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Job outlook for rehabilitation specialists in the United States
Rehabilitation specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected rehabilitation specialist job growth rate is 11% from 2018-2028.
About 9,800 new jobs for rehabilitation specialists are projected over the next decade.
Rehabilitation specialist salaries have increased 8% for rehabilitation specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 52,173 rehabilitation specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 29,177 active rehabilitation specialist job openings in the US.
The average rehabilitation specialist salary is $42,934.
Are rehabilitation specialist jobs in demand?
Rehabilitation specialist job and salary trends over time
Rehabilitation specialist jobs over time
Rehabilitation specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 52,173 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 57,849 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 62,863 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 61,599 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 59,863 | 0.02% |
Average rehabilitation specialist salary over time
Rehabilitation specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $42,934 | $20.64 | +4.4% |
| 2025 | $41,127 | $19.77 | +0.9% |
| 2024 | $40,761 | $19.60 | +2.2% |
| 2023 | $39,880 | $19.17 | +0.5% |
| 2022 | $39,663 | $19.07 | +0.8% |
Rehabilitation specialist jobs by state
Most common states for rehabilitation specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,461 | 21% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 84 | 12% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 92 | 10% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 76 | 10% |
| 5 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 271 | 9% |
| 6 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 96 | 9% |
| 7 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 51 | 9% |
| 8 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 162 | 8% |
| 9 | Vermont | 623,657 | 50 | 8% |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 840 | 7% |
| 11 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 120 | 7% |
| 12 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 107 | 7% |
| 13 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 87 | 7% |
| 14 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 79 | 7% |
| 15 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 61 | 7% |
| 16 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 56 | 7% |
| 17 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 379 | 6% |
| 18 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 321 | 6% |
| 19 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 233 | 6% |
| 20 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 223 | 6% |
Most common cities for rehabilitation specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Framingham | 5 | 7% | $47,055 |
| 2 | Bridgewater | 1 | 4% | $47,203 |
| 3 | Novi | 2 | 3% | $51,351 |
| 4 | Worcester | 3 | 2% | $47,150 |
| 5 | Altadena | 1 | 2% | $41,146 |
| 6 | Daytona Beach | 1 | 2% | $33,998 |
| 7 | Elmhurst | 1 | 2% | $39,140 |
| 8 | Dearborn | 1 | 1% | $51,352 |
| 9 | Phoenix | 3 | 0% | $38,889 |
| 10 | Detroit | 2 | 0% | $51,425 |
| 11 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $39,173 |
Rehabilitation Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of rehabilitation specialist experts
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
Adelphi University
Pennsylvania State University - Abington
Saint Xavier University
Western Illinois University
Husson University
Lipscomb University
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis
Louisiana State University at Shreveport
Brown University
Brenau University
South College
East Tennessee State University
Assumption University
LaGrange College
Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Szu-Ping Lee PT, PhD
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Nevada - Las Vegas
Rehabilitation And Therapeutic Professions
What general advice would you give to a Rehabilitation Specialist?
Szu-Ping Lee PT, PhD: Most people like the job because they enjoy working with people and helping them. There is a high level of satisfaction that comes from improving other people's lives. In fact, healthcare workers consistently report some of the highest levels of career satisfaction. However, caring for people is hard work. Doing a good job as a rehabilitation specialist takes a lot of mental and physical energy. Therefore, burnout is fairly common.
What Rehabilitation Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Szu-Ping Lee PT, PhD: Aging is happening globally. Our society requires rehabilitation specialists to care for our elderly and individuals recovering from injuries or other illnesses. A World Health Organization commissioned study estimated that 1 in 3 persons in the world will need some form of rehabilitation care in their lifetime, and this demand is growing. Therefore, the job market for rehabilitation specialists is expanding in many areas of the U.S. and abroad.
What will help Rehabilitation Specialists increase their earning potential?
Szu-Ping Lee PT, PhD: There are many specialists in rehabilitation, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, rehabilitation nurses, rehabilitation physicians (physiatrist), orthotists/prosthetists, podiatrists, speech and language pathologists, respiratory therapists, social workers, and more. Each profession fulfills its own responsibilities in the rehabilitation process while collaborating with other professionals. The main goal of all clinical rehabilitation specialists is to improve patient function and to help them achieve their goals. For someone considering entering the field, I would suggest learning as much about each profession as possible to find out which field is most appealing. Many rehabilitation clinics and hospitals provide shadowing experience, and that is a good way to learn about the different fields.
