Therapy

Activities Therapist

Work Activities

• Conferring with a patients physician to understand the nature of the patients illness
• Determining the goals and objectives to be met during rehabilitation based on the patients needs, capabilities, and interests
• Planning a rehabilitation program and instructing the patient in the performance of specific activities
• Preparing reports that describe a patient's reactions and symptoms and indicate progress or regression
• Submitting a patient's report for evaluation by the physician and other rehabilitation team members
• Participating in case conferences and revising activity programs based on observation and evaluation of the patients progress
• Maintaining patient therapy records in compliance with internal and external regulations
• Educating the general public on the benefits of activity therapy

Career Specialties
There are many types of therapists involved in rehabilitation, and their duties vary depending on their area of specialization.

Manual Arts Therapists use mechanical, technical, and industrial activities to assist patients in maintaining, improving, or developing work skills. They develop a program of actual or simulated work situations that includes such activities as woodworking, photography, metalworking, horticulture, electronics, printing, and graphic arts.

Horticultural Therapists organize and direct gardening activities to help patients develop a sense of accomplishment and achievement.

Work Settings
Activities Therapists usually work as part of a rehabilitation team along with physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and other specialists. They supervise and are assisted by student trainees and therapy aides. Activities Therapists work in a variety of settings; however, most work indoors. Horticultural Therapists may spend some time directing activities in outdoor gardens.

Special Requirements
Although it is not required for employment, Activities Therapists who meet educational and experience requirements can qualify for registration by the professional association that represents therapists in their area of specialization. Requirements for registration include either a bachelor or master degree in the area of specialization and six months to one year of experience through an internship or employment.

Creative Arts Therapy Personnel

Work Activities

• Assessing psychotherapeutic needs of clients and determining appropriate goals and objectives
• Developing, evaluating, and directing creative arts therapy treatment plans
• Charting a client's progress
• Conducting research
• Teaching students and other professionals

Career Specialties
Art Therapists focus on the psychotherapeutic use of the visual arts, such as drawing, painting, and clay modeling, and offer clients an opportunity to express symbolically and resolve inner conflicts and painful or confusing experiences in order to encourage personal growth and development. Art Therapists may specialize in working with certain age groups or persons with specific emotional problems, such as post-traumatic stress.

Dance/Movement Therapists help individuals use movement to strengthen body image, alter feelings, increase coping skills, and improve orientation to reality. They work with people of every age and level of progress.

Drama Therapists use creative drama, theater, and role-playing to promote the goals of emotional and physical rehabilitation, symptom relief, and personal growth.

Music Therapists, through the use of creative and structured sounds, assist clients with improving and maintaining skills in communication, socialization, motor development and functioning, and sensory awareness.

Poetry Therapists help individuals to achieve therapeutic goals and personal growth through poetry and other evocative literature.

Psychodramatists use guided dramatic action to examine individual or group problems or issues. They facilitate the enactment of life situations to help people learn new behaviors and solve problems. Areas of specialization include Clinical Psychodramatists, who treat people with mental illness or emotional disturbances; Sociometrists, who study patterns of interaction and help develop healthy working and living relationships; and Training Psychodramatists, who teach interpersonal skills in business, industry, and other organizations. For example, Training Psychodramatists may teach crisis intervention techniques to law enforcement officials or create trauma simulations to help organizations prepare for emergencies. Many Psychodramatists also are licensed as psychologists, social workers, or counselors.

Work Settings
Creative Arts Therapy Personnel may work as members of a treatment team or as individual practitioners. They serve individuals, couples, families, and groups. Employment settings include hospitals, clinics, private offices, schools, universities, training institutes, psychiatric centers, businesses, government agencies, law enforcement agencies, and prisons.

Special Requirements
Art Therapists are required to have a master degree from an accredited art therapy program. To become a Registered Art Therapist (ATR) with the American Art Therapy Association, an applicant also must complete 1,000 hours of supervised postgraduate clinical service. Dance Therapists also must obtain a master degree from an accredited university, in either dance therapy or a related field. There are two levels of national registration: Registered Dance Therapists (DTRs) are qualified to work in a professional treatment system, and Registered Academy of Dance Therapists (ADTRs) are qualified to teach, provide supervision, and engage in private practice.

