Mechanical Engineer vs Physiotherapist

MECHANICAL ENGINEER

Mechanical engineers conduct research and advice on, design, and direct production of machines, machinery and industrial plant, equipment and systems, and advise on and direct their functioning, maintenance and repairs, or study and advice on technological aspects of particular materials, products or processes.

Tasks include:

• advising on and designing machinery and tools for manufacturing, mining, construction, agricultural work and other industrial purposes;
• advising on and designing steam, internal combustion and other non-electric motors and engines used for propulsion of railway locomotives, road vehicles or aircraft, or for driving industrial or other machinery;
• advising on and designing ships propulsion systems, power plant, heating and ventilation systems, steering gear, pumps and other mechanical equipment;
• advising on and designing hulls and superstructures of ships and other vessels;
• advising on and designing airframes, undercarriages and other equipment for aircraft;
• advising on and designing road vehicle bodies, suspension systems, brakes and other components;
• advising on and designing heating, ventilation and refrigeration systems and equipment;
• advising on and designing mechanical plant and equipment for the release, control and utilisation of nuclear energy;
• advising on and designing non-electrical parts of apparatus or products such as word processors, computers, precision instruments, cameras and projectors, etc.;
• establishing control standards and procedures to ensure efficient functioning and safety of machines, machinery, tools, motors, engines, and industrial plant, equipment or systems;
• performing related tasks;
• supervising other workers.

PHYSIOTHERAPISTS

Physiotherapists provide special medical therapeutic services to rehabilitate injured and mentally and physically disabled persons.

Tasks include:

• advising communities and individuals on correct body postures to avoid injuries to strengthen muscles;
• conducting examinations to make diagnoses of disorders of bones, muscles and parts of the circulatory or the nervous system to determine proper treatment;
• massaging client to improve blood circulation, soothe or stimulate nerves, facilitate elimination of waste matter, stretch contracted tendons and produce other therapeutic effects;
• applying physiotherapy and related techniques as part of the treatment of the physically or mentally disabled persons;
• establishing an appropriate treatment or management plan for the patient;
• performing adjustments of the joints of the spine and extremities using hands or specialist equipment;
• performing soft tissue therapies, such as massage;
• educating and advising patients on rehabilitation exercises to aid long-term recovery, and techniques to ensure health is maintain;
• giving specialized medical or surgical treatment for particular types of illnesses, disorders or injuries;
• giving advice on and applying preventive medicine methods and treatments;
• participating in the development and implementation of public health laws and regulations for safeguarding and promoting the health of a community;
• teaching medical students and other health sciences students, physicians and other health professionals;
• preparing scientific papers and reports;
• performing related tasks;
• supervising other workers. 

Source : MASCO 2008