain range of motion and minimize pain related to bending the knee. Someone who has had a stroke would see an occupational therapist to relearn how to get dressed.

We break down the differences between physical and occupational therapy so you can choose the right path for you.

Table of Contents:

OT vs. PT: Other Differences

There are some additional differences between occupational and physical therapists beyond their job description.

Job Responsibilities

An occupational therapist has many job responsibilities. In general, you can expect to do the following2:

  • Review a patient’s medical history
  • Develop personalized treatment plans for patients
  • Help patients relearn daily living tasks or learn to do them in a new way
  • Demonstrate exercises and movements for patients
  • Conduct setting accessibility evaluations to identify how environments can be improved to help the patient
  • Counsel patients’ families about how to accommodate their needs
  • Recommend adaptive equipment and teach patients how to use it
  • Monitor patient progress over time

Breakdown of occupational and physical therapist job responsibilities.

A physical therapist’s job responsibilities are similar1:

  • Review a patient’s medical history
  • Observe patient movements and listen to them share their concerns to diagnose movement functions
  • Develop individualized treatment plans to address a patient’s movement issues
  • Design and demonstrate exercises, stretches, hands-on therapy and equipment to increase a patient’s mobility, ease pain and prevent further pain or injury
  • Monitor a patient’s progress toward goals
  • Counsel patients and families about recovery;
  • Teach patients to use adaptive equipment (canes, crutches, etc.) to improve mobility and decrease pain/li>

Both occupational and physical therapists work in nursing facilities, hospitals, office settings. K-12 schools and home healthcare.3,4,5 Physical therapists often work in residential care facilities or are self-employed.4

H3: Conditions Treated

Both occupational and physical therapists treat a wide range of conditions.

Conditions Occupational Therapists Treat2,6 Conditions Both Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists Treat 1,2,6,7,8 Conditions Physical Therapists Treat 1,7,8
  • Developmental disabilities
  • Mental health conditions
  • Drug or alcohol abuse
  • Depression
  • Trauma
  • Diabetes
  • Stroke
  • Bone fractures
  • Burns
  • Hand injuries
  • Spina bifida
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Developmental delays
  • Down syndrome
  • Arthritis
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Amputation
  • Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Stroke
  • Cancer
  • Sprains, strains and fractures
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Trigger finger and trigger thumb
  • Lymphedema
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Fall risk and balance issues
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Joint injuries
  • Obesity
  • Osteoporosis
  • Pelvic pain
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Post-operative rehabilitation
  • Spinal cord injuries and birth defects

A patient may receive treatment from an occupational therapist and physical therapist for the same condition.9 For example, a patient recovering from a stroke may see an occupational therapist for help dressing their upper body, while a physical therapist may help them regain core stability to prevent falls.

Education Requirements

The main difference between becoming an occupational therapist or a physical therapist is the type of degree and how long it will take you to become an OT or PT.

To become an occupational therapist, you’ll likely need to do the following:

  1. Earn a bachelor’s degree.10 Your bachelor’s may not need to be in a particular subject, but make sure you’ve completed the prerequisites required by your graduate program.11 (Note that some institutions, like the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS), may have an alternate pathway that allows you to skip this step if you have one year of full-time work experience as an occupational therapist assistant (OTA) and enroll in an OTA to MOT bridge program.)
  2. Complete observation hours and take the GRE (if required by your program).10 Some programs may require observation hours with a licensed occupational therapist and/or a GRE score for admission. (USAHS does not require either.)
  3. Earn an advanced degree.11 A Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) is an entry-level degree for occupational therapists. Or, you could earn a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), which prepares you more for leadership and research positions.12 The MOT takes about two years to completeTime to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, credits transferred and other factors., while the OTD takes about 2.7 years.Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, credits transferred and other factors.
  4. Pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.11 Every state requires a passing score on the NBCOT for licensure. Once you pass your exam, you are certified to practice as an occupational therapist.
  5. Get your license.11 All states require occupational therapists to be licensed, but requirements vary. In general, you can expect to submit to a background check and supply transcripts from your graduate program and your NBCOT score.10

Want to know more about our OT programs?

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To become a physical therapist, most people follow the steps below:

    1. Earn a bachelor’s degree.13 The exact subject isn’t critical, but earning your degree in one of the best undergraduate degree programs for physical therapists will minimize the additional prerequisite courses you’ll need to take before enrolling in your graduate program.
    2. Earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.13 Completing this entry-level degree for physical therapists typically takes 2.7 years.Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, credits transferred and other factors.
    3. Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).14 This exam evaluates your knowledge and skills related to physical therapy.
    4. Get your license.14 The requirements for licensure vary by state.

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Specialties and Certifications

If you want to deepen your knowledge in occupational or physical therapy after you earn your entry-level degree, you can continue your education with specialty certifications. There are 10 physical therapy specialties and more than 20 occupational therapy specialties to choose from.