Upon completion of either a bachelor or master degree in music therapy from an accredited program, Music Therapists are required to serve a 1,040-hour clinical internship at an approved facility. The National Association for Music Therapy provides certification as a Registered Music Therapist (RMT), and the American Association for Music Therapy provides certification as a Certified Music Therapist (CMT). Psychodramatists must have a minimum of a master degree in a mental health-related field from an accredited school. The applicant also must obtain a minimum of 780 hours of additional training and one year of supervised experience and pass a written examination.

Occupational Therapy Personnel

Programs in occupational therapy offer the education needed to provide services to individuals whose abilities to cope with the tasks of daily life are threatened or impaired. Developmental handicaps, physical injuries or illnesses, psychological and social problems, age, and economic and cultural barriers are some of the factors affecting individuals who require the services of Occupational Therapists.

Work Activities

• Planning individual therapy programs using selected activities
• Consulting with other members of the treatment team to coordinate the most appropriate program
• Selecting activities and programs according to the needs and capabilities of individual patients
• Teaching patients the skills and techniques that are required for participation in activities
• Evaluating patients progress, attitudes, and behaviors
• Designing special equipment to aid disabled patients
• Teaching patients how to adjust to home and work activities and to social environments
• Testing and evaluating patients physical and mental abilities
• Preparing patients' progress charts
• Lecturing to various professionals, students, and community groups about occupational therapy

Occupational Therapy Aides work under the direction of Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants. They perform support services, such as transporting patients, assembling equipment, and preparing and maintaining work areas for patient use.

Career Specialties
Occupational Therapists usually work with certain types of disabilities and age groups. Often they start their careers in general patient care, but eventually choose a treatment specialty, such as pediatrics, gerontology, or psychiatry. They may work as staff therapists, senior therapists, supervisors, clinical directors, activity coordinators, administrators, consultants, researchers, or educators.

Vocational Rehabilitation Therapists arrange paid employment for patients in an actual work environment. They also determine the work activities that will provide the greatest therapeutic value for a patient.

Work Settings
Occupational Therapists usually work as part of a team. In most cases they work with physicians, physical and speech therapists, nurses, social workers, psychologists, vocational counselors, teachers, and other specialists. They may supervise certified and non-certified Assistants, Aides, and volunteers.

Most work is performed indoors; however, some Occupational Therapists occasionally supervise outdoor recreational and rehabilitation activities, such as games, gardening, and exercises. Often they are required to make visits to a patient's home and school to determine the patients rate of progress and adjustment to the treatments.

Special Requirements
A college degree and a certificate in occupational therapy from an accredited program are required to become an Occupational Therapist. After students complete the six- to nine-month clinical practice portion of the program and graduate, they are eligible to take the examination to become a Registered Occupational Therapist. Also, training in occupational therapy is available at the master degree level. Assistants in this occupation may become certified after completing a two-year approved training program and passing an examination.

Physical Therapy Personnel

Work Activities

• Evaluating the physicians referral and the patients medical records to determine what type of physical therapy is required
• Performing patient tests, measurements, and evaluations, including range-of-motion and manual-muscle tests, gait and functional analyses, and body-parts measurements
• Administering manual therapeutic exercises to improve or maintain muscle function
• Instructing and motivating patients in nonmanual exercises (ie., isometrics) and in functional activities (ie., ambulation)
• Administering treatments involving the application of light, heat, water, and electricity
• Evaluating the effects of treatments and of their duration, then adjusting treatments to achieve maximum benefits
• Performing deep and surface massage techniques
• Administering traction to relieve neck and back pain
• Instructing patients and their families in physical therapy procedures to be continued at home
• Training patients in the use of prosthetic and orthotic devices and recommending modifications
• Conferring with physicians, social workers, nurses, psychologists, and other therapists regarding patient cases

Physical Therapy Aides perform routine tasks related to physical therapy service. They may assist patients in preparing for treatment sessions. They transport patients to and from treatment areas, arrange treatment supplies and equipment, clean work areas and equipment after sessions, and perform other duties assigned by the Physical Therapist.

