Carolyn Said:

occupational therapy or physical therapy?

We Answered:

It depends on what you mean by "better." If you mean better job availability and salary, PT has a slight advantage.

While PTs do work with the lower extremities, the notion that "PTs work with the legs and OTs with the arms," just isn't really an accurate description. Myself, I see patients with all sorts of shoulder problems. Both PTs and OTs help patients restore function, but OTs are more concerned with restoring function with the "occupation of life"...things that require fine motor coordination or sensory perception. Whereas PT will help someone restore more gross functons...running walking, being able to sit at a computer without back pain, etc.

Regarding a doctoral degree. Most PT programs are already doctoral (DPT) and take 6-7 years to complete. Most OT programs are master's degree and take 5-6 years to complete...the field of OT is considering whether to move onto the DOT. The DPT is a an entry level doctoral degree. However, you can enter a post graduate PhD program in a number of settings: rehabilitation sciences, etc. PTs and OTs also have a number of post graduate clinical specialities and/or residencies available to them...one can be a clinical specialist in pediatrics, orthopedics, etc.

If you are considering MEDICAL school (ie, to be a pediatriction), the course work you take as an undergraduate for PT or OT school is usually not of the caliber that medical schools are looking for. You'll need to take more advanced biology and chemistry than what is required of PTs and OTs in order to be a competitive applicant to medical school. You can do this as you work on your undergraduate degree. This is where PT will have another slight advantage for you. Since PTs have to take a little more extensive science courses, you will have less "extra" classes to take if you plan on going to medical school someday. However, to go to PT school for 7 years and then go to medical school for another 4 years after that seems like an awfully long time to be in school. If your plan is really to go to med school, I'd do that right off the bat or at least obtain a BS degree that is more related to med school.

As far as "perks", I assume, you mean benefits. Benefits are pretty standard: health insurance, dental, paid time off, short term disability, work comp, 401K or 403B...

Misty Said:

Where can I find a CNA Program in Nashville, Tennessee?

We Answered:

TENNESSEE



TN Nurse Aide Registry

Cordell Hull Bldg, 1st floor

425 5th Ave North

Nashville, TN 37247

(615) 741-7670 or 532-5171

VRU: (615) 741-7670


You can also check into local community colleges, they always offer the course.