Occupational vs Physical Therapy

[@foxxysoftball21]

“This video is extremely helpful! I am a first-year college student and I am going into Occupational therapy. Occupational therapy is much less heard of than Physical therapy and when I started to get the question “what are you studying in college?” I would say Occupational therapy and I would always get “Oh…that’s cool!” then a pause and then “so what’s that?” I always had to stumble around come up with my own way of comparing the two and defining and OT’s job. But I love the way this video defines the two saying Occupational therapy is more specific activities and sensory abilities whereas, Physical therapy is more the person’s overall strength and mobility. Now I know exactly how I can compare the two when asked what the difference is!”

[@jakegillbert941]

I had sensory therapy and feeding therapy as a young child and my goal is to be an occupational therapist for infants and toddlers when I grow up

[@TherapyPlayground]

Glad to hear it Jake! OT is a great career, wishing you the best of luck, you can do it! :)

[@Thesensorybalance]

Your GOALS will come true if you put the work in Jake!

[@FM-oc2yv]

KEEP GOING!

[@jasminerivers2873]

I'm a massage therapist and lately have been feeling like massage wasn't enough for want I wanted to do for my patients so decided to look up OT and PT info your video was very clear but I still feel undecided on what I would like to do... good luck to future OTs and PTs!

[@TherapyPlayground]

Thanks Jasmine, and it's a tough decision, they're both really great careers! :)

[@MelisJoy]

Im in SAME boat as you! LMT for over 10 years & so torn between OT & PT. I see comment is 4 years old..What did you end up going with?

[@marielacandie]

Same here i mean it would be easier to go for PT just because we already do body work but I think OT is great because it’s specific

[@aiden.gardner]

@@MelisJoy Now it's four years later from my end 😆 I am trying to decide between LMT, PT, or OT to begin schooling! What did you end up deciding? Are you happy you ended up going that way?

[@mawita867]

I'm still very young and I'm researching different jobs, occupational therapy has really grasped my attention, and right now it's what I want as my future job.

[@marshamccormac1442]

Your explanations of the differences in the two therapies was very clear and easy to understand. Good work.

[@MedCarePediatric]

For those who are still confused with occupational and physical therapy, all you have to do is watch this informative video to be enlightened.

[@TherapyPlayground]

Medcare Pediatric Group Thank you!

[@rheamusiclover]

Great topic. Parents and school teachers ask me this question so often and I would like to take the opportunity to add to the information in this video. As a pediatric PT who has 30 years of experience, I would like to add that the PT profession has advanced significantly since the days of "traditional" PT where the therapist focused on overall strength, flexibility etc etc. We consider ourselves the "movement specialists", which means we address any disorder where movement is a concern. We have moved away from "therapist oriented goals" to "parent oriented goals". In simple language, we now need to show progress in a way that the child/parent feels the difference. We now know that it is not "automatic" that if a child is able to do something in the "clinic" he/she will be able to do it when they are engaged in a real life activity. eg if the child can ride the trike in the therapy room, it is not necessary that he/she will be able to ride the trike along with friends in the playground and/or indoor gym. We have progressed to treating children in their natural environments ( home, playground/classroom/recess/lunch room/school concerts/parades etc) and giving them opportunities to participate in activities that are routine for their typically developing peers. We motivate a child to engage in physical activity by "tricking" them by using "intentional play" to make "structural changes" and therefore "neuroplastic" changes in the brain . This has increased the confusion between the difference between a PT and OT, as both professionals focus on "functional activities" like play. However, our goals are different even though "our medium of instruction" is play. As PTs we "teach" the child "motor skills". Our goal is making the child independent in all movement related activities. As a PT, I think OTs are invaluable in their skills regarding daily activities like dressing, eating, hygiene( brushing, toileting etc), visual perceptual skill development and organizational skills amongst other things. PT's are invaluable in their ability to increase mobility skills thus increasing playground/recess skills along with ability to participate alongside with their peers during PE class ( instead of being pulled to the side and doing something seperate and different from the rest of their friends). Both NDT (Neuro Developmental Therapy) and SI ( Sensory Integration) are strategies used by BOTH professionals which increases the confusion between the differences between OT and PT. Having said that, I feel it finally depends on each therapists area of interest and learning pursuits and providing evidence based therapy. There is a considerable degree of overlap between the 2 professionals in the area of pediatrics and it is upto the consumer to find out the credentials and additional training and credentials of the therapists that they seek. Professionally- if you are thinking of choosing a profession between OT and PT and your interest lies more in pediatrics, then I would lean more towards OT as the "social validity" for pediatric OT services is more than PT (at this time). If you are a parent reading this comment- you are the best advocate for your child, ensure that your child's challenges are being addressed by therapy and dont settle for therapist oriented goals like addressing "sensory challenges" , "Increased strength". These goals should be tied in with the identified movement challenges that your child faces.eg Improve sensory processing/strength to increase ability to ride the trike with peers in the indoor gym with minimal/moderate assist from an adult.

