Rehabilitative Careers

Rehabilitation Team * The rehabilitation team includes physicians, surgeons, physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, counselors, pharmacists, orthotists, and prosthetists who provide services designed to overcome physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional disabilities.

*The disabilities include impaired muscle strength, physical endurance, sensory or muscle coordination, concentration, and spatial discrimination. *The rehab team works closely with the patient and family members to restore these functions

Qualities of the Rehabilitative Health Care Worker: * Optimism * Creativity * Persistence * Ability to work with a variety of people

Physical Therapist (PT) * Work to restore function, relieve pain, & prevent disability after disease, injury, or loss of a body part. *May specialize in areas of practice: - rehabilitation - community health - sports - research - education - administration

Physical Therapist (PT) *Physical therapists may work for a hospital or other health care facility or practice privately. *Education: Masters or Doctoral degree is preferred *Physical therapists are licensed by the state *Salary: $58,000 - $130,000

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) *Work under the supervision of the physical therapist, help carry out prescribed plans of treatment *Duties: Perform exercises & massage; administer heat, cold, hydrotherapy; assist patients in ambulation with canes, crutches, or braces; inform Physical Therapist of patients’ responses & progress *Education: Associate degree at a community college *Salary: $24,000 - $50,000 *Licensure is required in most states

Occupational Therapist (OT) *The Occupational Therapist helps patients reach the highest level of independent living by overcoming physical injury, birth defects, aging, or emotional & developmental problems *Use activities to help a person develop, maintain, or regain skills that enable satisfying & independent living *Evaluate patients, plan a program, and supervise or provide treatment

Occupational Therapist (OT) *Education: Bachelor’s degree, minimum of 6 months clinical training, & national exam -Masters & Doctorate degrees are available *Licensure is required *Salary: $61,000 - $112,000

Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) *Work under the direction of the Occupational Therapist *Assist with activities to help patients & carry out programs of prescribed treatment *Education: Associate degree *Licensure or certification (COTA) required *Salary: $38,000 to $74,000

Orthotist & Prosthetist *Orthotist: Provide services for patients with disabling conditions of the limbs or spine. They design, fabricate, & fit braces or strengthening apparatus *Prosthetist: Provide care to patients with partial or total absence of a limb who use an artificial limb (prosthesis) *Education: Bachelor’s degree, 1 year of clinical experience, Certification exam

Athletic Trainer *Work under the supervision of the team physician in a variety of amateur & professional sports *Can be at high school, college, or professional level *Role includes prevention of injury & emergency treatment *Education: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree *Licensure & Certification required in most states *Salary: $35,000 - $79,000

Speech & Language Pathologist/Therapist *Identify, evaluate, and treat patients with speech and language disorders *Treat disorders such as delayed language development, inability to speak (aphasia), stuttering, and articulation problems *Education: Master’s degree and internship *Salary: $53,000 to $155,000

Respiratory Therapist (RT) *Evaluate patients to administer respiratory care and operate life support equipment under the supervision of the physician *Education: Associates degree * Licensure required in most states (all except Hawaii & Alaska) *Salary: $52,000 - $155,000