Physical/Occupational Therapy
Physical/Occupational Therapy
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New in 2026–2027: Program specific course content will be weighted as Honors-level coursework. See Program Coursework below for more details.
Prerequisites
- Must be a Junior
- Biology: Grade C or better
- Algebra I: Grade C or better
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This two-year program prepares students for future study and careers in physical and occupational therapy through hands-on labs, anatomy and kinesiology coursework, and applied clinical concepts. Students learn how therapists help patients improve movement, strength, and daily functioning across rehabilitation and healthcare settings.
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This is a highly physical, hands-on course. Students are active every day and should expect extended standing, bending, lifting, and getting on and off the floor and treatment tables. Instruction includes direct physical contact with classmates, such as practicing techniques that will involve touching others’ feet, legs, arms, and joints, as well as removing shoes and socks during lab activities. Students must be comfortable applying and receiving physical resistance during strength, balance, and mobility exercises.
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Students engage in structured clinical observation opportunities and educational field trips to a variety of real-world healthcare environments relevant to the fields of physical and occupational therapy. These experiences are designed to introduce students to professional healthcare settings, workplace expectations, confidentiality principles, and the roles of allied health professionals.
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Students are expected to participate in HOSA – Future Health Professionals, a national student organization focused on leadership development, teamwork, and healthcare career readiness.In addition to earning course credit, students are eligible to work toward industry-recognized credentials, including:
- Certified Physical Therapy Aide certification through American Allied Health (AAH)
- Workplace Readiness Skills
These credentials allow students to graduate with documented skills, certifications, and career preparation—not just a grade.
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This program operates like a healthcare workplace. Students are expected to purchase specific work attire for daily wear when attending classes:
- Wear required work attire daily
- Display a visible ID badge at all times
- Demonstrate professional behavior, punctuality, accountability, and respectful communication
Work attire sample images appear in the image carousel below
Program Coursework
2 years (5 HS credits) – Advanced Career Education (ACE) Center at Hermitage
This program is designed to be completed in two years during the 11th and 12th grade.
Year 1 ( Junior Year)
Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy I - 2 credits (Honors) : The course is designed to provide an introduction to the professions of physical and occupational therapy. Students explore the principles and practices of physical and occupational therapists in the healthcare industry and participate in clinical observation under the direct supervision of a licensed physical and/or occupational therapist or assistant. Clinical skills in the areas of physical therapy and occupational therapy enable students to gain understanding of rehabilitative care, which is practiced throughout the continuum of care and across the life span of individuals. After successful completion of this course, students may seek higher education for specific degrees/licensure in a variety of fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, sports medicine, athletic training, chiropractic medicine, or exercise science.
Career Strategies - 1 credit : Career Strategies consists of an in-depth study of career clusters and pathways through a variety of investigative activities. Students analyze career assessment results, compare various educational options, and develop or revise a plan related to their academic and career-related goals.
Year 2 ( Senior Year)
Physical/Occupational Therapy II - 2 credits (Honors) : This course is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of kinesiology and anatomy from a clinical perspective, to include the anatomical basis of common pathological conditions seen in physical therapy and occupational therapy. Instruction is reinforced with hands-on activity labs and practical experiences. Students continue to explore the principles and practices of therapists learned in the Physical/Occupational Therapy I class and participate in clinical observation under the direct supervision of a licensed physical and/or occupational therapist or assistant. Clinical skills in the areas of physical therapy and occupational therapy enable students to gain understanding of rehabilitative care, which is practiced throughout the continuum of care and across the life span of individuals. After the successful completion of this course, students may seek higher education for specific degrees or licensure in a variety of fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, sports medicine, athletic training, chiropractic medicine, or exercise science.