However, the way they achieve these goals differs.

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What Conditions Are Teated by OTs and PTs?

Occupational therapists also work in mental health facilities, while some physical therapists work in fitness or sports facilities.

A healthcare provider stretching the arm of a teenage boy.

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What Is an Occupational Therapist?

Examples include:

What Is a Physical Therapist?

Physical therapists are also licensed healthcare providers.

They are movement experts who help people regain mobility and function after injury or illness.

PTs use a variety of treatments to reduce pain and improve mobility.

Examples include:

Which One Is Better?

When it comes to occupational and physical therapy, neither one is better than the other.

Occupational therapists must also be licensed to practice in their state.

Physical Therapy Specialties

Physical therapists also have opportunities to become specialists.

Many individuals can see an occupational or physical therapist without a referral from another healthcare providera process calleddirect access.

However, your state laws or individual insurance plans might require you to get a referral.

Both career paths require graduate degrees and licensing exams.

OTs and PTs have opportunities to become specialists in a variety of areas.

Occupational and physical therapists both attend graduate school.

OTs who obtain a master’s degree have the least amount of schooling needed.

There’s no way to determine whether OT or PT is prescribed more than the other.

There are also more outpatient clinics for physical therapy.

OTs often work in schools, hospitals, and nursing homes where they are less visible to the public.

American Occupational Therapy Association.Occupations & everyday activities.

American Physical Therapy Association.About physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.

Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education.School directory.

National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.Certification.

American Occupational Therapy Association.Licensure.

American Occupational Therapy Association.Specialty certified practitioners.

Hand Therapy Certification Commission.The CHT credential.

American Physical Therapy Association.Becoming a PT.

Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.About us.

American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.Become an ABPTS-certified specialist.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Physical therapists.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational therapists.