Which is better being a physical therapist assistant or occupational therapist assistant?
Asked by mead1973
This question is for the people who work in the field of physical therapy assistant or occupational therapy assistant. Which career pays more and have more job needs? Also, feel free to offer some insight to either career.

Best Answer:
Both have similar career outlooks and salaries. The American Physical Therapy Association revealed in survery that of 2005, most PTAs were earning between $30-40,000 a year (about 50%)...broadening the range by $10,000, about 75% of PTAs fall in this category...at $25,000-45,000 a year. (October 2005) The American Occupational Therapy Association didn't get quite as detailed, but puts median salary around $36,000. The needs will be similar...typcially, where you find a PTA, you will also find an COTA (although usually in smaller numbers) as the utilization of PT is higher than OT...yet, an OTA will have opportunities in a few other settings where PT is not typically found, including mental health, drivers and low vision programs. You really need to observe both to really make a decision.
PT
Answered by mistify

Occupational Therapy vs Physical Therapy Q. What is the difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy? A. By definition from the American Occupational Therapy Association, Occupational Therapy is skilled treatment that helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives. Services typically include customized treatment programs to improve one's ability to perform daily activities, and comprehensive home/job site evaluations with adaptation recommendations including adaptive equipment. Occupational therapists can work with seniors to help them regain their independence with dressing, bathing, home chores and recreational activities. Physical therapists spend their time focusing on the large motor groups that contribute to walking, reaching, standing and physical activities. They work on strength, balance, range of motion and swelling as well as pain to encourage independence. PT's and OT's work in tandem for the best outcome. Physical Therapist 25th%ile Median 75th%ile In United States $60,759 $65,466 $69,819 Median annual earnings of occupational therapist assistants were $38,430 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $31,970 and $44,390. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,880, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $52,700. Median annual earnings of occupational therapist assistants were $40,130 in offices of other health practitioners, which includes offices of occupational therapists.
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