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Instructors:            

Christopher W. Harper, PT, DPT, OCS

Michael A. King, DPT

Deanna A. Clark, OTR, CHT, CLT

Eunice Chen, OTR

Program Description:

This course is for juniors and seniors interested in the rehabilitation career fields of physical therapy and occupational therapy.  This course offers students the opportunity to explore different avenues of these rehabilitation professions.  This course consists of learning skills required to function as a therapy or rehabilitation technician including thermomodalities, electromodalities, communication skills, patient transfers, patient ambulation, patient range of motion, clinic policies and procedures, and professionalism.

Program Objectives:

Students will learn to aide physical therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapist assistants, and occupational therapy assistants in managing patient care in a rehabilitation setting such as outpatient, hospital, and skilled nursing facilities.  Students will demonstrate abilities in patient range of motion and other therapeutic exercise, transferring patients, application of electromodalities, interpersonal and professional communication skills, basic and functional human anatomy.

Program Expectations:

College level academics and participation.  Students will be responsible for transportation to and from clinic observations on Mondays and Fridays.  All students will be required to pass random drug testing in order to remain in the program.

High School Credit:

Four (4) high school CTE credits

Concurrent Credit:                                  

OTA 1020 Intro to Occupational Therapy (Salt Lake Community College – 2 credits)

Most students earn HTHS 1101 – Medical Terminology (Weber State University Fall Semester – 2 credits).

Educational Opportunities:

Students have the opportunity to further their education at community colleges for an Associate’s Degree in Physical Therapy Assisting or Occupational Therapy Assisting.  Students can also go on to a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field then obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree or a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy.

Possible Careers: 

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to gain employment as a Rehabilitation Technician in a variety of settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and skilled nursing facilities.  Employment in the rehabilitation field may serve the student well for application into a college program for either physical or occupational therapy.

Misconceptions:

This program is designed to reflect the true career field of the rehabilitation professions as a potential future career.  Currently no certification is required to work as a rehabilitation technician in the state of Utah, however, education and experience in the field is usually beneficial for employment.  This is not a sports medicine or athletic training course.

Classes Required for Entrance:

None

Recommended Classes: 

Anatomy, Physiology, and Geometry

Program Length:

Full year

Eligibility:

Junior and Seniors based on entrance exams, GPA, attendance and strength of schedule.

Costs/Fees:

Salt Lake Community College concurrent enrollment fee: $40

Weber State University concurrent enrollment fee: $30 (optional)

Medical Terminology textbook: $98

HOSA membership: $25 (optional)

Scrubs Required (navy blue)