An initiative of Pennsylvania Health Care Association
A rehabilitation therapist assesses and treats individuals with mobility challenges caused by injury, illness, or other conditions, using therapeutic exercises and treatments to restore movement, strength, and independence.
A Director of Rehabilitation Services oversees rehabilitation programs and staff, coordinating physical, occupational, and speech therapy services while monitoring resident progress and ensuring effective communication across departments.
A Rehabilitation Therapist evaluates and treats individuals with mobility challenges resulting from injury, illness, or surgery. They design and implement personalized treatment plans using therapeutic exercises, strength training, and adaptive techniques to help residents regain function, reduce pain, and improve overall quality of life. Working closely with nursing and medical teams, rehabilitation therapists play a vital role in restoring independence and promoting long-term wellness.
Education & Experience Rehabilitation therapists are required to have an undergraduate degree in biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy or a similar field. They must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
Rehabilitation Therapists are required to hold active state licensure and professional certifications in their respective fields—Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, or Music Therapy—to ensure residents receive specialized, high-quality, and evidence-based rehabilitative care.
Director of Rehabilitation Services
A Director of Rehabilitation Services directs the programs and staff of the rehabilitation services department for the senior living community. They set and implement guidelines for rehabilitation programs such as physical, occupational or speech therapy, assigns patients to staff therapists for treatment and reviews residents’ progress. The director of rehabilitation also communicates results of resident care to other services and departments.
A Director of Rehabilitation Services must meet all of the same education and certification requirements as a Rehabilitation Therapist. The role may also require an advanced degree in physical therapy and direct experience in the field.
Director of Rehabilitation Services are required to hold active state licensure and professional certifications in their respective fields—Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, or Music Therapy—to ensure residents receive specialized, high-quality, and evidence-based rehabilitative care.
Regional Director of Rehabilitation
Corporate Director of Rehabilitation