Elsa Drevyn PT, DPT
Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education and Vice Chair for Clinical EducationWhat general advice would you give to a Rehabilitation Specialist?
Elsa Drevyn PT, DPT: It brings a lot of satisfaction to help someone recover or achieve the greatest potential that they possibly can after an injury, accident, illness, etc. This profession probably offers more flexibility than many as far as job sharing, hours, settings, etc. There is also flexibility in the types of settings that we can work in and the opportunity to change settings throughout our careers. We deal with a lot of emotional situations, patients in pain and distressed, that does take a toll. There is pressure from administrators for increased productivity and that also gets taxing.
What Rehabilitation Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Elsa Drevyn PT, DPT: This would totally depend on the setting. Generally speaking, in an acute setting, the PT would be working on early mobilization of the patient to prevent complications from prolonged positioning. If the patient is stable, the PT would most likely be working on bed mobility, transfers, gait training, exercises, while at the same time monitoring the pt’s reaction to the intervention. In an inpatient rehabilitation setting, the PT would be working with the patient for close to an hour or so, two times per day to help them achieve the highest level of function possible. In an OP setting, the PT would be working on the specific issue/impairment, to help the patient attain ROM, strength, function, decrease pain, etc.
What will help Rehabilitation Specialists increase their earning potential?
Elsa Drevyn PT, DPT: There is increased awareness of what we do and how we can assist an individual. There is also increased autonomy and the push for even more autonomy. There is high demand in the different settings and salaries have improved over the years.
What general advice would you give to a Rehabilitation Specialist?
Katherine Stavrianopoulos Ph.D.: Education and Credentials: Invest in obtaining advanced degrees and relevant certifications that enhance your qualifications and marketability. A master's or doctoral degree in counseling psychology, along with licensure or certification in your jurisdiction, can significantly increase your earning potential. Specialization and Niche Expertise: Develop expertise in specialized areas of counseling psychology that are in demand or command higher fees. Consider focusing on niche populations, such as children and adolescents, trauma survivors, couples therapy, family therapy and acquire specialized training or certifications to differentiate yourself in the market. Clinical Experience and Internships: Gain diverse clinical experience through internships, practicum placements, and supervised training opportunities. Continuing Education and Professional Development: Stay abreast of emerging trends, research findings, and evidence-based practices in counseling psychology through continuing education, workshops, and professional development opportunities.
What Rehabilitation Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Katherine Stavrianopoulos Ph.D.: Digital Literacy and Teletherapy Skills: With the continued integration of technology in mental health care, counselors will need to enhance their proficiency in digital platforms and teletherapy modalities. This includes utilizing secure video conferencing tools, managing electronic health records (EHR), and maintaining ethical standards in online therapy settings. Cultural Competence and Diversity Awareness: As awareness of cultural diversity and social justice issues grows, counselors must deepen their understanding of intersectionality and cultural humility. Competence in working with diverse populations and addressing systemic barriers to mental health care will from an antiracism lens will be essential for providing inclusive and culturally responsive services. Trauma-Informed Care: Given the prevalence of trauma and its impact on mental health, counselors will need to adopt trauma-informed approaches across various settings. This includes recognizing the signs of trauma, creating safe environments for disclosure, and integrating trauma-sensitive interventions into counseling practice. Resilience-Building and Positive Psychology: In addition to addressing mental health challenges, there will be a greater emphasis on promoting resilience and well-being. Counselors will incorporate positive psychology principles, such as strengths-based interventions and mindfulness techniques, to empower clients and enhance their coping skills. Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Care: With the recognition of the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, counselors will collaborate more closely with other healthcare professionals in integrated care settings. Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams will be essential for providing holistic and comprehensive care to clients. Data Literacy and Outcome Measurement: Increasing emphasis on evidence-based practice and outcome measurement will require counselors to develop skills in data collection, analysis, and outcome evaluation. Ethical Decision-Making in Complex Situations: As counseling scenarios become increasingly complex, counselors will face ethical dilemmas that require nuanced decision-making. Strengthening skills in ethical reasoning, consultation, and ethical sensitivity will enable counselors to navigate challenging ethical issues with integrity and professionalism.
What will help Rehabilitation Specialists increase their earning potential?
Katherine Stavrianopoulos Ph.D.: Continued Learning and Development: Stay committed to lifelong learning by attending workshops, pursuing advanced certifications, and staying updated on the latest research and therapeutic techniques. Supervision and Mentorship: Seek out supervision and mentorship opportunities from experienced professionals in the field. Consider participating in a peer supervision group where you can support one another and be open to constructive criticism as part of your development. Engage in regular self-reflection for personal growth. Prioritize Self-Care: Establish healthy boundaries between work and personal life, engage in activities that recharge you and help prevent burn out. Cultural Competence and Diversity: Cultivate cultural humility and strive to understand the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of your clients. Continuously educate yourself on multiculturalism and antiracism to provide competent and inclusive counseling services. Ethical Practice: Adhere to ethical guidelines and professional standards in your practice. Strive to Build Strong Therapeutic Relationships: Establish rapport, demonstrate empathy, and create a safe and trusting environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and feelings. Evidence-Based Practice: Stay informed about research findings and utilize interventions that have been empirically validated for specific client populations and presenting issues. Networking and Collaboration: Build professional connections within the counseling community. Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and participate in networking events to expand your professional network. Collaboration with colleagues can lead to referrals, consultation opportunities, and mutual support. Consider doing some pro bono work: Pro bono services help bridge the gap to access mental health services for individuals who cannot afford them.
Errol Rodriguez Ph.D., MAC, CRC
Assistant Dean & Program Director, Master's programs in General Psychology and Mental Health CounselingAdelphi University
Mental And Social Health Services And Allied Professions
What general advice would you give to a Rehabilitation Specialist?
Errol Rodriguez Ph.D., MAC, CRC: In the next few years, counselors will benefit from developing skills in emerging technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) and how such technology is being used by clients through various social media applications that might lead to clinical concerns (.e.g., dating, gambling, pornography). Integrating some of these new technologies into therapeutically sound interventions will be one way to address these concerns both in traditional therapy settings, as well as virtually (e.g., avatar therapy).
What Rehabilitation Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Errol Rodriguez Ph.D., MAC, CRC: Given the complexities of the world today, emerging counseling professionals must be flexible in their treatment approach, inclusive in their understanding of diverse cultures and sub-cultures, and mature professionally through humility, self-reflection, and self-care.
What will help Rehabilitation Specialists increase their earning potential?
Errol Rodriguez Ph.D., MAC, CRC: One way to maximize your earning potential when starting your career is to develop a focus, not just a specialization. A focus requires a broader lens when it comes to earnings. For example, specializing in clinical treatments for addiction is important and will generate referrals. However, having a focus in addiction treatments extends your reach into other adjacent areas such as business applications and services offered outside of the therapy office. It might start with the question, 'what other groups or organizations might benefit from my focus area?' This might lead to a consultation opportunity at a business that is interested in reducing burnout for its employees and by extension the sequelae of problems associated with burnout (e.g., depression, addiction). One opportunity often leads to another. The second way to maximize income early in your career is to consider ways to translate what you do into a public-facing profile. Whether using LinkedIn or your own website, it is crucial for the public to become acquainted with you professionally. Investing in this process will pay off quickly.
What general advice would you give to a Rehabilitation Specialist?
Abigail Akande Ph.D., CRC: Stay flexible, your first job will not be your forever job. But it can serve as a great opportunity to gain experience and to forge important relationships in the field. Bachelor's-level employees in rehabilitation are generalists, who will potentially where a lot of hats. Take care of yourself and do your best to maintain a healthy work/life balance. Empathy fatigue can rear its ugly head if practitioners don't establish and maintain healthy boundaries. Ask for help when you need it. Use the vacation time that you earn. Promote client autonomy by collaborating and keeping a strengths-based perspective. In other words, clients empower themselves by being encouraged to tap into their own resources to problem-solve and make strides toward their rehabilitation goals. An easy way for a practitioner to become overwhelmed is by not encouraging teamwork.
What Rehabilitation Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Abigail Akande Ph.D., CRC: Having had fieldwork experience as an undergraduate; having a related minor or certificate as a part of your undergraduate education; being multilingual; having undergraduate research experience; being enrolled in graduate school; taking on extra responsibilities to speed up promotions and raises; and considering your geographic location/being open to moving.
What will help Rehabilitation Specialists increase their earning potential?
Abigail Akande Ph.D., CRC: New issues are emerging, yet some that are prevalent now will remain prevalent. Technology and telehealth; immigrant cross-cultural sensitivity and international service provision; multilingualism; disability and chronic health conditions among older adults/seniors; vocational rehabilitation and career counseling; and co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse.
What general advice would you give to a Rehabilitation Specialist?
Kristen Toole: Remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint. Personal and professional development are
lifelong processes that are never really finished. So, it is essential to pace yourself and establish a
foundation of healthy practices from the outset. Creating habits and routines in the beginning
with the end in mind can be a good strategy for success and sustainability.
Keep work-life balance and boundaries in mind from the start because breaking bad habits can
be tricky once established. Think about where you ultimately want to be and build toward that
future one step at a time. Also, it is okay if plans change! You never know where open-
mindedness and willingness to learn may take you.
What Rehabilitation Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kristen Toole: This is an exciting time to be a counselor. It is a time for integration and inclusivity. With an
increasing focus on neuroscience and the advent of telehealth, incorporating science and
technology in counseling is increasingly relevant.
The use of technology is on the rise. As more people become familiar with telehealth, counselors
must become comfortable providing virtual care. Telehealth practices are also critical to
expanding our reach and improving the accessibility of our services.
Undeniable links between science and counseling continue to emerge. Findings in neuroscience
are shaping how we understand counseling and informing best practices (Cammisuli &
Castelnuovo, 2023). Furthermore, this supports incorporating knowledge and skills from other
disciplines to broaden the counseling field's horizons.
Mastering essential attending behaviors and the basic listening sequence (Ivey et al., 2018) is not
enough if we cannot successfully and accurately position our clients against a backdrop of broad
and complex contextual factors. Embracing diverse perspectives is crucial to supporting holistic
counseling practices. Integrating new information will be the key to achieving a more complete
and inclusive understanding of our clients and our work as we move forward.
What will help Rehabilitation Specialists increase their earning potential?
Kristen Toole: Post-pandemic disparities have highlighted the necessity of prioritizing mental health and the
need for more mental health providers (Fink-Samnick, 2023; Health Resources & Services
Administration, 2023). The counseling field is expected to outpace the national average for
occupational growth six-fold over the next ten years (U.S. Department of Labor, 2022). There is
no question that counselors are in demand, but there are still a few strategies for new
professionals to maximize their salary potential.
A growing number of students are entering counseling graduate programs, having completed
undergraduate minors and focus areas in related fields. This is fantastic conceptually and can be
a vital strategy for enhancing their counseling work. Skill building is one way to optimize
success and salary.
Some graduate programs, like Xavier's, offer options for obtaining additional certifications along
the way to a master's degree. In Xavier's counseling program, students can choose courses that
allow them to get certificates in addiction counseling and medical trauma-informed care. For
clinical mental health counselors, this is an excellent way to demonstrate skill mastery, and for
school counselors, it provides a unique opportunity to broaden their scope of practice. Either
way, additional certifications exhibit a commitment that potential employers can appreciate.
Counselors who are well-informed about their market value and earning potential can engage in
informed offer negotiations. Additional skills are one way beginning professionals can increase
their starting salary. However, it is important to remember that total earnings include several
elements, and salary is just one piece of that puzzle.
Counselors are immensely versatile and can find work in various settings, so they need to
understand their options in addition to their earning potential. Benefits, schedule, and location
are other things that can impact the earnings bottom line and are essential to consider. Finally,
counselors must know themselves: personality, interests, work values, and abilities impact job fit
and, ultimately, work satisfaction. These are crucial considerations for mitigating compassion
fatigue (Stamm, 2010), which can limit counselors' longevity.
New professionals must research and reflect as they enter the job market. There are many things
to consider when choosing a job, and it can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, various resources,
such as the Occupational Outlook Handbook, O*Net, Glassdoor, and Monster, offer
indispensable tools and information to job seekers.
What general advice would you give to a Rehabilitation Specialist?
Emily Yowell Ph.D.: A practicing counselor's day is often full of sessions with clients. These sessions may be individual therapy, couples/families, or groups of individuals with some shared presenting issue. Counselors also have to complete paperwork associated with these sessions throughout the day. Some counselors also provide supervision to newer practitioners as a part of their work roles.
