Pre-Physical/
Occupational Therapy Track
Click each job title below to read more!
These are the employment opportunities that we recommend to students pursuing PT/OT school! These positions will provide insight on patient care and may help you develop skills that you can use later.
**Although we recommend these positions, any medical experience will help you to gain a more complete picture of the medical field.
1
Physical Therapy Technician/Aide
Description: A physical therapy tech assists licensed physical therapists by preparing treatment areas, setting up equipment, helping patients with exercises, and performing basic administrative tasks.
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Required Experience/Certifications: Usually requires only a high school diploma and on-the-job training. BLS/CPR certification is often preferred.
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How to get that experience/certification:
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Apply directly to outpatient rehab clinics, hospitals, or sports medicine facilities for tech/aide roles.
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Obtain BLS/CPR certification to strengthen your application.
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Volunteer in rehab settings if paid roles are unavailable.
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Establishments we recommend you explore:
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Physical therapy clinics such as FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers, Select Physical Therapy, and Physical Therapy Central
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Hospital-based rehab departments at Norman Regional, OU Health, and Mercy
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Sports medicine and orthopedic clinics in the OKC metro
2
Occupational Therapy Aide
Description: An OT aide supports occupational therapists by preparing therapy spaces, organizing supplies, helping patients practice exercises or activities, and managing scheduling.
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Required Experience/Certifications: Most roles require only a high school diploma and on-the-job training, though BLS/CPR certification is often preferred.
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How to get that experience/certification:
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Apply to hospitals, rehab centers, or pediatric therapy clinics for aide positions.
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Gain volunteer experience in occupational therapy settings if paid roles aren’t available.
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Get BLS/CPR certified through the Red Cross or American Heart Association.
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Establishments we recommend you explore:
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Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation (INTEGRIS Health)
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Pediatric therapy centers such as The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital
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Senior care and assisted living facilities with OT programs
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3
Rehabilitation Technician
Description: A rehab tech works with PTs, OTs, and other therapists to transport patients, prepare treatment areas, assist during therapy sessions, and maintain equipment.
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Required Experience/Certifications: High school diploma and on-the-job training are typical. BLS/CPR certification is usually preferred.
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How to get that experience/certification:
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Look for rehab tech job postings in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and rehab centers.
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Earn BLS/CPR certification to improve hiring chances.
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Volunteer in multi-disciplinary rehab settings to gain varied experience.
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Establishments we recommend you explore:
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Norman Regional Health System inpatient and outpatient rehab
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OU Health Rehabilitation Services
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INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation