Careers Therapy and Rehabilitation

STANDARD 2 Investigate and compare the range of skills, competencies, and professional traits required for careers in the Rehabilitation careers pathway. Using real-time and projected labor market data, identify local and national employment opportunities and determine areas of growth in rehabilitation careers.

Objectives Students will be able to describe health careers in the field of Therapy and Rehabilitation. Students will be able to plan a healthcare career path in Therapy and Rehabilitation.

Careers in Therapy and Rehabilitation Athletic Training* Chiropractic Care* Creative Arts Therapist Exercise Therapy* Massage Therapy* Occupational Therapist Pet Therapy* Physical Therapist Recreational Therapist Speech/Language Pathologist *These careers will be covered in another PowerPoint

Creative Arts Therapist

Creative arts therapists design and implement therapy sessions using art, music or dance to help their clients relieve stress, build self-confidence, increase social and communication skills, and improve health, all within a non-threatening environment. Therapists in these disciplines work with people of all ages who may have developmental, medical, social, physical or psychological needs.

Work Environment Salary Adult day treatment centers Correctional facilities Home health agencies Hospice Hospitals Mental health centers Nursing homes Outpatient clinics Private practice Rehabilitation facilities Schools Substance abuse programs Wellness centers Average Starting Salary $30,000  Figures according to 2006 data. To see updated figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at: Creative Arts Therapist

Creative Arts Therapist Academic Requirements Programs for music therapy are offered at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree levels. Music therapists must complete 1200 hours of clinical training under a Board Certified Music Therapist before graduation. Dance therapists must earn a master's degree and complete a 700 hour supervised clinical internship. Art therapists must earn a master's degree.

Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapy is a health and rehabilitation profession that helps people regain and build skills that are important for health and well-being as they pursue their everyday occupations. Occupational therapists (OTs) work with people of all ages who, because of physical, developmental, social, or emotional deficits, need specialized assistance in learning skills that will enable them to lead independent, productive, and satisfying lives.

Occupational Therapist They recommend and/or design splints, special devices and adaptive equipment or technology to promote and maintain independent functioning. The ultimate goal of the OT is to enhance the client's quality of life by helping them achieve the highest level of independence possible.

Work Environment Salary Adult day treatment centers Assisted living centers Home health agencies Hospice centers Hospitals Mental health centers Nursing homes Physicians' offices Prisons Public and private schools Rehabilitation centers Average Starting Salary $47,445  Figures according to 2006 data. To see updated figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at: Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist Academic Requirements Occupational therapy programs are offered at the master's degree level. Master's degree programs last two to three years.

Occupational Therapist Assistant

Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) help people adapt to physical, emotional, inborn, or developmental disabilities. Occupational therapy assistants help individuals learn or relearn self-care and daily skills such as dressing and eating. They aid in educational, recreational, and vocational activities to restore independence and self-reliance.

Work Environment Salary Adult day care facilities Assisted living facilities Clinics Home health agencies Hospice programs Hospitals Mental health centers Nursing homes Physicians' offices Rehabilitation centers Schools Average Starting Salary $33,571  Figures according to 2006 data. To see updated figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at: Occupational Therapist Assistant

Occupational Therapist Assistant Academic Requirements A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Two-year programs, including four months of supervised practical experience, lead to certificates and associate degrees. Certificate programs are generally entered by individuals transferring from another health-related field.

Physical Therapist

Physical therapists (PTs) help clients conquer the challenges of recovery by using a variety of interventions such as exercises, joint mobilization/manipulation, electrical stimulation, massage, and other physical agents such as water immersion, ultrasound, heat and cold. These therapies help clients develop endurance, coordination, increase joint mobility and range of motion, increase muscle strength, decrease pain, and prevent further injury.

Physical Therapist PTs also work with patients to overcome emotional and physical barriers that hinder recovery. Although many PTs practice in hospitals, more than 70 percent work outside hospital walls.

Work Environment Salary Colleges and universities Home health agencies Hospitals Nursing homes Physical therapy clinics Rehabilitation centers Research institutions Self-employed Sports facilities Wellness programs Physical Therapist Average Starting Salary $54,000  Figures according to 2006 data. To see updated figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at:

Physical Therapist Academic Requirements An undergraduate degree and shadowing experience are required for admission into physical therapy programs at the doctoral level. DPT programs last three years.

Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist (PT). PTA duties include implementing the plan of care designed by a physical therapist, educating patients in activities of daily living, teaching therapeutic exercises, and providing treatments using special equipment. They also observe their patient's progress and report treatment responses to the physical therapist.

Work Environment Salary Extended care facilities Home health agencies Hospitals Physical therapy clinics Private and public schools Rehabilitation centers Research institutions Sports medicine clinics Average Starting Salary $34,344  Figures according to 2006 data. To see updated figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at: Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical Therapist Assistant Academic Requirements A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Physical therapist assistants must complete a two- year educational program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education leading to an associate degree.  The curriculum usually includes a year of general education courses and a year of specific technical courses on physical therapy procedures and clinical experiences

Recreational Therapist

Recreational therapists, also known as therapeutic recreational specialists, are health care providers who use recreation and leisure activities to improve the health, quality of life, functional ability, and independence of individuals. They plan and implement individual treatment programs using a variety of recreational experiences including, but not limited to, exercise or other physical activity, relaxation techniques, social activities, arts and crafts, sports and games.

Work Environments Salary Adult day treatment centers Community mental health centers Hospice care Hospitals Nursing homes Private practice Rehabilitation centers School systems Substance abuse centers Average Starting Salary $32,000  Figures according to 2006 data. To see updated figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at: Recreational Therapist

Recreational Therapist Academic Requirements A bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation (or in recreation with an emphasis in therapeutic recreation) is required. An internship of at least 480 hours must be completed under the supervision of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Graduate programs are also available.

Speech/Language Pathologist

Speech/language pathologists are professionals who are educated to assess and treat language and speech disorders. Stuttering, pronunciation, word organization, word recall, swallowing disorders and slow speech are areas of specialization for these professionals. They give tests to determine the disability and its extent and are then able to develop treatment programs.

Work Environments Salary Hospitals Private practice Public health departments Rehabilitation centers Schools Speech and hearing centers Average Starting Salary $47,091  Figures according to 2006 data. To see updated figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at: Speech/Language Pathologist

Speech/Language Pathologist Academic Requirements Speech/language pathologists acquire master's degrees after earning a bachelor's degree in one of the scientific disciplines or in speech pathology. Doctoral programs are also offered.