Give people a chance at a better tomorrow by becoming a physical or occupational therapist. Physical therapists deal with patients after serious accidents or illness to relieve pain and prevent disability. The task of occupational therapists is different. They are responsible for promoting the patient’s health and well-being through assisted physical activities. For patients who have permanent disability, the occupational therapists will help them use adaptive equipment.

The difference between the jobs of a physical and occupational therapists should be noted. The work will vary in many different ways. For instance, physical therapists will manipulate and exercise the patient’s muscles to improve range of motion, coordination, and strength. They can also include heat, cold, water, light, and traction in the treatment.

Occupational therapists mostly help in the everyday activities of the patient. They design exercise programs and help patients with cooking, eating, dressing, and walking. In many cases, they also modify the living space of the patient to help them maximize their abilities.

Online Degrees in Physical and Occupational Therapy

There are a variety of degree programs available for individuals who are interested in physical and occupational therapy. Degrees range of Bachelor’s Degree to PhD. Expect to take up subjects in biology and psychology. Understanding the elements of the human psyche and body is an important part of becoming good therapists.

Training will be done under the guidance of a registered therapist because field work and experience will help students grasp the practice better. Once you have completed the course, passing an exam is necessary to get a license. Physical and occupational therapists usually work in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers.

Career Outlook

The salary range of an Occupational Therapist is $51,000 to $74,000. Basically, their median salary is $60,500. Higher pay is attributed to location, degree, and level of experience. Meanwhile, the median salary of a Physical Therapist is around $66,000.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, growth in these fields is expected to the robust. This is due to the ageing population – baby boomers who are now retiring.