Physiotherapy or occupational therapy?

[Appuskidu]

Doesn’t anyone have any experience with either of these degrees or careers?

DD has shown an interest in being an OT but at a recent career talk at school by a physio, they really talked it down against physiotherapy which has put her off! It sounds like the physio was really quite dismissive of an OT degree and told her not to bother!

Is there anyone who can give us a bit of an outline of the training/what the job entails? Salary? Is there much chance for career progression?

[Appuskidu]

Does, not doesn’t!

[52isjustanumber]

I am an OT but a very long in the tooth one!
OT and Physio compliment each other as disciplines , often working very closely together in Therapy teams.
Study at university often overlaps with joint lectures but also their own training as well.
OT's are dual trained in that they complete physical and mental health placements. There tend to be less Physio jobs in mental health in the NHS now.
In the NHS they are both on the same payscale and bandings. Opportunities for progression are there but it depends on higher grade vacancies.
OT's are branching out into less traditional NHS type jobs and there is lots of focus on this.
Both offer the opportunity to specialise in different types of health, age groups, settings.
Not certain but grades to get into physio may be higher.
Am very disappointed that the physio was not complimentary about OT, yhat is not very professional.

[52isjustanumber]

Have a look at the BAOT website for more info on training and careers

[abilockhart]

In the NHS, both on the same payscale as a previous poster stated. My own impressions is that occupational therapists may even have better career prospects than physiotherapists within the NHS and it could be argued that occupational therapists tend to be more highly regarded, if anything. In saying that, physiotherapists do have more opportunities for private practice.

However, it's important to understand what occupational therapy entails as not everyone is suitable to be an OT. Also, occupational therapy tends to be an overwhelmingly female profession.