Nancy Said:

Do Occupational/Physical Therapy ASSISTANTS have the opportunity to down the road become actual therapists??

We Answered:

Katie is right in that you will wind up taking more classes than if you went straight to PT or OT school in the first place. There is no credit given for classess taken as a PTA (although I can't speak for COTAs). There are two PTA to PT "bridge" programs in the US, but in reality, the only advantage it offers is that it allows one to complete the professional degree in a part time format...no real "credit" is given for the PTA classes. However, any PTA who goes back to school to complete a BS and the prereqs is eligible to apply to a PT program as long as the meet the minimum requirements...in otherwords, being a PTA previously does not preclude you from becoming a PT later.

PTAs have to start over like everyone else, complete a bachelor's degree or at least have enough credits and prerequs to answer the program.

Unfortunately, it is not an easy transition, but people do it every year.

Jesus Said:

Can an occupational therapist sign his/her name as doctor? is a person who learns bot equal to a doctor?

We Answered:

Doctors are people who help people so a occupation therapist count but they only help people to their best of their ability with problems and regular doctors help people with problems so yes you can sign your name as a doctor because your a doctor that help with people problems mentally and physically by talking to them. They are also equal to a doctor.

Kimberly Said:

Opportunities for work based training?

We Answered:

If you own a degree - or any alternative qualification - then you'll already be ahead of the bunch when it comes to hunting for vocations. My friend has a degree and he wasn't sure what direction to go with it, but he found some good tips on the site in the resource box below which guided him to settle that he wanted to be a lab assistant. There is loads of assistance on the site regarding alternative vocations.

Melvin Said:

Occupational Therapy Question: Need answers asap! HELP?

We Answered:

I'm not an OT, but my child receives OT. Ask someone in the Allied Health department in your school about this. Have you looked into being an OT, or are you desperately fishing for something to tell your dad? (I feel for you, but don't rush into another career path to placate him.)

I don't think you'll be able to earn as much as a doctor, but you will make a decent living. Using a link from MCG.edu's website (Allied Health dept), one company had an opening with a starting salary of $50k, and some OTs make $80k. Therapists work in the schools, at medical institutions, or for private companies, and the demand is sure to be great. There will be employees needing rehab after an injury, seniors recovering from stroke, and children needing to find ways to adapt the school environment to their abilities.

Melinda Said:

Is Occupational Therapy better than Physical Therapy?

We Answered:

In most settings I have worked in, OTs and PTs make a similar salary - sometimes, the PTs is a bit, not much, higher than OT. As far as opportunites, in my area (Northern Va) both PTs and OTs are highly needed and are able to get a pretty high salary because of the need. I have a friend who is an OT making $65/hour because this particular facility in Woodbridge, Va was so desperate. As far as which has the highest degree of difficulty, I think they are the same. Schooling is the same length, as far as I know - at least it was I the school I went to.