[@pinchebaboso7003]

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[@MedCarePediatric]

Thank you for explaining what's the difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy!

[@TherapyPlayground]

Also, There are minimum levels of supervision that are required to be maintained - those are dictated by the state licensing board. The OT/PT would also write any progress notes, re-evaluations, or discharge summaries, when necessary. As far as settings that restrict OTA or PTAs, that varies from state to state and company to company. Some insurance companies don't allow assistants to bill for services, so locations may not hire assistants because of that constraint.

[@LIGHTOTS]

Thank you so much. I have been working in Brain Re-hab for almost 10 years. Thanks for giving me a better understanding. Byrdmann

[@TherapyPlayground]

Glad we could help!

[@TherapyPlayground]

You are correct; in settings where OTs and PTs work with assistants, the OT/PT is the one who evaluates and establishes the treatment plan. The OTA/PTA would be the one to carry out the treatment with the patient. As long as it is within your scope of practice and your state license allows it, most interventions are open for assistants to do. Daily treatment notes are co-signed by the OT/PT.

[@TherapyPlayground]

From one of our PTs: As an assistant, you would be limited to working in places that offer supervision of assistants and sometimes that can be hard to find in the pediatric speciality. And, yes, assistants are required to adhere to plans created by a therapist. I would recommend shadowing a therapist in the pediatric setting to help you make up your mind.

[@TherapyPlayground]

A PT and OT is a graduate level program at only select universities (such as East Carolina University or University of Washington for example). This requires an undergraduate degree and then applying to the specific graduate program. You should first decide what you would like to do and then research the universities which offer the program. Contact the colleges directly or through their website to help guide you in how to achieve the required prerequisites before applying. Good Luck!

[@charisturner1081]

I have been receiving occupational therapy sessions and speech and language therapy sessions in the therapy cabin.

[@TherapyPlayground]

Also, that's awesome that you are thinking about becoming a therapist. To be a PT or OT you must first have a four year degree. Then you will apply to either a PT or an OT program at a university. An OT degree is a two year masters and a PT degree is a three year doctorate. I would recommend that you spend sometime during your undergraduate years, shadowing therapists in both professions in lots of different settings (nursing homes, schools, outpatient, pediatrics, hospitals, etc.).

[@athena6653]

Great video and cute kid! I've been debating between occupational therapy and speech-language pathology and this provided some clarity for what it's like being an OT. Thanks!

[@TherapyPlayground]

+yellowdaisies45 Awesome and good luck with whichever you decide! We have OT, PT, and SLP at our clinic and they all love it. Check out some of our speech therapy videos if you'd like also.

[@deyadoretiffx3]

Thanks, for explaining what they both are. Now I understand much better. I can't decide which one I want to be, they both sound like good career choices.

[@staceythornton1417]

Megan and Jenny, Thank you for this video. Could either of you please direct me to resources to help me decide if studying OT or PT is right for me?

