Compare roles
Side-by-side official facts for occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology roles: typical degree, accreditor, national exam, licensure, and BLS pay and outlook. Each comparison quotes BLS, NBCOT, APTA, ACOTE, CAPTE, FSBPT, ASHA, or CAA. It does not draw its own scope-of-practice lines.
Quoted from official pages checked November 10, 2026. Confirm current requirements, fees, and dates on those sites. This page is not legal advice and does not guarantee eligibility, certification, or licensure.
OT vs PT
Occupational therapist and physical therapist, side by side: degree, accreditor, exam, license, pay, and outlook.
OT vs OTA
Occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant (COTA): education, NBCOT credential, license, and how NBCOT describes each role.
PT vs PTA
Physical therapist and physical therapist assistant: DPT vs associate degree, NPTE level, licensure, and how APTA describes each role.
OT vs SLP
Occupational therapist and speech-language pathologist: degree, accreditor (ACOTE vs CAA), exam, license, pay, and outlook.
PT vs SLP
Physical therapist and speech-language pathologist: DPT vs master’s, CAPTE vs CAA, exam, license, pay, and outlook.
SLP vs SLPA
ASHA’s CCC-SLP and C-SLPA side by side: education, supervised hours, exam, and state regulation.
Assistant vs aide
OT and PT assistants versus aides: education, licensure, duties, and separately labeled BLS pay.
What a licensed practitioner may do in a given state, including supervision of assistants, is set by that jurisdiction’s practice act and board rules. Use the state and territory directory and confirm on the board site.