OT versus PT?

[TAD]

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Could someone please help explain the differences and possible pros and cons of each?

 

[dizzy88]

I have a close friend in OT right now (I'm in PT, just started). It seems like his course work focuses more on functional aspects of the human body, or "occupation." They get the same basics of anatomy, neuroanatomy that PT's get, but the rest of their courses seem to analyze daily tasks. What goes into the action of writing, typing, lifting objects, etc.

So, in a clinical setting (this is more so what I've observed in various places I've worked in) it seems like OT's are more concerned with how do we get this person brushing their teeth, putting their socks on, taking care of their home etc. etc. now that they are injured. Whereas PT's work on the biomechanics of the body to get them BACK into doing those things by themselves by assisting with healing of the injury (strengthening, stretching, manipulations, etc).

 

[TAD]

Thanks for the reply. Do you happen to also know what the job prospects are like for PT/OT. I'm really interested in working more with children and possibly opening my own clinic. Does one or the other better cater to my goals?

Thanks!

 

[jess818]

dizzy gave an excellent explanation. both are very much in demand and while they are both similar they are also very different.

pts and ots both work with children. i'll just throw out a random and simple example. say you are treating a child with a broken arm. if you were a pt, you would work on strengthening his arm through exercise. if you were an ot however, you might work on things like getting dressed, writing, eating, and anything else children do. OTs also seem to work in more school settings than pts but i'm sure some pts do.

it really depends what you actually want to do with the children. either therapist can specialize in pediatrics. as far as opening your own clinic, i don't see why either therapist couldn't do so provided they have the proper resources.

 

[dizzy88]

Jobs for both are out there. All I can say though, is that PT's who want to work in pediatrics need a STRONG resume. All of my mentors have told me that if I'm interested in peds, that I need to start building my experience now. There's no required peds internship in our program, so I would need to request them. If I do request them, there's a whole application and interview process to work in the Children's Hospital associated with our university. So, it's a big deal.

As far as opening your own clinic, that's a tough one. My boss has his own private practice and I get to see the gritty details of it. The big one is referrals. You need to know doctors who are willing to send their patients to you. That's difficult with all the physician-owned groups out there. They all have their own PT's they refer to. Getting contracted with insurances is a big pain as well. It's definitely rewarding though. My boss loves having autonomy, setting up his treatment with is own philosophy, etc.

Maybe start looking into job shadows in a pediatric hospital in your area. I can only speak for what I see around my area...might be totally different resources around you!

 

[hipnotic88]

shadow both and that will solidify your decision