Therapy Forums

Hi, I'm considering OTA vs PTA career. Which is better? And what makes one better than the other? Thanks, really appreciate your insights

Occupational therapy and physical therapy seem to be the same thing, and people often get confused with their meanings.

Physical Therapy Services include activities that address:

* Mobility
* Transitional movements
* Posture

Occupational Therapy Services include activities that address:

* Activities of Daily Living
o Feeding and eating skills
o Dressing skills
o Hygiene skills
o Domestic living skills
* Educational and Work Activities
o Fine motor/visual motor
o Functional communication; handwriting, computer use
o Positioning
o Pre-vocational tasks
o Socialization skills
o Play and Leisure Activities

Even though OT and PT require similar training, the key difference is that OT needs more training in oral and hand skill interventions, while PT needs more postural and gross motor development training. In order to start practicing either of them, the therapist should have received a Bachelor's or Master's degree in their respective fields.

To add more info to the following posts: OT has more background in the psych areas and PT more specific in neuro. Both disciplines are able to do work on upper and lower body. It depends on the setting and area you are practicing. Per Medicare the OT can work on balance related to ADL's if the patient isn't receiving PT. Gets a little crazy, but u will understand better once you have some experience. Good Luck!! I've been a COTA for 11 years and own my practice.