Career Specialties
The physical therapy profession has developed certified clinical specialties in the areas of sports medicine, orthopedics, pediatrics, clinical electrophysiological testing, geriatrics, neurology, and cardiopulmonary. Physical Therapists may be engaged actively in research, teaching, consultation, administration, or community health.

Work Settings
Physical Therapy Personnel often work as part of a team under the supervision of higher level personnel, such as a Chief Physical Therapist or a department head. Physical Therapists may supervise Physical Therapist Assistants and Phys-ical Therapy Aides. Physical Therapists work with physicians, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and other specialists. Some Physical Therapists are in private practice.

Physical Therapists may work in private and public hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, physicians offices, schools for the handicapped, nursing homes, colleges and universities, research laboratories, and governmental agencies. Usually they work indoors; however, those who treat patients at home or who are consultants for agencies perform their duties under a variety of working conditions.

Special Requirements
To become licensed in New Mexico as a Physical Therapist, an applicant must be at least 18 years of age, graduate from a school of physical therapy approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education or from a school outside of the United States that is acceptable to the certifying board, and pass an examination.

To become licensed in New Mexico as a Physical Therapist Assistant, an applicant must be at least 18 years of age, graduate from a two-year college program for Physical Therapist Assistants that has been approved by the certifying board, and pass an examination.

Radiation Therapy Technologist

Work Activities

• Assisting the oncologist in planning treatment procedures, including tumor localization and dosimetry (dose determination)
• Helping the patient assume the correct position for treatment and monitoring the patient during the treatment
• Administering radiation therapy according to the prescription and instructions of the oncolo-gist using a variety of therapeutic equipment
• Attending to the patient's needs while under the care of the technologist and monitoring the patient's responses to therapy in order to note and report any unusual or adverse reactions
• Applying principles of radiation physics and safety to limit radiation exposure of the patient and self
• Recording patients' treatments accurately

Work Settings
Most Radiation Therapy Technologists work in hospitals. Qualified professionals may work in private offices, public health and governmental facilities, or cancer treatment centers.

Radiation hazards exist, but are minimized by adhering to strict procedures and using protective equipment.

Special Requirements
For entry into a two-year program, graduation from high school (or the equivalent) is required. For entry into a one-year program, gradu-ation from an accredited program in radiography or other specialized requirements are necessary.

Respiratory Care Personnel

Work Activities

• Reviewing prescriptions, planning treatment procedures, and explaining them to patients
• Setting up and operating equipment, including oxygen, gas, and mist-inhalation equipment, iron lungs, tents, masks, catheters, and incubators used in administering prescribed doses of medicinal gases and drugs (aerosols)
• Monitoring patients undergoing treatment and notifying other personnel of any harmful reactions
• Showing patients and their families how to use the equipment at home
• Teaching patients special breathing exercises designed to clear the lungs of fluid
• Conducting diagnostic tests of patients cardiopulmonary functions
• Preparing and maintaining a treatment chart for each patient
• Inspecting and testing equipment to ensure proper functioning

Career Specialties
Although Respiratory Care Therapists are involved primarily in the treatment of cardiopulmonary problems, some specialize in diagnostic testing. Pulmonary Technicians and Pulmonary Technologists perform a wide range of diagnostic tests of the pulmonary (lung) system. Many make preliminary analyses of test data and present their findings to a physician. The test results help physicians evaluate how well a patients lungs are functioning. This is necessary in order to determine if the prescribed therapy is resulting in improvement and to detect the presence and extent of disease. Some Respiratory Care Therapists work primarily in adult, pediatric, or neonatal (newborn) critical care units.

