Careers Therapy and Rehabilitation

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Careers Therapy and Rehabilitation

• Information Provided By
• Georgia Statewide Area Health Education Center
  (AHEC)
• http//www.sowega-ahec.org/index
• PowerPoint Presentation By
• Juliane Monko Dr. Frank Flanders
• CTAE Resource Network, June 2009
• Based On PowerPoint Ideas From
• Penny Howard, RN, Healthcare Science Instructor

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AHEC

• There are six centers in the Georgia AHEC
  Network, and each serves a multi-county region. 
• The AHEC mission is to meet the health needs of
  Georgia by improving the supply, distribution and
  quality of healthcare providers.
• AHECs offer enrichment programs, camps, learning
  tools, student counseling, volunteer and
  mentoring activity coordination, and access to
  other educational resources.
• Contact your regional AHEC for more information. 

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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.

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Careers in Therapy and Rehabilitation

• Creative Arts Therapist
• Medical Dosimetrist
• Occupational Therapist Assistant
• Physical Therapist
• Physical Therapist Assistant
• Polysomnography Technologist
• Prosthetist/Orthotist
• Radiation Therapist
• Recreational Therapist
• Respiratory Therapist
• Speech/Language Pathologist

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Creative Arts Therapist
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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.

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Creative Arts Therapist

• 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
  
  http//www.sowega-ahec.org/index

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Creative Arts TherapistAcademic 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.

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Medical Dosimetrist
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Medical Dosimetrist

• Dosimetrists work under radiation oncologists
  (physicians specializing in the treatment of
  cancer through radiation) in planning radiation
  treatments for patients. 
• After a tumor is located in a patient,
  dosimetrists use the physician's instructions to
  calculate the radiation dosage.

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Medical Dosimetrist

• Dosimetrists explain procedures to patients and
  then fit patients with devices to keep them
  comfortable and immobile during treatment. 
• They may also be involved in research and the
  development of new therapy techniques. 

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Medical Dosimetrist

• Work Environment

• Salary

• Cancer treatment centers
• Hospitals
• Medical research laboratories
• Medical schools

• Average Starting Salary 59,787
• Figures according to 2006 data. To see updated
  figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at
  
  http//www.sowega-ahec.org/index

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Medical DosimetristAcademic Requirements

• A strong background in math and physics is
  recommended.  The education and training for this
  career varies depending on previous experience. 
• Each of the following  options require supervised
  clinical medical dosimetry training/ experience
  under the direction of a Certified Medical
  Dosimetrist, medical physicist or radiation
  oncologist.

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Medical DosimetristAcademic Requirements

• College graduates with an associate degree or
  bachelor's degree in any field must train for
  three years. 
• Radiation therapists or college graduates with a
  bachelor's degree in one of the physical sciences
  must train for two years.
• Graduates of formal medical dosimetry education
  programs must train for six months.  

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Occupational Therapist
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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.

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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.

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Occupational Therapist

• 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
  
  http//www.sowega-ahec.org/index

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Occupational Therapist Academic Requirements

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

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Occupational Therapist Assistant
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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.

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Occupational Therapist Assistant

• 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
  
  http//www.sowega-ahec.org/index

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Occupational Therapist AssistantAcademic
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.

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Physical Therapist
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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. 

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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.

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Physical Therapist

• Work Environment

• Salary

• Average Starting Salary 54,000
• Figures according to 2006 data. To see updated
  figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at
  
  http//www.sowega-ahec.org/index

• Colleges and universities
• Home health agencies
• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Physical therapy clinics
• Rehabilitation centers
• Research institutions
• Self-employed
• Sports facilities
• Wellness programs

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Physical TherapistAcademic Requirements

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

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Physical Therapist Assistant
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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.

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Physical Therapist Assistant

• 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
  
  http//www.sowega-ahec.org/index

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Physical Therapist AssistantAcademic 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

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Polysomnography Technologist
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Polysomnography Technologist

• Sleep technologist, under the direction of
  physicians, assist in evaluation, treating, and
  caring for clients with sleep disorders. 
• These technologists gather data, apply necessary
  equipment for testing, accumulate data throughout
  the recording process, score the data and print
  out a preliminary report. 

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Polysomnography Technologist

• Work Environment

• Salary

• Hospitals
• Independent sleep facilities
• Portable labs
• Research facilities

• Average Starting Salary 47,000
• Figures according to 2006 data. To see updated
  figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at
  
  http//www.sowega-ahec.org/index

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Polysomnography TechnologistAcademic Requirements

• Polysomnography technologists may complete two
  years of education leading to associate degree.  
  
• Graduation from a program accredited by the
  Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
  is highly recommended.

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Prosthetist/Orthotist
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Prosthetist/Orthotist

•  Prosthetists and orthotists design and create
  artificial limbs (external prosthetic devices)
  for persons with deformity or weakness of the
  limbs, spine or skull.
• Orthotists fit corrective shoes, support braces,
  and strengthening devices to assist in
  rehabilitation. 
• Designing, making, and adjusting artificial limbs
  are the challenges of the prosthetist. 

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Prosthetist/Orthotist

• Work Environments

• Salary

• Government agencies
• Hospitals
• Privately-owned facilities
• Rehabilitation centers
• Research and design laboratories
• Self-employed
• Universities

• Average Starting Salary 49,000
• Figures according to 2006 data. To see updated
  figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at
  
  http//www.sowega-ahec.org/index

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Prosthetist/OrthotistAcademic Requirements

• Prerequisite courses in math, physics, chemistry,
  psychology and human anatomy and physiology are
  required to enter an educational program in
  prosthetics and orthotics.
• Completion of one of the following education
  programs leads to a career as a prosthetist and
  orthotist a bachelor's degree in orthotics and
  prosthetics, a bachelor's degree

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Radiation Therapist
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Radiation Therapist

• Radiation therapists position patients and give
  prescribed radiation under the direction of a
  radiation oncologist (physician specializing in
  the treatment of cancer through radiation). 
• They provide emotional support to patients, keep
  records, administer treatment, and provide
  radiation protection for their patients and
  themselves.

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Radiation Therapist

• Work Environments

• Salary

• Cancer centers
• Colleges and universities
• Hospitals
• Physicians' offices
• Research laboratories

• Average Starting Salary 48,920
• Figures according to 2006 data. To see updated
  figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at
  
  http//www.sowega-ahec.org/index

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Radiation Therapist Academic Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required. 
  
• Four options are available 
• one- and two-year hospital-based certificate
  programs
• two-year associate degree programs
• four-year bachelor's degree programs. 
• Admission to one-year certificate programs is
  restricted to graduates of accredited radiography
  programs.

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Recreational Therapist
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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.

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Recreational Therapist

• 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
  
  http//www.sowega-ahec.org/index

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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.

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Respiratory Therapist
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Respiratory Therapist

• Respiratory therapists, under the direction of
  physicians, assist in evaluation, treating, and
  caring for clients with breathing problems.
• These therapists measure lung function, analyze
  blood samples for gases, monitor life support
  equipment, and use equipment that delivers oxygen
  or enhances breathing. 

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Respiratory Therapist

• Work Environments

• Salary

• Home health agencies
• Hospitals
• Industry
• Medical supply and equipment sales
• Nursing homes
• Physicians' offices

• Average Starting Salary 36,500
• Figures according to 2006 data. To see updated
  figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at
  
  http//www.sowega-ahec.org/index

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Respiratory Therapist Academic Requirements

• Respiratory therapists complete two to four years
  of education leading to associate or bachelor's
  degrees, respectively.
• Graduation from a program accredited by the
  Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
  is required for certification.

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Speech/Language Pathologist
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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.

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Speech/Language Pathologist

• 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
  
  http//www.sowega-ahec.org/index

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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.  

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Summary

• There are a variety of careers available in
  Therapy and Rehabilitation. Educational
  requirements vary by career and career level.
  Students interested in these careers should use
  the information provided here as a basis for a
  career plan. The student should also research the
  career further to complete a career plan.
• Careers available in Therapy and Rehabilitation
  include
• Creative Arts Therapist
• Medical Dosimetrist
• Occupational Therapist
• Occupational Therapist Assistant
• Physical Therapist
• Physical Therapist Assistant
• Polysomnography Technologist
• Prosthetist/Orthotist
• Radiation Therapist
• Recreational Therapist
• Respiratory Therapist
• Speech/Language Pathologist