What Rehabilitation Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Emily Yowell Ph.D.: There is a critical need for mental health care in our world. Many want to help with this need, making counseling a good profession to enter now.
What will help Rehabilitation Specialists increase their earning potential?
Emily Yowell Ph.D.: Psychologists should be aware of what others in their field are making for similar positions. It is important to ask for what your work is worth in an initial position to assure raises are based on a solid starting salary. Newer psychologists may also consider asking for an early review that prompts an early conversation around potential raises, bonus, or other job benefits.
Leigh Ann Tipton-Fisler, PhD, BCBA
Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Specialist in School Psychology and Clinical/ Community Mental Health Graduate ProgramsWestern Illinois University
Clinical, Counseling And Applied Psychology
What Rehabilitation Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Leigh Ann Tipton-Fisler, PhD, BCBA: - The best I can give to graduates is to focus on taking small steps at first. Often the first year in the field can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. The system we work in (the helping profession broadly) often has a lot of challenges, and new professionals want to re-envision a path for changes. This is tangible, but at first, it is important to understand the roles and functions in the workplace before flipping everything upside down. I suggest taking one small change at a time in an area that is important to you and build relationships and trust with your professional colleagues before overloading yourself with the new job and new goals.
What general advice would you give to a Rehabilitation Specialist?
Leigh Ann Tipton-Fisler, PhD, BCBA: - The best I can give to graduates is to focus on taking small steps at first. Often the first year in the field can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. The system we work in (the helping profession broadly) often has a lot of challenges, and new professionals want to re-envision a path for changes. This is tangible, but at first, it is important to understand the roles and functions in the workplace before flipping everything upside down. I suggest taking one small change at a time in an area that is important to you and build relationships and trust with your professional colleagues before overloading yourself with the new job and new goals.
What will help Rehabilitation Specialists increase their earning potential?
Leigh Ann Tipton-Fisler, PhD, BCBA: - I think skills in using and being familiar with artificial intelligence (AI) will be important in our field now and in the upcoming five years. The capabilities of the open AI sources has exponentially grown smarter in just the past year. The tools accessible are revolutionizing the way people write reports, generate recommendations, capture clinical notes, and even summarize and synthesize information. It is technology that we must learn to understand after the point of graduate training where we can apply our professional decision-making skills and theoretical knowledge to the information input/output of this great technology.
What skills stand out on Rehabilitation Specialist resumes?
Chad Howland: I believe having strong interpersonal skills is important when first entering the field. The rehabilitation specialist must work to be an active listener and encourage their patient/client to be an active participant in meeting their own healthcare goals. Exposure to different clinical settings and experiential learning across diverse patient/client populations is a plus. In addition, rehabilitation specialists should be a part of their respective national organizations. Certainly, being involved in the national or state chapter of a professional organization speaks to the job candidate's professional growth, along with taking on a leadership role within their profession. In regard to specific skills, well-rounded education in the foundational sciences (anatomy, biomechanics, neurology) has become essential for rehabilitation specialists.
What soft skills should all Rehabilitation Specialists possess?
Chad Howland: As outlined previously, a rehabilitation specialist needs to be an active listener and form a partnership with their patient/client. Expanding upon this point, they need to be effective communicators with other healthcare professionals. Establishing trust between various stakeholders is essential.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Rehabilitation Specialists?
Chad Howland: In this day and age, rehabilitation specialists should become well versed in technology and information gathering. Most hospital systems use electronic medical records and documentation. Due to the recent pandemic, rehabilitation specialists need to be comfortable performing examinations and select interventions remotely. Telehealth is a growing area within clinical practice. Also, new graduates might seek to pursue post-professional training in specialized areas such as orthopedics, manual therapy, neurorehabilitation, or pediatrics - just to name a few.
What skills stand out on Rehabilitation Specialist resumes?
Dr. Ruth Henry: Exposure to a variety of therapy settings. The outpatient clinics are the most common type of shadowing and patient care. While those are valuable, it is good for students to have had at least some observation hours in a greater variety of settings--inpatient, acute care, long-term care, or school settings. For a potential employee coming right out of their therapy training, skills in teamwork are desirable since the therapist usually works with a team of healthcare professionals.
What soft skills should all Rehabilitation Specialists possess?
