There is often confusion associated with these two programs. The pre-physical therapy and pre-occupational therapy programs at Indiana Wesleyan University are focused programs composed of classes that encompass most of the requirements for entry into graduate physical and occupational therapy programs. These programs can be completed by individuals of any major. On the other hand, exercise science is a major composed of classes that prepare students for work in a variety of settings. Individuals with a degree in exercise science can choose to continue on to several graduate programs, ranging from occupational and physical therapy to physician's assistant. If choosing not to attend graduate school, students graduating with an exercise science degree also have the opportunity to become certified in a variety of fields. Some of these include personal training, health and wellness coaching, cardiac rehabilitation and strength and conditioning coaching. As a student at Indiana Wesleyan University, you can major in exercise science and also be in the pre-physical therapy program. You have the opportunity to continue at graduate school for physical therapy regardless of your completion of the pre-physical therapy program. As long as you meet all prerequisites for the graduate school of your choice. The programs offered at IWU are simply a guide for you as a student in your class completion and status that helps identify your academic track. Upon completion of IWU's pre-physical or pre-occupational therapy programs, you may not meet all of the prerequisites for a particular graduate program, so it is important to confirm the requirements for your graduate school of choice during your time at Indiana Wesleyan University.

Individuals also tend to confuse occupational and physical therapy. Both of these fields can be pursued with an exercise science degree. While both include rehabilitation, occupational therapy is centered on providing patients with the understanding and management techniques necessary to help them reach normal, independent functioning. Acquiring or relearning skills and learning to cope with individual circumstances are both focuses in this field. Home and emotional environments are studied. Physical therapy, on the other hand, focuses on the treatment of injuries or medical procedures that may be causing impairment. Prevention of further injury is also a component. In simple terms, occupational therapy is more of an aid to normal living while physical therapy acts as a cure for injury. Occupational therapists tend to require greater training in fine motor movements while physical therapists need understanding in gross motor movements. In addition, occupational therapy has more of an emotional aspect to it than does physical therapy. In most rehabilitation cases, physical and occupational therapists are combined and complement one another in treating a patient.