Careers 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

Athletic Trainer

Athletic Trainers (ATC) design and implement injury and illness prevention strategies, facilitate and perform rehabilitation and reconditioning, create emergency action plans, and promote safe athletic environments ATCs work with athletes of all ages from recreational sports up to the professional level. They are also found in industrial settings

Work Environment Salary Hospitals Clinics Rehabilitative facilities Secondary Schools Colleges/Universities Professional Teams Industrial Jobs Fitness Centers Average Starting Salary $41,340 Athletic Trainer

Athletic Trainer Academic Requirements Bachelor’s or Master’s from an accredited program. Certification by the Board of Certification (BOC) by way of a national exam. Maintain CPR/AED/First Aid Certification for Health Care Providers

Chiropractor

Chiropractors treat patients with health problems of the neuromusculoskeletal system. They use spinal adjustments, manipulation, and other techniques to manage patients’ health concerns, such as back and neck pain.

Work Environment Salary Clinic Hospital Rehabilitative Facility Private Practice College/University Professional Sports Teams Average Starting Salary $66,160 Chiropractor

Chiropractor Academic Requirements Must get a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree and a state license. DC programs typically take 4 years to complete and require at least 3 years of undergraduate college education for admission.

Exercise Therapist

Exercise therapists use physical activities in an effort to reach specific health goals. They help people return to normal musculoskeletal function or decrease pain caused by injuries or other health problems. They create structured exercise routines based on the client’s problems.

Work Environment Salary Hospitals Retirement Home Rehabilitative Centers Fitness Centers Clinics Private Practice Average Starting Salary $41,440 Exercise Therapist

Exercise Therapist Academic Requirements Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology/Counseling Master’s Degree in Exercise/Movement Therapy 480 hour Internship under a Certified Exercise Therapist Certification Exam offered by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification

Massage Therapist

Massage Therapist treat clients by using touch to manipulate soft-tissue muscles of the body. Through this they relieve pain, help rehabilitate injuries, improve circulation, relieve stress, increase relaxation, and aid in the general wellness of the clients.

Work Environment Salary Private Practice Spas Hospitals Fitness Centers Professional Sports Teams Rehabilitative Centers Massage Therapist Average Starting Salary $35,970

Massage Therapist Academic Requirement High School Diploma or Equivalent Postsecondary Education program of 500+ hours of study and experience State Licensure and Certification

Pet Therapist

Pet Therapy, also called Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a guided interaction between an individual and a trained animal. It is designed to help a patient recover from or cope with a health problem or mental disorder. Dogs and cats are the animals most commonly used in pet therapy. Fish, guinea pigs, horses, and other animals can be used if they meet screening criteria.

Work Environment Salary Hospitals Rehabilitative Centers Clinics Counseling Centers Average Starting Salary $29,700 Pet Therapist

Pet Therapist Academic Requirements Bachelor’s Degree AAT Certificate Program