Historically, PT programs have been more difficult to get into than OT, but in the past few years the number of applicants to OT programs have literally grown exponentially. OT school is becoming increasingly harder to get into and will continue to do so, as it's being consistently ranked on "best jobs" and "growing fields" lists published nationwide (unfortunately the number of seats in schools do not appear to be growing with the job opportunities). Not to mention tons of people are making OT a second career with the downturning economy and poor job prospects for those with general bachelors degrees. While OT and PT are similar fields, you should really go with what you WANT to do for the rest of your life. If going into OT is "settling" for you because you didn't get into PT school the first time around, you might be unhappy in your career later down the road (not to mention have taken up a seat in a program someone who is really passionate about OT missed out on). My roommate considered applying to OT school if she didn't get into a PT program this year, but after she was accepted and she was able to retire her backup plan, she confessed that she really wouldn't have been happy with OT and would have regretted not trying again for PT. You have a few months before the apps open for both fields, so why not get out there and shadow an OT? You'll need documented observation hours if you decided to apply anyway, and that real life exposure will allow you to figure out if it's something you actually want to pursue. Good luck!
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