Work Settings
Respiratory Care Therapists supervise and are assisted by Respiratory Care Technicians and Respiratory Care Assistants. In the absence of registered Therapists, certified Respiratory Care Technicians may supervise other Respiratory Care Personnel. The work setting for these personnel is usually a hospital. Often they work under emergency conditions to maintain or to start a patients breathing. They also have responsibility in the care of critically ill patients and must exercise careful judgment. They assume the responsibility of working with and maintaining expensive equipment. Hazards include working with pressurized gas sources and with electrical equipment.

Special Requirements
Although certification and registration are not necessary to practice respiratory therapy, many employers prefer workers with these credentials.

To become a Certified Respiratory Care Technician, an applicant must complete high school, graduate from an American Medical Association (AMA)-approved Respiratory Care Technician program that is usually one year in length, and pass a written examination given by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC).

To become a Registered Respiratory Care Therapist, an applicant must graduate from an AMA-approved respiratory care program that is usually two years in length and complete at least 62 semester-hours of approved college credit. Graduates in respiratory care therapy may seek registry through the NBRC. A written entry-level examination and a written registry and clinical simulation examination must be passed.

Speech/Language Pathologist and Audiologist

Work Activities
Audiologist:

• Determining the range, nature, and degree of hearing function
• Conducting physiological measurements, such as auditory brainstem response
• Differentiating between organic and nonorganic hearing disabilities
• Planning and conducting audiologic rehabilitation programs for the hearing impaired, which may include counseling, auditory training, and speech reading
• Conducting research in auditory systems
• Consulting with educational, medical, and other professional groups
• Testing a patient with a variety of hearing aids, recommending the most appropriate type, and orienting the patient in its use
• Planning and conducting industrial hearing conservation programs, including noise measurements, counseling, and instruction in hearing protection

• Identifying speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders in patients and evaluating their causes
• Planning, directing, and conducting therapy for impairments, such as aphasia, stuttering, and poor articulation, caused by organic and nonorganic factors
• Evaluating and training patients in the use of alternative communication devices
• Counseling patients and their families
• Consulting with other professionals, such as physicians, psychologists, physical therapists, social workers, and teachers
• Recording the method of treatment and the patient's progress
• Conducting research related to the development of diagnostic and remedial procedures or to the design of an apparatus

Career Specialties
Although these professions do not have recognized specialties, an Audiologist or a Speech/Language Pathologist may choose to work with specific disabilities or age groups.

Work Settings
An Audiologist or a Speech/Language Pathologist may work independently or with a team of other professionals who may include physicians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, hearing aid specialists, and/or special education teachers. They may work in private practice, public schools, industry, private and public hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, physicians' offices, schools for the handicapped, nursing homes, colleges and universities, research laboratories, and governmental agencies.

Special Requirements
There are separate licenses for audiology and speech/language pathology in New Mexico. To practice both, an applicant must hold licensure in both. An applicant for licensure must complete a college or university program approved by the certifying board, complete the required supervised clinical experience (master degree minimum), and pass a national examination or hold a current certificate of clinical competence.

Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Work Activities

• Assessing the client's needs and functional abilities
• Planning and implementing goal-oriented programs
• Documenting the client's progress
• Monitoring and performing quality assurance activities
• Leading activities that help the client to focus on leisure awareness, skill development, resource identification, and community integration

Work Settings
Therapeutic Recreation Specialists work in public, private, federal, and state agencies. Employment opportunities are numerous in clinical and community settings, including physical rehabilitation hospitals, psychiatric hospitals and mental health agencies, community recreation agencies, child and adolescent treatment centers, nursing homes and retirement communities, correctional facilities, and long-term hospitals. Therapeutic Recreation Specialists may act as therapists, educators, leisure counselors, facilitators, and advocates.

Special Requirements
After completing a college program in therapeutic recreation, the graduate is eligible to apply for certification through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). All Therapeutic Recreation Specialists are required to pass a national exam given by the NCTRC. Educational opportunities exist for those who wish to earn a master degree or a doctorate.

Educational Institutions
Heights Psychiatric Hospital(O/R)
Lovelace Health Systems(O/P)
University of New Mexico(B/M/D)