West Virginia's Therapeutic Services pathway provides specialized preparation for careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, sports medicine, and rehabilitation services. This specialized healthcare program focuses on therapeutic interventions helping patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve functional abilities and quality of life. With West Virginia's aging population, high rates of chronic health conditions, and increasing demand for rehabilitation services, therapeutic professionals are critically needed throughout the Mountain State.
The pathway provides foundational knowledge in human anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, therapeutic techniques, patient assessment, rehabilitation principles, and therapeutic equipment. Students learn about various therapeutic modalities, assistive technologies, and evidence-based interventions used in rehabilitation settings. The curriculum emphasizes patient-centered care, therapeutic communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional ethics essential for effective therapeutic services. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory simulations, clinical observations, and partnerships with West Virginia rehabilitation facilities.
West Virginia's Therapeutic Services pathway prepares students for entry-level positions as therapy aides or rehabilitation technicians, creating pathways to advanced therapeutic careers through postsecondary education. Strong partnerships with hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and sports medicine clinics throughout West Virginia provide clinical learning experiences and employment opportunities. Graduates are well-prepared for continuation to physical therapy assistant, occupational therapy assistant, or other therapeutic degree programs at West Virginia colleges while addressing the state's therapeutic services workforce needs.
Therapeutic Services at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
5
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
West Virginia's Therapeutic Services standards align with National Healthcare Foundation Standards and emphasize anatomy and physiology, kinesiology and body mechanics, therapeutic modalities, patient care and safety, rehabilitation principles, medical terminology, and healthcare professionalism. State standards prepare students for therapy aide positions and provide foundation for advanced therapeutic education programs while developing patient care competencies required in West Virginia rehabilitation and therapeutic settings.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic Services I: Healthcare Foundations | 1660 |
| Therapeutic Services II: Body Systems and Kinesiology | 1661 |
| Therapeutic Services III: Therapeutic Techniques | 1662 |
| Therapeutic Services IV: Clinical Applications | 1663 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓CPR/AED for Healthcare Providers (BLS)
- ✓First Aid
- ✓Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- ✓Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
- ✓EKG Technician
- ✓Pharmacy Technician (PTCB)
- ✓NOCTI Emergency and Medical Services
- ✓NOCTI Health Assistant
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.
Physical Therapy Aide
Entry LevelSalary range: $82,470 - $115,710
Adjusted for cost of living: $91,868
Occupational Therapy Aide
Entry LevelSalary range: $34,840 - $44,190
Adjusted for cost of living: $38,810
Rehabilitation Technician
Entry LevelAdjusted for cost of living: $38,097
Respiratory Therapy Technician
ExperiencedSalary range: $61,140 - $76,730
Adjusted for cost of living: $73,933
Physical Therapist
ExperiencedSalary range: $82,470 - $115,710
Adjusted for cost of living: $112,744
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students complete clinical observations and practicums at physical therapy clinics, occupational therapy centers, sports medicine facilities, and rehabilitation hospitals throughout West Virginia. Work-based learning includes observing licensed therapists, assisting with patient treatments under supervision, participation in community health and wellness programs focused on injury prevention and rehabilitation, and summer employment in therapeutic settings. Transportation assistance may be provided for students traveling to clinical sites in rural areas.
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 West Virginia CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
West Virginia Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with West Virginia's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as West Virginia standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in West Virginia
Related Glossary Terms
CTE Pathways
CTE Pathways are structured sequences of courses within a Career Cluster that prepare students for a specific group of related occupations. Pathways combine academic and technical instruction, providing a clear roadmap from introductory courses through advanced, specialized training aligned with industry standards and postsecondary opportunities.
ProgrammaticWork-Based Learning
Work-Based Learning (WBL) encompasses a range of educational strategies that connect classroom instruction with real workplace experiences. Activities include internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, clinical rotations, and cooperative education, all designed to help CTE students apply technical skills in authentic industry settings.
ProgrammaticProgram of Study
A Program of Study (POS) is a coordinated, non-duplicative sequence of academic and CTE courses that spans secondary through postsecondary education. Required under Perkins V, a POS integrates academic content with CTE instruction, includes work-based learning, and leads to an industry-recognized credential or postsecondary degree.
ProgrammaticIndustry Certifications in CTE
Industry certifications in CTE are credentials issued by industry organizations or third-party bodies that validate a student's mastery of specific technical skills and knowledge. Examples include CompTIA A+, AWS Certified Welder, and ServSafe, which demonstrate career readiness to employers in ways that transcend state and district boundaries.
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