Dr. Ruth Henry: Important soft skills for rehab are creativity and flexibility. Not every "textbook" type of therapy will work for every patient, so being about to "think outside the box" in developing a novel protocol is useful. During the pandemic, flexibility was essential because some sessions had to be held remotely, and while those sessions are not ideal, being able to adapt to the current needs is essential. People skills are also needed. Therapists meet with their patients several times per week over a period of several weeks, and sessions are more fun for the patient if the therapist has an ability to interact with them; this helps the therapist make a connection for the patient and better compliance with the program can result. On the other hand, silent therapy sessions with no therapist/patient interaction can be awkward and unmotivating.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Rehabilitation Specialists?
Dr. Ruth Henry: It goes without saying that experience and skill in manual therapy are the cornerstones of the therapist's skill set. Experience in or exposure to a variety of treatment modalities, including heat & cold therapy, ultrasound, TENS, K-tape, electrical stimulation, cupping, and others, is also useful. Willingness to try new modalities when the patient's needs indicate a different approach.
Dr. Raymond Ortega Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Arkansas at Little Rock
Rehabilitation Counseling Program
What skills stand out on Rehabilitation Specialist resumes?
Dr. Raymond Ortega Ph.D.: The job market for rehabilitation counselors has changed substantially over the years. Initially, it was limited to public sector agencies but now includes several private and non-profit opportunities. As a result, the requisite skillset has also increased. The essential skills that "stand out" include knowledge of career and occupational standards and requirements, legal and regulatory standards, physical and psychological disability, and counseling skills.
What soft skills should all Rehabilitation Specialists possess?
Dr. Raymond Ortega Ph.D.: Ability to work well with others, cultural awareness, empathy, adaptability, problem-solving, dependability.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Rehabilitation Specialists?
Dr. Raymond Ortega Ph.D.: Effective counseling skills, legal and ethical documentation and record-keeping, written and oral communications, use of technology, and adaptive equipment.
What skills will help Rehabilitation Specialists earn the most?
Dr. Raymond Ortega Ph.D.: Specialization in Life Care Planning, Psychiatric Rehabilitation, or Worker's Compensation.
Erin Foster Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, Neurology and PsychiatryWashington University School of Medicine in St Louis
Program in Occupational Therapy
What skills stand out on Rehabilitation Specialist resumes?
Erin Foster Ph.D.: Track record of publications, presentations, funding; advanced statistical analysis; clinical experience; teaching and mentoring.
What soft skills should all Rehabilitation Specialists possess?
Erin Foster Ph.D.: Grit, resilience, persistence; flexibility, adaptability; ability to work in multi/inter-disciplinary teams, collaborate, interpersonal skills; ethics, integrity; leadership & management.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Rehabilitation Specialists?
Erin Foster Ph.D.: Scientific writing, scientific communication, research design and methodology, analysis, the ability to synthesize knowledge/evidence from various sources to generate new questions, hypotheses & and studies, problem-solving.
What skills will help Rehabilitation Specialists earn the most?
Erin Foster Ph.D.: Communicating your research and its impact clearly and effectively to diverse audiences through various channels (e.g., social media, scientific presentations, in conversations with "lay" stakeholders). Self-advocacy and negotiation skills.
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.
Associate Professor; Director, Master of CounselingLouisiana State University at Shreveport
Department Of Psychology
What skills stand out on Rehabilitation Specialist resumes?
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.: Skills that stand out on Counselor resumes include multilingual, critical thinking, conflict resolution, and leadership skills.
What soft skills should all Rehabilitation Specialists possess?
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.: Soft skills that are essential for counselors include emotional intelligence, empathy, multicultural competency, interpersonal abilities, and authenticity.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Rehabilitation Specialists?
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.: It is important that counselors are able to effectively take notes and summarize progress, interpret assessments, memorize and recall information, and keep clear yet concise records.
What skills will help Rehabilitation Specialists earn the most?
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.: Skills that will help you earn the most include teletherapy and trauma-informed care.
J. Brian Atwood
Visiting Scholar in International and Public AffairsBrown University
International and Public Affairs
What skills stand out on Rehabilitation Specialist resumes?
J. Brian Atwood: A good policy analyst uses empirical data and understands how to utilize modern software systems to summarize and compare data sets. An analyst would be familiar with cultural and historical factors that influence the actors in a diplomatic setting in international relations. Language skills are essential in understanding the nuances of the protagonists' positions in a conflict situation. Objective analysis will lead to the capacity to make strong judgments.
