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

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.  A H E C

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 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

Creative Arts Therapist

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.

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

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.

Medical Dosimetrist

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.

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. 

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

Medical Dosimetrist Academic 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.

Medical Dosimetrist Academic 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.  

Occupational Therapist

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.

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

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 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.

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

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 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.

Physical Therapist 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 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

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 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.

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

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

Polysomnography Technologist

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. 

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

Polysomnography Technologist Academic 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.

Prosthetist/Orthotist

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. 

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

Prosthetist/Orthotist Academic 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

Radiation Therapist

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.

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

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.

Recreational Therapist

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.

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

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.

Respiratory Therapist

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. 

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

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.

Speech/Language Pathologist

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.

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

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.  

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