Therapies & Treatments

Therapies & Treatments Degrees

Therapies and treatment programs allow you to assist people in their physical recovery process. A certificate, diploma, associate degree or even a master’s degree in programs such as massage therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and respiratory therapy is a great way to start a new career.

Massage therapy is a hands-on treatment used to relieve pain and restore flexibility to painful, compressed, and stressed muscles. Training typically ranges from 9-month certificate or diploma programs, up to 2-year associate degrees depending on the depth of instruction and your education goals.

Occupational therapy programs include academic course, education courses, and field experience. Your coursework will cover physical, biological, and behavioral sciences. You’ll also learn the theory and skills needed to help your clients more fully participate in their personal, educational, and work lives. Since teaching is a big part of occupational therapy, you may take classes in education as well. Occupational therapy programs are usually offered at the master’s degree level, but associate’s degree programs are also available.

In physical therapy programs, you’ll learn how to help patients regain physical function, control pain, and increase mobility. You’ll also take science classes, including biology, chemistry, and physics. Some more advanced science topics you’ll study are biomechanics, neuroanatomy, human growth and development, and therapeutic procedures. Most physical therapy programs are offered at the master’s or doctorate degree level.

Respiratory therapy programs include science classes and clinical study. After you complete basic science and math classes, you’ll learn about human anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, microbiology, and pharmacology. Hands-on classes include therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, handling equipment, assessing patients, CPR, practice guidelines, and medical recordkeeping. These programs are offered at many different levels.

Therapies & Treatments Job Opportunities

Employment is growing much faster than average for all therapy jobs. Many therapists will find work in hospitals, schools, health practitioners’ offices, and nursing care facilities.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition