Are you still trying to decide whether you should become a physical therapist or an occupational therapist? Are you looking to further your career in one of the two fields? Learn the differences between the two professions and the steps you need to take to reach your career goals!

1. DPT (DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY)
• Typically a 3-year program
• 80 percent classroom/lab study
• 20 percent clinical experience
• Bachelor’s degree usually required
• Some programs offer entry directly
from high school
Popular Specializations
Educational Requirements
HOW TO BECOME A THERAPIST
Therapy careers are great opportunities! Are you still trying to
decide whether to become a physical therapist or an occupational
therapist? Learn the differences between the two professions, and
the steps you need to take to reach your career goals.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
• Earn a bachelor’s degree,
preferably in a relevant field such
as biology, health science
• Earn a master’s degree in a
program approved by the American
Occupational Therapy Association
(AOTA)
• Master’s programs usually take
two years
• 16 weeks of field work required in
addition to classroom/lab study
• Doctoral programs also available
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
• Eating and vision impairment
• Geriatric
• Mental health
• Mobility
• Pediatrics
• Physical rehabilitation
• Environmental modification
for the disabled
Licensing
PHYSICAL THERAPY
• Pass the National Physical Therapy
Exam (NPTE)
• Can retake exam no more than
three times per 12-month period
• Meet additional requirements of
your state board
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
• Pass the National Board for
Certification of Occupational
Therapy (NBCOT) exam
• Can retake exam after 45 days
• Additional requirements vary from
state to state
Average Pay Job Outlook
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
34%MEDIAN INCOME
$85,790
27%MEDIAN INCOME
$81,690
PHYSICAL THERAPY
EXPECTED
JOB GROWTH
FROM 2014 TO 2024
This infographic is brought to you by Progressus Therapy, the nation’s leader in
school-based therapy and early intervention programs and services for school
districts and communities across the country.
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
• Cardiovascular/pulmonary
• Clinical electrophysiology
• Geriatrics
• Neurology
• Orthopedics
• Pediatrics
• Sports physical therapy
• Women’s health
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PHYSICAL THERAPIST
• Consult with patients to
assess needs
• Develop and conduct treatment
plans to improve motion and mobility
• Teach patients how to do exercises
• Keep patient records
• Track patient progress
• Develop in-home treatment, fitness
and wellness plans
Typical Job Duties
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
• Test and evaluate patient
physical/mental abilities
• Develop, oversee and conduct
rehabilitation plans
• Keep patient records
• Track patient progress
• Recommend changes to patient
work and living environments
• Provide guidance for patient care
to families and caregivers
Becoming A Therapist:
PHYSICAL THERAPY
VS.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY