Considering a career in occupational therapy or nursing? Though it may not be immediately obvious, these fields overlap more than you might think. Both occupational therapists (OTs) and nurses work closely with patients across diverse healthcare settings, and their roles are more similar than they are different.
While the educational and certification paths to enter each career can vary, occupational therapists must graduate with a degree (such as a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy) from an accredited institution to be eligible for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification exam much in the same way that prospective nurses must graduate with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing to be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.
Since both professions play crucial roles in clinical settings, understanding their unique responsibilities and qualifications will help you make an informed decision as to which path could be the right fit for you. Keep reading to explore the overlaps in occupational therapy and nursing including responsibilities, educational requirements, and more.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy involves helping individuals of all ages with moving through day-to-day life. Most OT patients face challenges that affect their ability to care for themselves, work, or socialize with others. Therapies can range from play-based activities for children to adapting to assistive technologies and equipment like mobility aides.
There are a few different roles within occupational therapy, including occupational therapy aides, occupational therapy assistants, and occupational therapists.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, both occupational therapy assistants and occupational therapy aides assist occupational therapists with administering treatments and procedures to patients. OT aides generally require a high school diploma, while OT assistants require a minimum of an associate’s degree along with a state-issued license.
Occupational therapists, on the other hand, can perform the duties of both occupational therapy aides and assistants because they undergo more education and specialized training, typically through a master’s degree program. This allows them to develop treatment plans, evaluate patient progress, and provide comprehensive services independently of aides and assistants.
Occupational therapy aides and occupational therapy assistants work together to carry out the treatment plans that occupational therapists develop, making recovery a collaborative effort.
What is Nursing?
Much like the field of occupational therapy, there’s a wide range of paths you can take in the field of nursing. Nurses play a central role in patient care as they often serve as the primary point of contact for most patients.
Some common paths for nurses include certified nurse assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
Similar to occupational therapy aides and occupational therapy assistants, registered nurses work under the supervision of other nurse professionals, typically under a nurse practitioner. However, while both registered nurses and nurse practitioners work to oversee patient health and treat patient needs, only nurse practitioners can develop treatment plans and diagnose acute illnesses.
Nurses can also take on more advanced nursing roles by pursuing different specializations, such as adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP) or nurse leadership.
Occupational Therapy and Nursing: Job Roles and Education
On paper, occupational therapy and nursing may appear as distinct professions—both with their own unique responsibilities, educational requirements, and scope of practice. However, because occupational therapy centers around the care of others, it often overlaps with nursing through its shared emphasis on patient advocacy, emotional support, and teamwork.
The sections below outline the key aspects of each career to help give you a clear understanding of their responsibilities and educational requirements.
Job Responsibilities for Occupational Therapists
For occupational therapists, every aspect of their job is dedicated to helping patients regain the skills needed to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. As a result, they’re focused on a targeted niche in healthcare.
They work with individuals facing physical, mental, or emotional challenges due to injuries, illnesses, or disabilities. While they collaborate with doctors and other healthcare providers, occupational therapists take the lead in designing and guiding personalized treatment plans.
Here’s a closer look at what occupational therapists do:
- Evaluate patients to assess their needs and determine the best path to recovery.
- Empower patients to navigate daily challenges, from self-care to social reintegration.
- Develop personalized treatment plans focused on helping patients achieve specific goals.
- Guide patients through therapeutic activities to improve physical, cognitive, or emotional skills.
- Teach patients how to use adaptive equipment such as wheelchairs, grab bars, or hearing aids.
- Oversee occupational therapy assistants and aides to ensure treatment plans are properly carried out.
- Educate family members and caregivers on strategies to support the patient’s recovery and promote independence.
Job Responsibilities for Nurses
Nurses are healthcare professionals who provide direct patient care, monitor health conditions, and make sure that treatments are carried out safely and correctly. They typically work across a large variety of healthcare settings, and their responsibilities can vary depending on not only their educational background but also the department in which they work.
Similar to occupational therapists, they collaborate with teams to deliver exceptional care and ensure the well-being of their patients.
Here’s a closer look at a few of the responsibilities of registered nurses:
- Perform diagnostic tests and assist with interpreting results to guide treatment decisions.
- Provide emotional support to patients and families during challenging or stressful situations.
- Monitor patient health and record symptoms to track changes and report concerns to the care team.
- Record and maintain medical histories to ensure accurate and up-to-date documentation.
- Respond to emergencies by providing life-saving interventions, such as CPR or stabilizing care.
- Educate patients and their families about their injuries, illnesses, recovery plans, and preventive care.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to assess patient needs and develop effective care plans.
- Administer medications and treatments prescribed by doctors to manage pain, treat conditions, and support recovery.
Education Requirements for Occupational Therapists
To become an occupational therapist, you’ll need a master’s degree in occupational therapy, which generally includes advanced training in patient care and treatment planning. Before enrolling in a master’s program, you must complete a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as biology or health sciences.
However, some Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) programs, like WCU’s program offered at the Center for Graduate Studies in Los Angeles, don’t require you to hold a bachelor’s degree. The program can be completed in as little as 24 months and involves a combination of on-campus instruction and online learning.
If you don’t hold a bachelor’s, you can qualify for the MSOT program if you meet these requirements:
- An active occupational therapy assistant license
- 1 year of work experience as an occupational therapy assistant
- 3.0 GPA on prerequisite courses from an accredited university within the last ten years
Courses you’ll take in a Master of Occupational Therapy program will cover topics like anatomy and physiology, rehabilitation techniques, how to provide patient care, neuroscience for occupational therapy, and how to perform occupational therapy assessments for children and adults.
Both the academic coursework and hands-on components conducted through fieldwork in the program also prepare you to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), which is required to practice as a registered occupational therapist.
Education Requirements for Nurses
Registered nurses typically earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Many healthcare organizations prefer nurses with a BSN, while in some cases, it’s required.
Nursing programs combine clinical training and theoretical knowledge to help prepare students for direct patient care and specialized roles while also equipping them with the knowledge and experience needed to pass their licensure exams.
Common courses you’ll take in a BSN program include topics like pharmacology, pathophysiology, disaster management, and fundamentals of nursing practice.
Is Occupational Therapy or Nursing Right For Me?
Choosing between occupational therapy and nursing is a personal decision that depends on your interests, goals, and the type of patient involvement you prefer. Take the time to reflect on a few of these questions to determine which path aligns with your goals:
- What kind of impact do I want to have on patients’ lives?
- How much time and energy am I willing to invest in my education and career development?
- Am I more interested in hands-on medical care or guiding patients toward greater independence?
- What type of environment do I see myself working in (e.g., hospitals, schools, clinics, or rehabilitation centers)?
Occupational therapy and nursing might be ideal career paths for you if you identify with some of the following skills or traits:
- Are patient, empathetic, and driven to improve the quality of life of others.
- Care about helping people restore independence and build confidence.
- Are highly adaptable and comfortable working with diverse populations in different settings.
- Have excellent communication skills when working with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
- Enjoy solving problems and coming up with creative ways to help people achieve their goals through personalized care plans.
If you find meaning in empowering others through daily activities and building their independence, occupational therapy may be your calling.
In fact, occupational therapy can be ideal for those who have a passion for patient care but seek additional career opportunities in areas like rehabilitation or personalized treatment planning. You’ll also get more one-on-one time with patients as an occupational therapist, allowing you to focus deeply on their individual needs and goals for recovery.
Pursue Your Healthcare Career at West Coast University
Want to earn your Master’s in Occupational Therapy and prepare to pass the NBCOT in as little as two years? At WCU, you have the opportunity to engage in hands-on practice while building professional connections that can help shape your career.
Learn more about a meaningful healthcare career in occupational therapy along with upcoming academic start dates and financial aid options by scheduling an information session.
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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