Inspired by her own experiences with sports injuries as a child, Samantha S. found solace and strength in the care of her physical therapist. 

鈥淚 made a really great connection with my (physical therapist), and what I did with (physical therapy) helped me become a better person, both physically and mentally,鈥� she recalled. 

This connection aided her recovery and ignited her passion for helping others achieve their full potential. And at the heart of her studies at 国产主播鈥檚 Center for Graduate Studies in Los Angeles, Samantha has discovered a nurturing environment that fosters growth and support. 

鈥淭he first time I was here, I was really scared because I had no idea what the postgraduate life was going to bring,鈥� she admitted, but that fear quickly dissipated as she found herself embraced by a community that saw her as more than just a number. 

鈥淵ou鈥檙e literally a person here that could make a really big impact on somebody鈥檚 life, and being in a cohort full of 44 people, we’re going to be in the same classes. There’s no competition,鈥� she said, reflecting on her experience with the Doctor of Physical Therapy program faculty and her peers. 鈥淚 just love the overall community because we are here just to help every single one of us.鈥� 

Samantha鈥檚 dedication extends beyond the classroom. As a PT Movement Ambassador and an activities coordinator in the DPT student government, she plays a vital role in educating others about the diverse opportunities within the field of physical therapy. 

鈥淲e represent 国产主播, but we鈥檙e just representing PT as future physical therapists,鈥� she explained. 

Her involvement in community outreach, particularly in educating younger students about PT and occupational therapy, has been both challenging and rewarding. 

鈥淟earning how to communicate with children is a really hard skill鈥� but it鈥檚 a really good thing to learn,鈥� she said. 

Samantha鈥檚 ultimate goal is to specialize in pediatrics, where she hopes to bring joy and positivity to the lives of young patients. 

鈥淎s a physical therapy student, I hope to bring happiness,鈥� she added. 

Her passion for connecting with children and her desire to leave a lasting impact is evident in her every word. Samantha鈥檚 advice to future PT students is to take it 鈥渄ay by day鈥� and to prioritize their mental well-being. 

鈥淵ou鈥檙e learning,鈥� she said. 鈥淒on鈥檛 be too hard on yourself because, in the end, you鈥檙e becoming a great clinician.鈥� 

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Despite setbacks and rejections, Bria J.’s passion for physical therapy led her on a remarkable journey toward achieving her goal of being a physical therapist.

Bria experienced the fulfilling and impactful nature of the profession firsthand when she needed physical therapy for a patella dislocation as a freshman in college.

The compassionate treatment she received inspired her to provide the same level of support and motivation for others.

鈥淚 was surprised at how much my PT cared about me,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 like a regular doctor鈥檚 visit, and I wanted to be able to help people like that too.鈥�

Bria returned to the same clinic after completing her undergraduate degree, but this time as an aide. Patients frequently mistook her for a PT, she said, due to her dedication and enthusiasm for the field.

鈥淚 would tell them I was an aide,鈥� Bria said. 鈥淎nd they would ask when was I going to go to school to become a PT.鈥�

When Bria initially applied to doctoral physical therapy programs, she was turned down. Instead of giving up, she viewed the setbacks as opportunities for growth and reflection and used that time to enhance her academic standing and refine her application.

鈥淚 told myself, 鈥楾hey鈥檙e going to accept me now or later, but I鈥檓 getting in,鈥欌�� she said.

After finally receiving her acceptance letter from 国产主播’s DPT program, Bria said she felt a profound sense of validation and excitement.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been rewarding,鈥� Bria said. 鈥淵ou get to work with so many different people, not just in your rotations, but your classmates in general.鈥�

Now in her final year at WCU, Bria is excited to continue her personal growth and career development. Her advice to others is to never stop believing in yourself.  

鈥淚f you really want to do it, don鈥檛 give up,鈥� she said.

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If you鈥檙e considering a career in movement and mobility healthcare, it鈥檚 possible you鈥檙e torn between becoming an occupational therapist (OT) or a physical therapist (PT). It鈥檚 even possible that, early in your search for a degree program, you aren鈥檛 yet familiar with the differences between the two.

Both professions have a meaningful impact on patients that can significantly enhance quality of life. Both address movement and mobility of the body. But the particular objectives, methodologies and patient outcomes of OTs and PTs are distinct and designed around distinctive healthcare needs.

To better understand the difference between an OT and a PT, we鈥檝e provided an overview of each: what they do, what they study, and how to become one. Then we鈥檒l do a comparison between the two.

