Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the FAQ page for pre-physical therapy and other allied health professions such as occupational therapy and physician assistant. If your question isn't answered here, please contact Kathy.Knutzen@wwu.edu.
What is the difference between a physical therapist, occupational therapist, and a physician assistant?
What do they do? |
Where do they practice? |
Educational requirements. |
|
Physical Therapy(source: APTA) |
Evaluate and treat people with health problems resulting from injury and disease. Assess joint motion, muscle strength and endurance, function of heat and lungs, and performance of activites required in daily living. | Hospitals, private offices, community health centers, industrial health centers, sports facilities, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health agencies, schools, colleges and universities. | D.P.T. from accredited education program (3 years). |
Occupational Therapy(source: AOTA) |
Assist individuals to regain function and independence in every day activities including areas of physical dysfunction, sensory integration, pain management, developmental disabilites, and worksite adaptations. | Traditional health care settings, skilled nursing facilities, schools, holistic health, ergonomics, disability accomadations, geriatrics. | Masters degree (2 years). |
Physician Assistant(source: AAPA and Duke Univ.) |
Work interdependently with physicians to provide diagnostic and therapeutic patient care in all medical specialities and settings. Take patient histories, perform physical exams, order laboratory and diagnostic studies, and develop patient treatment plans. In 42 states, they have the authority to write prescriptions. | Large clinics, hosptials, institutional settings,and nonclinical settings. | Bachelors or Masters degree (2-3 years) |
What major should I pursue if I am planning on applying to an allied health professional program?
Students can enter many of the allied health professions (PT, OT, PA, Nursing) from most any major. Some majors are more practical since they contain many or all of the prerequisites within the major. To gain entry in an allied health program, the basic requirements are the undergraduate degree, completion of a specific set of prerequisites for entry into the program and volunteer experience working with professionals in the field. Examples of majors that cover some or all of the prerequisites include: Bio-Anthropology, Biology, Community Health and Exercise and Sport Science/Pre-Physical Therapy.