[@TherapyPlayground]

You're welcome, we're trying to post a few new videos each month!

[@anniecherry1373]

I'm going to be studying to be an OTA when I go to college this fall; any tips for me?

[@mollyskerbetz2264]

I am interested in becoming an OT! Do OTs generally work with other health professionals in order to get there ideas for their therapy techniques? Thank you!

[@TherapyPlayground]

Hey Molly, our OTs meet frequently to discuss different techniques, and they also collaborate with our PTs and Speech Therapists as well when it comes to co-treatments, because many of our patients receive multiple services.

[@malikmitchell3030]

I'm interested in this career I like working with people

[@TherapyPlayground]

You're welcome, and yes OTs rock!

[@valerievelez4158]

I'm a kid and I have both physical and occupational therapy.

[@dangelodaniels4836]

Hey, I really liked your video. I'm a freshmen in college and my goal is to become a Physical Therapists. Do you have any advice for me, like what should I really put my focus into for Physical Therapy.

[@Caine61]

Start shadowing various fields of PT such as orthopedic, geriatric, pediatric, acute care, etc. and see 1. If PT really is something you want to do for the rest of your life and 2. Know what speciality you might want to pursue. And work very hard.

[@KevinEli77]

I liek both Physical and Occupational, shorter MA Occupational suits me the most

[@hamzasr6501]

micah is so cute !!!!!!!

[@brianh1475]

Would you say one therapy modality is in more demand or has less competition to get in to a program? I think I would be fine doing either but the 4 year degrees I have access to are worthless paper without grad school (BS in Nutrition, or a 3+2 BS/MS if I do OT) and I really need to maximize my chances here because I only get one shot. Also, any panel interview tips? I'm a good student and very diligent but I have always struggled to interview well.

[@ariessun2816]

great video. thanks for sharing. the little guy is adorable!

[@kareen_r1396]

Would kinesiology be a great major to be a OT and PT?

[@sarafarias8504]

Hi I am a kinesiology exercise science major about to graduate.I was looking to get into a masters program for O.T but I am afraid of doing it because if I get a masters I will have to boss/manage myself around so maybe I should go in for an occupational therapy assistant instead?Also I like to travel so if I get into a healthfield like O.T I am worried that I wont be able to enjoy a different country once every year!So I am debating whether to work in a school as a pe teacher or set my mind in occupational therapy.Any advice?Sincerely Sara

[@deeannahui]

Sara Farias You can be an international therapist! There's a lot of programs out there that have good compensation and accommodation. Healthcare is needed everywhere, first world or third world, especially when baby boomers are aging out! Because in some places, this field is just not a popular option for career or education, but in reality they need the service. I am looking to become an international volunteer therapist myself after I finish my school. Different non-profit/ profit organizations are looking for people in the healthcare field! All help is appreciated as not many people like to travel. There's seriously a lot of outlets to do so, you just need to search, search, and search .

[@sarafarias8504]

Wow amazing!Thank you:)

[@anaheim1995]

This was a very helpful video. I am currently at a community college, and i;m working on getting my Associates in Science. Then I would like to transfer to a university. Would that be what I would have to do?

[@jordannnsmith1]

I am in between OTA/OT/PTA/PT. I absolutely want to work with children in the setting you guys are in (ball pits, rock walls, shaving creme alphabet...). I was wondering what limits are placed on assistants? Are there certain therapies I couldn't preform or places that I couldn't work, if I was an assistant? It was my understanding that the OT's and PT's are the ones who write the plan and the PTA/OTA's are the ones who carry out the plan, is that correct? Thank you!! :)

[@amylou97]

i would really like to be an ocupational therapist. thanks for the video :)

[@andrewmunoz2]

Would receiving a bachelors in nutrition beneficial towards OT? Or should I major in Health Science?

