Rehabilitation therapy training includes physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. Training involves making patient assessments and developing treatments to improve the ability of clients to perform everyday skills most of us take for granted. Students learn how this health modality is the solution for many people to regain skills lost due to stroke, medical condition, developmental disabilities, or accident.
Rehabilitation therapy education is offered at many trade schools or vocational schools, as well as online schools, colleges and universities. (Please note, online training in this field will invariably require some on-site clinical lab work.)
Rehabilitation therapy schools cover the study of human development and growth, with emphasis on the cognitive, physical, and environmental elements of injury and illness. Students will learn how to help patients regain balance and improve walking skills. They also learn to help children or adults to exercise speech patterns in order to improve communication skills.
Rehabilitation therapy training (also known as physical therapy training) may involve assisting patients with problems related to diabetes and osteoporosis, helping amputees accommodate new artificial limbs, or encouraging patients in adjusting to the functions of an artificial joint. Future therapists will also learn how rehabilitation therapy helps people suffering from osteoporosis, pulmonary disease, and other physical problems.
Careers in rehabilitation therapy are very rewarding, as they promote self-reliance and independence. Through the use of various rehabilitative therapies, a qualified therapist can help others restore vigor and wellbeing so necessary for a satisfying life.
Students will discover that customized treatment programs can help patients readily improve their ability to perform daily activities and achieve a high degree of independence. When skill and strength cannot be developed or improved through therapy, the well-trained therapist can offer solutions and alternatives to help the patient perform routine activities.
