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Physical/Occupational Therapy

Course Code:

8365/8366

Course Description:  

Students in this one-year program are introduced to the profession of physical and occupational therapy.  Students explore the principles and practices of therapists in the healthcare industry and participate in clinical observation under the direct supervision of a licensed physical and/or occupational therapist.  Clinical skills in the area 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 lifespan of individuals.  After successful completion of this program, 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, biology, or exercise science.

Topics of Study:

  • Overview of the Rehabilitation Field 
  • Legal & Ethics 
  • Communication 
  • Safety 
  • Basic Anatomy 
  • Lifting & Transfers 
  • Orthotics & Modalities 
  • Therapeutic Activities
  • Assistive Technology
  • Opioids
  • Butler Farm, Hampton
  • AM & PM
  • 20 Students
  • National Physical Therapy Aide Certification Exam (CPTA)
  • Healthcare Providers BLS/CPR
  • Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)
  • Completed 10th grade English with a grade of “B” or better
  • Completed Biology with a grade of “B” or better and passed the Biology SOL 
  • Completed Algebra I with a grade of “B” or better and passed the Algebra SOL 
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds to safely perform the required duties 
  • Job Shadowing
  • Clinical Experience 
  • A person in a wheelchair prepares to move, adjusting the wheel.
  • A student examines a patient's arm with guidance from an instructor.
  • A healthcare professional assists a seated person with an arm exercise.

Instructor Bio

jennifer.mckenzie@nhrec.org

757-766-1100 ext. 3349

A.A.S Occupational Therapy Assistant 

12+years of industry experience as an Occupational Therapy Assistant & Director of Rehabilitation 

  • Overall employment of physical therapist assistants and aides is projected to grow 19 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. “Physical Therapy Assistants.” Occupational Outlook Handbook, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 10 October, 2023. See the Occupational Outlook Handbook here.

    • Physical Therapy Assistant
    • Physical Therapist
    • Occupational Therapy Assistant
    • Occupational Therapist
    • Exercise Physiologist
    • Athletic Trainer