If you've ever wondered what it looks like to help someone rebuild their life after an injury or illness, physical and occupational therapy might be worth exploring.
Both careers focus on helping people recover, but each one takes a different approach and understanding that difference can help you figure out which path is right for you.
The Main Difference
Physical therapy centers on movement and pain. Occupational therapy centers on everyday activities and independence.
Physical Therapy (PT)
Physical therapists help people improve movement, strength, and mobility with the goal of reducing pain and helping the body move safely again.
For example, a physical therapist may help someone:
- Walk again after surgery
- Recover from a sports injury
- Regain strength and balance after a stroke
Physical therapists study how muscles, joints, and bones work together, including biomechanics, the science of how the body moves.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Occupational therapists help people get back to everyday activities, like dressing, cooking, working, and going to school.
They may help someone:
- Regain the use of their hands after an injury
- Adjust to life after a disability
- Keep up with daily routines while dealing with anxiety or other challenges
Occupational therapists look at both the physical and mental side of a person's health, including how their surroundings, habits, and emotions affect their ability to take care of themselves.
What It Takes to Start a PT or OT Career
Both careers require a graduate degree and a strong science background. After graduating, you'll need to pass a licensing exam before you can start working with patients.
The Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences degree is designed to prepare students for these kinds of graduate programs.
Courses That Give You a Head Start
Beyond your required coursework, BYU-Idaho offers several elective courses that can strengthen your application to PT or OT graduate programs.
- NUTR 110 – Introduction to Human Nutrition and Food Safety: Learn how nutrition supports health and recovery.
- PUBH 132 – Personal Health and Wellness: Build a foundation in healthy living and patient care basics.
- SOC 111 – Introduction to Sociology: Explore how social factors shape health outcomes.
To learn more about required or elective classes for each program, please visit the Health Professions Advising page or schedule an appointment with an advisor at (208) 496-9800.
Sources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Physical Therapists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Therapists
APTA: Careers in Physical Therapy