What soft skills should all Rehabilitation Specialists possess?
J. Brian Atwood: The most important "soft" skills are empathy, listening carefully, and interpreting what is presented accurately.
What skills will help Rehabilitation Specialists earn the most?
J. Brian Atwood: Focusing on the job at hand and doing it as well as one can. Money should never be the most important motivator. Do the job well, and you will be well compensated.
Dr. Robert Cantu
Associate ProfessorBrenau University
Physical therapy Department
What skills stand out on Rehabilitation Specialist resumes?
Dr. Robert Cantu: These are not necessarily skills per se, but as a hiring manager, this is what I would look at in a resume for a new grad:
Clear objective statement in the resume that matches the needs of the clinic. This shows a focus on job seeking and career path.
Clinical education experiences that match the needs of the clinic.
Skills gained in their clinical training that matches the clinic's needs: Examples: Strong manual therapy training in a clinic that emphasizes one-on-one care of patients. Strong exercise training in sports medicine clinics.
For those with some career experience:
Job stability--i.e., how long is the candidate at one place of employment. At least 18-24 months in a job or longer is good. This means they were perceptive and chose wisely. Six jobs in the first 5 years will raise red flags.
Current and frequent continuing education attendance in the area in which the clinic specializes. This shows a focus on growing and staying current in clinical skills.
What soft skills should all Rehabilitation Specialists possess?
Dr. Robert Cantu: People skills: For the workgroup: ability and willingness to work in groups and manage conflict. Flexibility: Willingness to occasionally work late or come in early to accommodate the patient load. Team player attitude. Willingness to play their assigned part on the team. Strong commitment and discipline for timely completion of tasks such as daily paperwork. This shows "discipline in the drudgery," which is critical for the smooth operation of the clinic and results in better customer service.
People skills: For patient management: Empathy, the warmth of personality, a caring demeanor, and express kindness. And absolutely, a willingness to always put the patient first. Good eye contact, firm but kind, reassuring handshake (or a kind elbow bump). The understanding is that even though they work for a company, ultimately, the clinician works for the patient.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Rehabilitation Specialists?
Dr. Robert Cantu: During initial employment, clinical skills can be honed informally or through a formal residency program for a new grad. Affinity for technology is important. Examples: Willingness to do telehealth, able to adapt to changes in software such as EMR systems. Skills should closely match the clinic's needs, and if not, the candidate should express an interest in what the clinic is doing and exhibit a strong commitment to learning.
Ability to adapt to changes in insurance reimbursement policies while not compromising patient care.
What skills will help Rehabilitation Specialists earn the most?
Dr. Robert Cantu: First and foremost: Patient and referral source engagement skills. Being able to quickly earn trust and confidence from patients so they will return and complete their rehab. They will have the confidence to refer other patients to the candidate and the clinic from referral sources. This is the lifeblood of any clinical practice.
Second: Business affinity: Understanding that the purpose of any business (including healthcare) is to create wealth. Understanding how to charge for your services ethically and efficiently. Also, understanding that if a business is not growing, it is shrinking. This means an affinity to grow your individual practice and the overall practice. An understanding that we are operating in an industry.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Rehabilitation Specialists?
Dr. Roberta “Bertie” Gatlin: Potentially, could have difficulty with employment opportunities as some employment positions have been furloughed and not brought back. Many of these furloughs have been in the PTA field and out-patient ortho or sports settings. Other sites, especially acute care hospital based, in-patient rehab and out-patient clinics are now realizing the aftermath of COVID and the need for extensive rehabilitation services for the post COVID patients. The trend is we hope the employment opportunities are available to the rehabilitation professionals as they complete their final clinicals and graduate.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Rehabilitation Specialists?
Dr. Roberta “Bertie” Gatlin: In the field of physical therapy the professional has many opportunities to specialize in residency training. There are fields such as pediatrics, neurology, orthopedics, to name a few. These residencies are offered through the accrediting program of the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education. Here is the link here. www.abptrfe.org
What will help Rehabilitation Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Roberta “Bertie” Gatlin: Unfortunately many salary rates are limited by the corporate organizations. There are more practitioners going into private practice which allows them to have better salary based on the reimbursement contracts with payors. Those that seek residency and fellowship training often have an increase in salary but this would be based on the employers management structure, like an tiered program or career ladder.
