Tracey Said:

In Canada what is a better career Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy?

We Answered:

Both are challenging programs and tough to get into.

It depends what you are interested in.

PT is more having someone come to your clinic and you treat them. Ultrasound, exercises, physical manipulation, and other treatments. A PT needs to be fairly physically fit as they spend a lot of time on their feet and need to be able to manipulate people physically.

OT is a mix of visiting people in their work environment to help evaluate their situation and having people come to your office to discuss strategies on how to fix occupational injuries. OT is more a mix of prevention and treatment.

Take a look at what interests you. Both a good jobs, pay fairly well and will be in higher demand with ageing populations. Also, see if you can job shadow both for a day (or better a week). Many professionals would allow you to sit in on some treatments (as long as the client agrees) and then you could get a real sense of each job and you could ask questions.

Good luck!

Gwendolyn Said:

which is a better career, Physical Therapy Assistant, or Occupational Therapy Assistant??

We Answered:

Hello again Al! Please do not listen to these people. First of all, to be a Physical or Occupational Therapist now requires at least a Masters degree so it'll take way more than four years. Second, neither PTA or OTA are entry level careers. Both are licensed professions that can only be performed by individuals completing the required degree and sitting for a board exam. In my opinion, either would be a great choice. I initially wanted to do PTA but was told that Occupational Therapy was more fun. The truth is that Occupational Therapy allows for more creativity. Both careers will allow you to make a positive difference in the life of others. My husband is currently pursuing his PTA degree and I urged him to choose it over OTA because of the flexibility. The reason PTA has increased flexibility is because there currently more of a need for them in outpatient settings (which usually stay open later than most traditional settings). Anyhow, no matter which one you choose you are sure to be employed for years to come! Good Luck!

Shawn Said:

Are Physical and Occupational Therapy Assistant male-dominated profession?

We Answered:

They are largely dominated by females, but the slant isn't quite as much as, say, nursing. According to the APTA, most PTA affiliate members are female (78.5%) and 21.5% male.

For physical therapists (PTs), the percentage of males is 34.7%.

Arnold Said:

I have an MBA degree in Business. I think I want to change careers to physical therapy. Where would I start?

We Answered:

you need to get the pre reqs. You can do this at a cc.

Generally these are

1 year of gen chem, 1 year of gen bio, 1 year of gen chem, and A and P

You also need but probably have--math potentially up to calc, psy, and stats.

You need a gpa of about a 3.5.

www.apta.org

Patrick Said:

Is a foreign language major beneficial if I am pre-physical therapy?

We Answered:

It really depends on where you are. Do you live on the east or west coasts? Oriental or middle eastern languages may help. Spanish is always prevalant everywhere. French is useful near the US-Canadian border. I'd go with Spanish since it's the second most used language in the US (this is all assuming you live in the US.)

Also, I think getting a degree in exercise science is still a good idea. Like you said having a degree in a foreign language is beneficial for many careers. You can't always make a career out of foreign langauge, but having fluency in a language helps your career (as a physical therapist). You still need the PT degree so you might as well take some language classes while you're in school and become fluent in that language.

Francisco Said:

What things does a physical therapist need to know?

We Answered:

Well I am a physical therapist major so I can help you here!! Well we basically have to help patients with their mobility. Sometimes they get into accidents and we help them recover or relieve pain. Why don't I give you a website to go and look for yourself!! It's www. texashotjobs.org Click on "Allied Health" and then on Physical Therapist!! It's an AWESOME Career choice!!! I think you would definitely love it!!!