Let鈥檚 start with occupational therapists:

What Is an Occupational Therapist (OT)?

Occupational therapists (OTs) are skilled healthcare professionals who help patients with motor-function challenges gain greater autonomy in their daily lives, including at work, home, and school. They also treat developmentally disabled patients to help develop organizational and social coping skills.

In practice, OTs work with a wide range of populations who have permanent disabilities that affect movement and daily function, from patients with conditions such as cerebral palsy to older patients whose mobility has become limited with age. Often, this work involves educating and acclimating patients to the use of assistive and adaptive medical equipment and technology, like wheelchairs or eating devices.

In order to become a practicing OT, you must earn a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT). An MSOT course of study includes academic, clinical, and research coursework in topics that typically include occupational performance, evidence and technology, wellness interventions, and fieldwork.

You can also choose to go beyond the master鈥檚 level OT program to earn your Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD). An OTD program focuses on the integration of scholarly knowledge in professional practice, providing students with a deepened engagement with practice skills, innovation, occupational therapy and occupational science theory, and research.

For a more complete look at OT courses, you can view WCU鈥檚 curriculum and/or OTD curriculum.

Once you complete OT school, you must pass the Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR庐) exam and any additional state-required certification in order to begin licensed practice.

We invite you to read our dedicated Guide to Occupational Therapy, with more details on an occupational therapy degree, OT jobs and what they entail, MSOT/OTD specialties and more. If you鈥檙e eager to start your OT career, we invite you to .

What Is a Physical Therapist (PT)?

A licensed physical therapist is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). These professionals work with patients with injury, illness, or disability. DPTs evaluate, diagnose, develop treatment plans, and implement a course of treatment for each patient. Treatment is designed to rehabilitate or improve mobility, and sometimes to help manage pain. A course of treatment designed by a PT may include massage, exercises, water and light therapy, electrical stimulation, and more.

To begin practice as a physical therapist, you must first earn a DPT. This advanced degree includes academic, clinical, and research study in topics including biology, health science, psychology, physiology and athletic training. For a more comprehensive look at a DPT course of study, you can view WCU鈥檚 DPT curriculum.

Before they can begin licensed practice, DPT graduates are required to pass the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy and obtain any additional state- or specialty-required certification and licensure.

Check out our detailed DPT program page for additional insights or you can .

OT vs. PT Breakdown: Similarities and Differences

Now that we鈥檝e taken a look at these two meaningful professions separately, let鈥檚 talk about how they differ. In summary: An occupational therapist helps patients with mobility as it relates to tasks and daily activities, like eating and driving. A physical therapist, on the other hand, provides rehabilitative treatment to restore things like range of motion and strength.

Below we鈥檝e provided an at-a-glance look at some of the primary differences between an OT and a PT, both in education and profession:

A Snapshot of MSOT, OTD, and DPT Degrees

Explore WCU鈥檚 Programs for Aspiring OTs and PTs

Now that you know more about the career that awaits you as a physical therapist or occupational therapist, are you ready to choose the path that鈥檚 right for you? 国产主播 offers a Los Angeles MSOT program, OTD program, and DPT program at our Center for Graduate Studies. Enrollment is currently open for these programs.

WCU campuses are designed and equipped with industry-current facilities and simulations labs to prepare our students with hands-on practice in realistic educational healthcare environments and scenarios, educated by expert faculty.

Ready to take the next step? To begin your journey, call us at (866) 508-2684. We鈥檙e here to answer questions and help you understand your education options.

Frequently Asked Questions: Comparing Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy Careers

Q: How do the work environments differ for occupational therapists and physical therapists?

A: While there’s overlap, OTs and PTs often work in slightly different settings. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), both can work in hospitals, private practices, home healthcare, and nursing facilities. However, OTs are more likely to work in schools, while PTs have more opportunities for self-employment.

To learn more, check out the latest BLS on and.

Q: How do the educational requirements differ between OTs and PTs?

A: Occupational therapists typically need a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT), which takes about 24 months to complete. Physical therapists require a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), usually a 36-month program. For OTs interested in advanced practice, research, and leadership roles, OTD programs offer a doctoral-level education in 32 months.

Q: What are the licensing requirements for OTs and PTs?

A: Occupational therapists must pass the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT庐) Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR庐) exam. Physical therapists are required to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE庐). Both professions also need to meet any additional state-specific licensing requirements.

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