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Careers in Rehabilitation

Career Overview:

• Rehab Aide - Assist with patient care, maintaining the equipment and rehab environment and also provide backup to reception/clerical area.
• Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) - Assist in all aspects of a patient’s treatment to regain physical function after illness or injury under the supervision of physical therapist.
• Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) - Assist with the activities and exercises to help people who have mental, physical or developmental disabilities develop skills while under the supervision of occupational therapist.
• Physical Therapist (PT) - Evaluate patients; develop treatment plans and implement appropriate treatment with short and long-term goals to relieve pain and increase strength and mobility.
• Occupational Therapist (OT) - Evaluate and assess client’s capabilities and disabilities by testing and observation and then plans activities and exercises to improve functional capabilities of the patient.
• Speech Language Pathologist - Evaluate clients' ability to understand and produce language and treat any language or speaking disorders.
• Exercise Physiologist - Assist patients with exercise and development of overall wellness programs.
• Physical Therapy Case Manager (Home Care) - Participate in client care by continuous assessment and progression of a treatment plan along with education and management of the patient’s case.

Earnings & Employment Outlook:

• Salaries for Rehab Aides are based upon their education and experience as it relates to the position.
• Salaries for Physical Therapy Assistants vary. For more detailed information go to US Department of Labor Statistics
• Salaries for Occupational Therapy Assistants vary. For more detailed information go to US Department of Labor Statistics and search by job title.
• Salaries for Physical Therapists vary. For more detailed information go US Department of Labor Statistics
• Salaries for Occupational Therapists vary. For more detailed information go to US Department of Labor Statistics
• Salaries for Speech Language Pathologists vary. For more detailed information go to US Department of Labor Statistics
• Salaries for Exercise Physiologists/Recreation Therapist vary. For more detailed information go to US Department of Labor Statistics
• Salaries for Physical Therapy Case Managers are based upon their education and experience as it relates to the position.

Education:

For more information go to How to choose a Healthcare Program.

• Rehab Aide - High school graduate or GED, and current enrollment in a PT or OT program preferred.
• Physical Therapy Assistant - High school graduate or GED, have a certificate or degree from a physical therapist assistant program, and pass licensing exams (in some states).
• Occupational Therapy Assistant - High school diploma or GED, have a certificate or degree from an occupational therapist assistant program, and pass a licensing exam (in most states).
• Physical Therapist - High school diploma or GED, complete a bachelor's degree, have a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited physical therapy program, and pass a state licensing exam.
• Occupational Therapist - High school diploma or GED, have a bachelor' degree, have a master's degree or higher in occupational therapy, and pass a state licensing exam.
• Speech Language Pathologist - High school diploma or GED, complete a bachelor's degree, and have at least a master's degree in speech pathology, and pass a state licensing exam.
• Exercise Physiologist - High school diploma or GED, at least a Bachelor's Degree in a related subject area, and a Master's of Science Degree in Exercise Physiology.
• Physical Therapy Case Manager - Have the same requirements as a PT and previous experience in case management.

Programs offered in Minnesota/Wisconsin:

Physical Therapy Assistant Programs offered:

Minnesota:

Anoka Ramsey Community College, College of St Catherine, Lake Superior College

Wisconsin:

Blackhawk Technical College, Gateway Technical College, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Western Technical College

Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs offered:

Minnesota:

Anoka Technical College, College of St Catherine, Northland Community and Technical College

Wisconsin:

Fox Valley Technical College, Madison Area Technical College, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Western Technical College, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College - Ashland Campus

Physical Therapist Programs offered:

Minnesota:

College of St. Scholastica, College of St Catherine, University of MN- Dept of Allied Health, Mayo Clinic - School of Health Science

Wisconsin:

Carroll College, Concordia University - Wisconsin, Marquette University, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse,University of Wisconsin-Madison

Occupational Therapist Programs offered:

Minnesota:

College of St. Scholastica, College of St Catherine, University of MN- Dept of Allied Health

Wisconsin:

Concordia University - Wisconsin, Mount Mary College, University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

Speech Language Pathologist Programs offered:

Minnesota:

South Central Technical College, MN State University - Mankato, Mayo Clinic- School of Health Science

Wisconsin:

Marquette University, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin - River Falls , University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

Exercise Physiologist Programs offered:

Minnesota:

College of St. Scholastica, College of St Catherine, MN School of Business/Globe College

Wisconsin:

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse