What Do Our Titles Mean?

Physical Therapists –

• Licensed professionals are required to have at least a Bachelor of Science degree, and have graduated from an accredited Physical Therapy program to practice. Currently, physical therapy students must have at least a Master of Science degree to be board eligible. Most programs are progressing to Doctorate level.
• Responsible for evaluating patients for inpatient or outpatient therapy, setting goals for therapy, initiating a plan of care, and then following through with that plan or delegating to other appropriate therapy personnel.

Physical Therapy Assistants –.

• Licensed, are required to have an Associate of Science degree, and have graduated from an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant Program.
• Responsible for direct inpatient or outpatient care following the plan set forth by the evaluating Physical Therapist. PTAs can adjust the treatment for a patient within the set guidelines forth during the evaluation by the PT. Once the plan is set forth by the PT, the PTA can treat with just general supervision of a PT.

Rehabilitation Aides –

• Not licensed, must have a high school degree and receive on the job training.
• Responsible for assisting licensed therapists in carrying out the prescribed plan of care. The aides directly follow instructions from the licensed therapist and cannot in any way alter a plan of care or treatment. The aides are also responsible for general department upkeep and assisting with front office duties as needed.

Occupational Therapist –

• Licensed and registered professionals required to have a Masters Degree and have graduated from an accredited Occupational Therapy program.
• Responsible for evaluating patients for inpatient or outpatient therapy, setting goals for therapy, initiating a plan of care, and then following through with that plan of care or delegating to licensed Occupational Therapy Assistants.

Occupational Therapy Assistant –

• Licensed professionals required to have an Associate of Science degree and have graduated from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• Responsible for direct inpatient or outpatient care following the plan set forth by the evaluating OT. COTAs are required to have the general supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist.