A physical therapist focuses on balance, ambulation, and the lower extremity.

An occupational Therapist focuses on ADL’s (dressing, toileting, bathing, feeding, etc), IADL’s (driving, cooking, home management, etc), fine motor coord, upper body strength and safety in the home.

Depending on the setting and employees available, there is some overlap, in outpatient the PT could also be addressing upper body injuries. A PT or an OT can be a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). In Home Health the OT could also be addressing functional mobility and the use of a walker, etc…

To be a PT you now need a doctorate degree and to be an OT you need a masters degree. PT’s make a little bit more than OT’s but again this differs between settings.

PT tends to focus on many more body systems and includes more gross motor skills, walking, running, balance, etc.

Since you have to spend time observing to apply to either program, I suggest you spend time observing both…and in a variety of settings. Start by going to your local hospital and ask to serve as a volunteer in the clinic.