Physical and Occupational Therapy Degrees

Due to illnesses, disorders and amputations, people can lose some of the functions and skills that require movement and motor coordination. In such cases physical and occupational therapists help patients re-acquire these functions. Physical therapy, also known as physiotherapy refers to the restoration and maintenance of functions affected by disease, through physical activities and methods such as exercise and massage. Injuries and disorders can be treated through physical therapy resulting in the reduction of pain, improvement in movement and restoration of gross motor functions. Occupational therapy refers to treatment based on the daily activities in an individual’s life despite any physical or mental disabilities that may exist. This kind of treatment helps those who have physical impairments to carry out self-care activities such as eating, bathing and dressing.

Top Physical and Occupational Therapy Programs

Physical and Occupational Therapy Degrees and Programs
Physical and occupational therapy are two fields which though different do overlap in areas as well. Occupational therapy focuses on improving the independence and life skills of an individual who may have lost certain abilities due to a physical impairment. Physical therapy focuses primarily on treating and preventing injuries. There are various programs being offered in the field of both physical and occupational therapy. These are available at all levels of education including Associate, Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees.

An Associate degree in physical or occupational therapy can lead to a career as an assistant to a therapist. In order to practice physical or occupational therapy, every state requires the therapist to have a Master’s degree in the field and be licensed. While some Bachelor programs may be available which focus solely on these subjects, most programs offered in the area are a combination of a Bachelor and a Master degree in physical or occupational therapy. Such a program is 5 to 6 years in duration.

Some degrees offered in the fields of physical and occupational therapy are:

• Occupational Therapy Aide certificate
• Master of Physical Therapy
• Doctor of Physical Therapy
• Master of Science in Advanced Occupational Therapy

All occupational therapy programs educate students at the basic and advanced levels of science. Courses offered include anatomy, physiology, biology and sociology. Students are also taught medical terminology, program development and intervention techniques. Physical therapy programs also cover these subjects as well as others such as biomechanics, physical therapy diagnostics and human growth and development.

Careers in Physical and Occupational Therapy
Physical and occupational therapists can work in a variety of settings including clinics, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities and more. With a degree in physical or occupational therapy, you can find a number of careers available to you depending on your level of educational qualifications. Some roles open to graduates include:

• Occupational therapist aide
• Occupational therapist assistant
• Occupational therapist
• Medical and healthcare manager
• Physical therapist assistant
• Physical therapist
• Chiropractor
• Recreational therapist

Physical and occupational therapists can earn between 50,000 to 80,000 US dollars depending on the level of education and experience.