What is it like being an occupational therapist?

What are the pros and cons of being a physical therapist vs. an occupational therapist ?

• I have been told that many physical therapists wished they went into occupational therapy because of the more variety of fields they can enter. This led me to wonder about other pros ...show more

• Answer:

  I don't find this to be true at all. PTs and OTs probably work in all the same settings except for mental health (even then, you may find a few PTs who are working with those with both psychological and physical disorders). Both fields have similar pros: 1. some level of autonomy 2. design treatment programs 3. both very rewarding to see people meet goals 4. both are in demand 5. both have a sound salary 6. both can promote to managerial positions 7. both have areas of specialty/certification both have similar cons: 1. working occasional nights and weekends 2. can be physically demanding 3. may come into contact with body fluids Both are very similar except that PT may cover a wider range of body systems.