[@sarafarias8504]

Andrew Munoz I dont suggest majoring in nutrition my sister graduated with that bachelors degree in 2011 and still does not have a job related to it.If you are interested in going for O.T the health science major is more related to it.If I were to go back and start my college years ago I would have double majored in child development with kinesiology.There is nowhere to go wrong with a bachelors degree as long you keep up that 3.3 g.p.a to get into grad school

[@isasmith3981]

For the longest time I wanted to be an OT because I really love working with special need kids and I though they worked with them more. Now that I know PT does too j do t know what I want. I so conflicted!

[@captaineric5276]

Bellbeauty485 PT is a little more harder than OT because in undergraduate studies, Pre PT students have to take some major science courses like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Anatomy. As far as OT, anyone who has a degree in their field of study can go into OT school since it's only a master program while PT school is a doctorate program. But that's just my school.

[@JKing-mv6rf]

How would you compare schooling? Is OT longer than PT school?

[@punky298705]

PT school is longer, because it requires a Doctorate degree vs the Masters for OT. I believe on average its an extra year.

[@captaineric5276]

PT school is longer. Not only that, Pre-Physical Therapy majors have to take harder science courses than OT majors because they are required to take a sequence in General Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Since PT is a doctors degree, they would make about $4,000-$6,000 more than OT.

[@iammenaaa]

Very informative video Thank you

[@TherapyPlayground]

Glad you liked it, thanks for watching! :)

[@Rabiha1008]

can a special ed teacher make a career change to ot if she has an undergrad in education and Psychology? or does it have to be a science undergrad?

[@anthonyfoster4015]

rabiha sabir generally, OTs and PTs alike both have their own graduate school courses, and the people that apply to these schools have all types of majors (biology, education, art, etc). You would probably need to complete the pre-requisite classes needed for the application, and plenty of volunteer/shadowing hours.

[@ManuelALopez-wn3tx]

I would like to know how to job shadow a physical therapist

[@taytaybroadway1927]

I would love to be an OT!

[@itzfrenchi1662]

Jenny and/or Megan. Do you consider yourself Extroverted or Introverted?

[@indus444]

Is physical therapy the same as physiotherapy?

[@TherapyPlayground]

+Indu S I believe that Physiotherapy is the European/Australian term for Physical Therapy, so they are probably very similar but not exactly the same thing.

[@maribelduran6957]

Love physical therapy...

[@TherapyPlayground]

We love it too, it's a great career choice for a lot of people too!

[@pramodkumargouda9994]

yes I need

[@seemabenipal7741]

Thank you

[@JohnDoe-ef3nv]

What's the pay for each one?

[@TherapyPlayground]

Depends on the location and experience, but usually between about $50K and $80K or so. Both OT and PT are in the top 5 jobs according to Forbes.

[@JohnDoe-ef3nv]

Does PT generally pay better than OT?

[@TherapyPlayground]

Generally, yes. But OT is a great career as well. Then you have to decide if you want to work with adults or pediatrics. Adult therapy pays more but some people still prefer pediatrics.

[@JohnDoe-ef3nv]

Does an OT usually work in a hospital ? Is it hard to open up your own OT business?

[@TherapyPlayground]

OT/PT can work in a clinic (like ours), hospital, schools, or do home visits. And besides the therapy itself, the billing is complicated (in general) so you'd at least need a good biller in your business, and there is a lot to owning a business also.

[@kellyruddy6064]

I’ll ask my hospitalist

[@timelessnugget]

that kid is hilarious. hand me that toy so I can throw it on the ground!

[@DeepakKumar-qh6sp]

Good

[@michellewalton3116]

Me too 😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

[@fizioterapevt]

So they play with the kid.

[@captaineric5276]

Centaurus MEDical they don't just play with kids, but they also help rehabilitate young adults and senior citizens with disabilities or whatever case of health issues they have. It's a good career field with great salaries. They make $70k to $80k a year. And this type of career doesn't require taking hard science classes like Biomedical Science in college.

[@michellek5105]

Baby Alex doesn't go on big peanut