Occupational & Physical Therapy in Colorado
Colorado's Occupational & Physical Therapy pathway provides foundational preparation for rehabilitation and therapy careers. Colorado's healthcare sector and rehabilitation facilities create opportunities.
Students develop knowledge of therapy practices, rehabilitation principles, patient assessment, treatment modalities, and professional ethics. They gain experience through rehabilitation facility partnerships.
Graduates pursue therapy assistant roles or continue in professional physical therapy or occupational therapy education. Growing rehabilitation needs ensure strong demand.
Occupational & Physical Therapy at a Glance
3
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Colorado's therapy standards align with APTA and AOTA standards and rehabilitation best practices. Standards cover assessment, treatment, and patient interaction.
Students complete assessments through patient interaction practice, treatment modality understanding, and rehabilitation planning. Assessment includes understanding of therapy career pathways.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Rehabilitation Fundamentals and Anatomy |
| Treatment Modalities and Patient Care |
| Advanced Rehabilitation and Ethics |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- ✓Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
- ✓EKG Technician
- ✓Pharmacy Technician (PTCB)
- ✓NOCTI Emergency and Medical Services
- ✓NOCTI Health Assistant
- ✓Medical Terminology Certification
- ✓Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Therapy Assistant
Entry LevelSalary range: $59,370 - $75,820
Case Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $53,930 - $80,440
Program Coordinator
ExperiencedSalary range: $45,810 - $61,520
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern at rehabilitation centers, hospitals, physical therapy clinics, occupational therapy practices, and sports medicine facilities throughout Colorado.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in HOSA-Future Health Professionals, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Colorado CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Colorado Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Colorado's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Colorado standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Colorado
Athletic Training & Sports Medicine
Colorado's Athletic Training & Sports Medicine pathway prepares students for careers in sports medicine, athletic training support, and rehabilitation. Colorado's sports culture and active lifestyle create opportunities in this field. Students develop knowledge of athletic injuries, first aid and emergency care, treatment modalities, rehabilitation principles, and sports performance. They gain experience through athletic training partnerships and observation. Graduates pursue athletic training technician roles or continue in athletic training or sports medicine professional education. Growing emphasis on athlete health ensures demand.
Health Science, Criminal Justice & Public SafetyGeneral Health Science
Colorado's General Health Science pathway provides foundational preparation for diverse healthcare careers. Colorado's healthcare sector, with major medical centers and hospitals, creates strong demand for healthcare professionals. Students develop competency in healthcare fundamentals, medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology, health information systems, and healthcare professions. They gain experience through healthcare lab work and facility partnerships. Graduates pursue careers in various healthcare roles or continue in healthcare education programs. Many progress to nursing, medical assistant, or specialized healthcare roles. Strong healthcare demand ensures good career prospects.
Health Science, Criminal Justice & Public SafetyNursing Assistant/Aide
Colorado's Nursing Assistant pathway provides foundational preparation for careers in patient care and healthcare support roles. Colorado's healthcare sector, with major medical centers, hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, creates strong demand for qualified nursing assistants. Students develop competency in patient care basics, communication, hygiene assistance, safety procedures, HIPAA compliance, and healthcare fundamentals. They gain hands-on experience in healthcare settings through partnerships with hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Graduates work as nursing assistants or patient care technicians in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health settings. Many pursue CNA certification and progress toward Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse roles. Strong demand ensures good career prospects.
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