Occupational Therapy Specialties
15,16
Physical Therapy Specialties17
  • Gerontology
  • Pediatrics
  • Physical Rehabilitation
  • Aquatic Therapeutic Exercise
  • Assistive Technology
  • Autism
  • Brain Injuries&
  • Clinical Anxiety Treatment
  • Diabetes
  • Hand Therapy
  • Hippotherapy
  • Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT)
  • Saebo
  • Seating and Mobility Specialist
  • Stroke Rehabilitation
  • Cardiovascular Pulmonary
  • Clinical Electrophysiology
  • Geriatrics
  • Neurology
  • Oncology
  • Orthopaedics
  • Pediatrics
  • Sports
  • Women’s Health
  • Wound Management

Criteria for earning certifications vary by specialty, so make sure to consult the relevant certification board.15,16,17

Salary and Job Outlook

Occupational therapy and physical therapy are both promising occupations. Both have median salaries above the national average of $63,795 and are growing faster than the average for all occupations. 18,19,20

Role Median Salary Job Outlook
Occupational Therapist $93,180
21
About 9,600 annual openings expected through 2032
19
Physical Therapist $97,720
22
About 13,900 annual openings expected through 2032
20

Whether you become an occupational or physical therapist should depend on what you want to do: help patients improve their movement or their ability to complete basic tasks.

Breakdown of occupational and physical therapist job responsibilities.

Occupational therapy is a good career with a substantial salary and a strong job outlook, as is physical therapy. Both roles are integral to a patient’s overall health and well-being, and you have the potential to change someone’s life for the better.

Prepare to Become an OT or PT at USAHS

If you’re considering a career in occupational or physical therapy, earn an advanced degree at USAHS.

Our occupational and physical therapy degree programs include blended learning for the perfect balance of convenience and hands-on experience. Our expert faculty-practitioners will help you navigate our interprofessional education programs that prepare you to work on a collaborative healthcare team. Practice your skills in our simulation labs with the latest state-of-the-art technology, one of the few in the country dedicated to rehabilitative science programs.

Reach out for more information about our programs, or apply today.

Sources:

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Physical Therapists: What Physical Therapists Do,” Occupational Outlook Handbook, last modified December 2023, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm#tab-2.
  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Occupational Therapists: What Occupational Therapists Do,” Occupational Outlook Handbook, last modified December 2023, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm#tab-2.
  3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Occupational Therapists: Work Environment,” Occupational Outlook Handbook, last modified December 2023, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm#tab-3.
  4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Physical Therapists: Work Environment,” Occupational Outlook Handbook, last modified December 2023, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm#tab-3.
  5. American Physical Therapy Association, “School-Based Physical Therapy,” American Physical Therapy Association, https://www.apta.org/your-practice/practice-models-and-settings/school-based-physical-therapy.
  6. Cleveland Clinic, “Occupational Therapist,” Cleveland Clinic, last modified January 2023, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24617-occupational-therapist.
  7. Cleveland Clinic, “Physical Therapist,” Cleveland Clinic, last modified January 2023, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24625-physical-therapist.
  8. Explore Health Careers, “Physical Therapist,” Explore Health Careers, https://explorehealthcareers.org/career/physical-therapy/physical-therapist/.
  9. Clarice Grote, “Can OT and PT Co-Treat in Acute Care?” Amplify OT, last modified May 2023, https://amplifyot.com/can-occupational-therapy-and-physical-therapy-co-treat-in-acute-care/.
  10. Nalea Ko, “How to Become an Occupational Therapist,” Best Colleges, last modified October 19, 2023, https://www.bestcolleges.com/healthcare/how-to-become-an-occupational-therapist/.
  11. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Occupational Therapists: How to Become an Occupational Therapist,” Occupational Outlook Handbook, last modified December 2023, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm#tab-4.;
  12. USAHS, “Comparing the MOT vs. OTD Degrees,” USAHS, last modified February 2023, https://www.usa.edu/blog/mot-vs-otd/ .
  13. American Physical Therapy Association, “Becoming a PT,” American Physical Therapy Association, https://www.apta.org/your-career/careers-in-physical-therapy/becoming-a-pt.
  14. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Physical Therapists: How to Become a Physical Therapist,” Occupational Outlook Handbook, last modified December 2023, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm#tab-4.
  15. American Occupational Therapy Association, “AOTA’s Advanced Certification Program,” American Occupational Therapy Association, https://www.aota.org/career/advanced-certification-program.
  16. USAHS, “20+ Occupational Therapy Specialties to Advance Your Career,” USAHS, last modified July 2022, https://www.usa.edu/blog/occupational-therapy-specialties/.
  17. American Physical Therapy Association, “Become an ABPTS-Certified Specialist,” American Physical Therapy Association, https://specialization.apta.org/become-a-specialist.
  18. Social Security Administration, “National Average Wage Index,” Social Security Administration, https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/AWI.html.
  19. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Occupational Therapists: Job Outlook,” Occupational Outlook Handbook, last modified December 2023, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm#tab-6.
  20. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Physical Therapists: Job Outlook,” Occupational Outlook Handbook, last modified December 2023, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm#tab-6.
  21. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Occupational Therapists: Pay,” Occupational Outlook Handbook, last modified December 2023, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm#tab-5.
  22. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Physical Therapists: Pay,” Occupational Outlook Handbook, last modified December 2023, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm#tab-5.

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