Careers in Rehab Services

Rehabilitation Services is a grouping of professions including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, audiology and cardiac rehabilitation. Each profession offers many career paths.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy offers multiple opportunities in education, research and clinical practice to serve hospitals, clinics, private offices, nursing homes, home health agencies, schools and hospices.  Physical Therapy has two licensed career paths- physical therapist (PT) and physical therapist assistant (PTA). Some schools suggest (and in some cases require) that applicants volunteer with a program prior to application. If you are interested in volunteering at Methodist University Hospital, click here.

PT programs are generally two to three years in length. Most programs require a baccalaureate degree prior to application. UT Memphis is the only school in the metropolitan area that offers a physical therapy program. 

PTA programs are generally one year in length preceded by one to two years of pre-requisite coursework. Southwest Tennessee Community College is the only school in the metro area that offers a physical therapy assistant degree program. 

The third career option is physical therapy technician. This is an on-the-job trained position that requires a high school diploma or GED.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) offers a diverse opportunity to work with people of all ages and in variety of settings. OT is the use of meaningful activities to prevent, lessen or adapt to disabilities.  The major areas for career opportunities include hospitals, nursing homes, rehab facilities, school systems, home health agencies, community mental health centers and outpatient or hand clinics.  The two career paths in occupational therapy are an occupational therapist and a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA).

Occupational therapy programs are highly competitive, usually requiring a sound GPA with an emphasis on science and the liberal arts. The personal characteristics of individuals interested in a career in OT include flexibility, creativity, empathy, good interpersonal and communication skills. UT Memphis is the only occupational therapy program in the metro area.

COTA programs are generally two years in length. The closest certified occupational therapy assistant program is located at Nashville State Community College. 

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology offers a diverse opportunity to work with people of all ages in education and  research, as well as clinical practice settings. Speech pathologists may work with children or adults who either never properly developed speech or have lost the ability due to illness or injury.  Students may choose to specialize in one specific area.

Speech Pathology has one licensed career path, which requires a master’s degree. Master’s programs are open to graduates with degrees in many fields, such as phonetic and semantics, English, psychology and education. The master’s program is highly competitive. Some desired characteristics are flexibility, empathy, good interpersonal and communication skills, and a strong desire to help people. The University of Memphis has a master’s program in speech pathology, which is rated as one of the top rated in the nation.