Aureus Medical discusses careers in healthcare: physical therapy vs. occupational therapy

Omaha, NE (January 4, 2016) - Healthcare jobs targeted at patient rehabilitation are rewarding careers with strong job outlooks. Healthcare staffing agency Aureus Medical Group provides and in-depth look at what you need to know about a career in physical or occupational therapy.

Physical therapy and occupational therapy are two routes within the patient rehabilitation realm that help people regain their independence in one capacity or another. While PTs and OTs may concurrently work toward similar goals, they have independent backgrounds and education that cater to specific patient needs.

In the most fundamental sense, PTs help patients with injuries or diseases regain, retain and promote mobility. OTs help patients with injuries or physical or cognitive impairments become more self-sufficient in their day-to-day lives, according to the American Physical Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association, respectively. St. Catherine University, in partnership with Genesis Rehab Services, explained the difference between the work of the two therapy types. PTs care for and try to heal the patient's physical impairment, while OTs address and care for the impairment in real life scenarios.

Physical therapyPTs strive for optimal physical function in patients who are injured or ill. Specifically, PTs help restore and improve movement through healing and strengthening exercises targeted at areas of need. The APTA said this specialized education enables PTs to perform in-depth diagnosis and create management and intervention plans in regard to physical and functional abilities at a higher level than other healthcare professionals. The education, work and practice of PT is rooted in science.

Daily duties for PTs include, but are not limited to:

• Diagnosing patients' weak areas of physical function through observation of and conversations with patients.
• Coordinating a care plan for patients to improve or overcome physical impairments.
• Employing exercises, stretches, equipment and hands-on therapy.
• Conducting reexaminations and modifying the course of action if needed.
• Establishing discharge plans.

If individuals want to pursue a career in PT, a doctor of physical therapy degree is required. A DPT typically spans three years after earning a bachelor's degree. Healthcare staffing agencies often offer scholarships or tuition reimbursement to aid in schooling costs. Aureus Medical Group has a tuition reimbursement program that awards up to $12,000 to potential PTs.

Read the full article for more on careers in physical therapy and occupational therapy.

About Aureus Medical Group:

Aureus Medical Group is a national leader in healthcare staffing specializing in the successful placement of Nursing, Advanced Practice, Cardiopulmonary, Diagnostic Imaging, Medical Laboratory, Neurodiagnostics, Radiation Oncology, and Rehabilitation Therapy professionals, as well as Physicians, in hospitals and medical facilities nationwide.  With more than 30 years of experience, Aureus Medical offers a full range of staffing options, including national contract (travel), local contract, and direct hire.  Aureus Medical is the largest affiliate of Omaha-based C&A Industries, a leading provider of human capital management solutions for more than 45 years.