Category: Allied Health Programs

Therapeutic exercise is the targeted use of movement and physical activity to address impairments, improve function, and support rehabilitation goals. Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) guide patients through therapeutic exercises established within a physical therapist’s plan of care, monitor how patients respond, make adjustments, reinforce appropriate technique, and communicate relevant findings to the supervising physical therapist.¹  […]

The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exams measure whether candidates have the knowledge needed for entry-level occupational therapy practice. The OTR exam emphasizes evaluation, analysis, intervention planning, clinical decision-making, and professional practice. The COTA exam reflects the occupational therapy assistant role, with greater emphasis on gathering information and implementing interventions under OTR […]

Gait training is a form of physical therapy that helps patients improve walking, balance, coordination, and functional mobility. Under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist, a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) may guide walking and balance activities, help patients use assistive devices, monitor their response to treatment, and communicate relevant findings to the supervising […]

Pediatric and adult occupational therapy share the same goal: helping people participate more fully in meaningful daily activities. However, practice changes across the lifespan. Pediatric OT often emphasizes development, play, school participation, and self-care, while adult OT may focus more on rehabilitation, activities of daily living, work, community participation, and maintaining or regaining independence.¹  Pediatric […]

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work under licensed physical therapists to help patients improve strength, movement, and mobility, and can develop experience in areas such as orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, geriatrics, acute care, cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation, oncology, and wound management. While PTAs are educated for generalist entry-level practice, they may develop advanced knowledge and skills with […]

Stanbridge University Master of Science in Occupational Therapy student Leslie Bergado recently turned 58 hours of community service into a hands-on leadership experience through LEAD California’s Community Engagement Student Fellowship (CESF), working alongside Triumph Foundation to support adaptive recreation and community programming for individuals with disabilities. During the four-month fellowship, Leslie helped plan and lead […]

Occupational therapy assistant (OTA) students need to understand more than therapeutic techniques. They also study how anatomy, movement, health conditions, environments, and daily activities interact to affect a person’s ability to participate in meaningful occupations. Educational technology can make some of these concepts more interactive. At Stanbridge University, OTA students have access to resources including […]

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) can work with patients across the lifespan, from children developing movement skills to older adults recovering from surgery, injury, or changes in mobility. Depending on the setting, PTAs may help people with orthopedic injuries, neurological conditions, sports injuries, chronic health conditions, or age-related mobility challenges. PTAs work under the direction and […]

Occupational therapists can develop expertise in many areas of practice, including pediatrics, physical rehabilitation, gerontology, mental and behavioral health, hand therapy, low vision, driving and community mobility. The right specialty depends on the populations you want to serve, the occupational performance challenges that interest you, and the clinical environments in which you want to practice. Entry-level occupational therapy education prepares […]

Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) both work in rehabilitation, but they help patients reach different types of goals. OTAs generally help people develop or regain the skills needed to participate in meaningful daily activities, while PTAs focus more directly on movement, mobility, strength, and physical function. In California, both careers typically require accredited education, a national examination, and state […]