What is the difference between an occupational therapist and a physical therapist?

The primary difference between the two fields is that physical therapy helps patients cope with pain, increase range of motion, improve endurance, and develop gross motor skills; occupational therapy focuses more on how clients perform activities and roles that are most important to their daily lives, including …

Who does an occupational therapist work with?

Occupational therapists work with adults and children of all ages who have a wide range of conditions. Most commonly, they help those living with mental health illnesses, or physical or learning disabilities.

What is an occupational therapist considered?

Occupational therapists focus on adapting, modifying or changing daily activities that a person is required or wants to do. OTs might do this by altering the activity, altering the environment, or altering the skills of the person. At the person skill level, an OT might help patients improve their fine motor skills.

Is occupational therapist a doctor?

in prefix of my name after completion of Bachelor of Occupational Therapy? Not officially. You are not a doctor in the subject. You don’t have a PhD.

What is an example of occupational therapy?

For example, activities to build fine motor skills might include picking things up with tweezers. Exercises to improve gross motor skills might include jumping jacks or running an obstacle course. For someone who struggles with motor planning, therapists might work on daily routines like getting dressed.

What do occupational therapists treat?

Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.

Is occupational therapy a good course?

A career as an Occupational Therapist may well be one of the more challenging yet rewarding job profiles in the industry. … The career path of an occupational therapist comes with immense scope for career satisfaction as being able to make a difference in the lives of the patients and those in pain, can be life-changing.

What qualifications do you need to be an occupational therapist?

To become an occupational therapist, you’ll need a degree in occupational therapy, which usually takes three years full time or up to six years part time. In postgraduate studies, it’s possible to gain a Masters degree in one to two years.

Is occupational therapy a good career?

Summary: OT is a good career because it offers a flexible schedule, comfortable salary and the ability to choose where you work. … Occupational therapy is a good career choice for anyone who wants to get into the healthcare field and work directly with patients to make their lives easier.

Is Occupational Therapy hard to study?

The short answer is: YES, occupational therapy school is hard. … These programs want to ensure you’re equipped to competently and safely work in the healthcare field, so you’re going to have a good amount of science classes involved in any of these programs, along with challenging clinical/fieldwork rotations.

How many years do you have to go to school to be an occupational therapist?

This pathway would generally take 5 to 5 ½ years (3 years for the undergraduate degree and 2 to 2 ½ years for the master’s program). There may be prerequisite subjects that you must complete in your undergraduate course to be eligible to apply for a master’s program to become an Occupational Therapist.

What are the disadvantages of being an occupational therapist?

Few disadvantages are associated with being employed as an occupational therapist.
…
Challenges of Being an Occupational Therapist
  • The Medical Field is Emotionally Stressful. …
  • Occupational Therapy is a Physically Demanding Job. …
  • Institutional Barriers May Prevent Desired Results. …
  • Long Work Hours Are Common.

Do occupational therapists make good money?

The national average salary for occupational therapists is $84,331 per year. However, some individuals, depending on their location and years of experience, can make over $100,000 or less than $80,000 per year.

Is occupational therapist in demand?

Job Outlook

Employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 17 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Is occupational therapy harder than nursing?

Nursing is more difficult than Occupational Therapy (OT) since it entails dealing with sick and dying patients, working long hours, and working shifts. However, being a nurse provides more income and a broader choice of job options to increase earning potential.

Why should I become an occupational therapist?

Occupational therapy—a vibrant, growing profession—makes it possible for people to achieve independence and to enjoy life to its fullest. By choosing a career in occupational therapy, you will make a difference! You will be able to improve the lives of people, from newborns to the very old.

Where do occupational therapists get paid the most?

Best-Paying States for Occupational Therapists

The states and districts that pay Occupational Therapists the highest mean salary are Nevada ($111,270), California ($101,080), Arizona ($99,950), New Jersey ($98,750), and District of Columbia ($96,330).

What field of occupational therapy makes the most money?

Overall Highest Paid Occupational Therapy Positions
  • “Child Day Care Services” – $108,650.
  • Management of Companies and Enterprises – $101,540.
  • Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities – $93,870.
  • Nursing and Skilled Nursing Facilities – $90,660.
  • Home Health Services – $90,480.