Instructors: Christopher W. Harper, PT

Michael A. King, DPT

Deanna A. Clark, OTR, CHT

Eunice Chen, OTR

Course 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.

Course Objectives: Students will assist 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.

Course Expectations: College level academics and participation. Students will be responsible for transportation to and from clinic observations on Mondays and Fridays. Random drug testing will be performed.

High School Credit: Four (4) high school CTE credits

Concurrent Credit: Medical Terminology, SLCC 2 credits

Intro to Occupational Therapy, SLCC 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 course, 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 course 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: Concurrent Enrollment Text and Workbook for MA1100 $85

SLCC concurrent enrollment $40

HOSA membership (optional) $25

Scrubs Required (Navy Blue)