Career Information

Students who complete this program could pursue a variety of careers. Here are some potential career paths:

• Physical Therapy Aide: Assist physical therapists in providing care to patients.

• Occupational Therapy Aide: Support occupational therapists in helping patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.

• Rehabilitation Aide: Assist in the rehabilitation process for patients recovering from injuries or surgeries.

• Patient Care Technician: Provide routine care and assist with therapeutic procedures.

• Healthcare Assistant: Support healthcare professionals in clinical settings.

• Sports Medicine Assistant: Work with athletes to prevent and treat sports-related injuries.

These careers leverage the diverse skills and knowledge gained through the program, providing a strong foundation for success in various fields.

Program Description

This program is designed to be completed in two years during the 11th and 12th grade.

Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy I (2 credits): The course is designed to provide an introduction to the professions of physical and occupational therapy. Students explore the principles and practices of physical and occupational therapists in the healthcare industry and participate in clinical observation under the direct supervision of a licensed physical and/or occupational therapist or assistant. Clinical skills in the areas of physical therapy and occupational therapy enable students to gain understanding of rehabilitative care, which is practiced throughout the continuum of care and across the life span of individuals. After successful completion of this course, students may seek higher education for specific degrees/licensure in a variety of fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, sports medicine, athletic training, chiropractic medicine, or exercise science.

Year 2

Physical/Occupational Therapy II (2 Credits): This course is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of kinesiology and anatomy from a clinical perspective, to include the anatomical basis of common pathological conditions seen in physical therapy and occupational therapy. Instruction is reinforced with hands-on activity labs and practical experiences. Students continue to explore the principles and practices of therapists learned in the Physical/Occupational Therapy I class and participate in clinical observation under the direct supervision of a licensed physical and/or occupational therapist or assistant. Clinical skills in the areas of physical therapy and occupational therapy enable students to gain understanding of rehabilitative care, which is practiced throughout the continuum of care and across the life span of individuals. After the successful completion of this course, students may seek higher education for specific degrees or licensure in a variety of fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, sports medicine, athletic training, chiropractic medicine, or exercise science.

Program Structure and Benefits:

Career Technical Student Organization - Future Health Professionals: This organization prepares students for careers in the health sciences.

Real-World Experience: High-quality work-based learning opportunities provide real-world experience and help students develop skills in physical and occupational therapy. Students will gain hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment in their own dedicated lab, which mirrors the occupational and physical therapy settings. Additionally, their real-world experience is enhanced through job shadowing opportunities.

Certifications: Students who complete the program are eligible to earn a Physical Therapy Aide certification and the Workplace Readiness (WRS) certification.

Is This a Good Fit for You? This program is ideal for students who want to gain hands-on experience in the healthcare field. If you are compassionate, detail-oriented, motivated, and eager to make a difference in people's lives, this program will provide you with the essential skills and medical knowledge needed for advanced healthcare programs or entry-level employment in therapy settings. Join us to start your journey towards a rewarding career in physical or occupational therapy!

Instructor

• R. Mannion PT, DPT