Mary Andreae
Assistant ProfessorEast Tennessee State University
Department of Rehabilitative Sciences
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Rehabilitation Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Mary Andreae: I believe that we may see an increase in job openings. Due to the pandemic, dietetic internship applications have decreased, and so we predict that we may see a temporary decrease in entry-level registered dietitians entering the field.
What soft skills should all Rehabilitation Specialists possess?
Mary Andreae: Soft skills needed are: Networking, teamwork, interprofessional networking and collaboration, and time management.
How have salaries changed over time for Rehabilitation Specialists?
Mary Andreae: Salaries have slowly increased over the years. With the advent of the new requirement for all registered dietitians to have earned a Master's degree (to be implemented in the year 2014), we expect to see salaries continue in the upward trend.
Susan Scully-Hill Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies and Director of the School Counseling program at Assumption UniversityAssumption University
Department of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Rehabilitation Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Susan Scully-Hill Ph.D.: What I am seeing now is that schools are increasing the number of "school support personnel" by hiring additional school counselors, school adjustment counselors, learning coaches, student engagement officers, instructional aides, and para-professionals. Student engagement in remote learning is, overall, very low and schools are seeing more students failing multiple subjects than they have ever before. Currently schools are working hard to increase student engagement and academic outcomes by increasing support personnel. I think this trend will continue even as students transition back to in-person learning. Transitioning back to in- person learning will create challenges for many students-not just academic challenges but social, and emotional as well. Making up for lost classroom and learning time will be a priority and therefore additional school personnel will be required.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Rehabilitation Specialists?
Susan Scully-Hill Ph.D.: -Being licensed as a school counselor and/or a school adjustment counselor will have the biggest impact on our graduates. Licensed counselors will be sought after to fill student support personnel positions.
-Coursework focused on academic, learning, social, emotional, and behavioral interventions will be essential for counselors who wish to work in the schools and have a positive impact on student learning outcomes.
What's a good job out of college for Rehabilitation Specialists?
Susan Scully-Hill Ph.D.: Most of our students who graduate from a master's degree program in school counseling or school adjustment counseling are seeking a position as a school counselor or school adjustment counselor. Therefore, these are excellent positions for graduates to acquire. However, if students are not able to be hired in a counselor position, other student support positions, such as those mentioned above, are great ways for graduates to get into a school system. Once in a school system they will have an opportunity to move into a counselor position when an opening occurs.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Rehabilitation Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Amber Leiker McGlawn Ph.D.: With the pandemic, I think a lot more people are recognizing the role of healthy living habits in the prevention of disease. As Exercise Science practitioners have the ability to provide services to improve baseline health, I'm hoping to see increases in the utilization of exercise for preventative care, especially once the general population feels safe to do so again. Until then, we'll likely continue to see opportunities to provide services online or in smaller, more personal settings. Either way, creativity will be key with the ever-changing dynamics of the pandemic.
What technical skills for a Rehabilitation Specialist stand out to employers?
Amber Leiker McGlawn Ph.D.: Since Kinesiology is such a broad field, necessary technical skills will vary by discipline. In general, though, being able to critically assess an individual, team, or situation, and make evidenced-based decisions is incredibly important. It's great to have the content knowledge, but employers want to know that you can put it into action! Some employers require specific certifications and credentials (e.g., Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Certified Personal Trainer, Athletic Trainer Certified, etc.), so make sure you're on the lookout for requirements at least a year before you graduate to give yourself plenty of time to prepare.
What's a good job out of college for Rehabilitation Specialists?
Amber Leiker McGlawn Ph.D.: I like to be blunt with my students-your first job out of college most likely isn't going to be your dream job, but that's okay! A good job out of college is one that can help not only build your resume, but build your professional character. For example, in our senior seminar course at LaGrange College, we set short-term and long-term career goals. In analyzing your own goals, look for a first job that can help you build skills that will be applicable as you're on your way to dream job, and ones that can still apply once you get there.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Rehabilitation Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Christopher Kevin Wong Ph.D.: In the short term, the immediate effect has been reduced clinic density and overall patient care. Thus, there may be fewer opportunities for new graduate Rehab Techs at the current time. In addition, elective surgeries are down in number in many areas thus there are fewer people to rehabilitate from such surgeries. Other people with minor injuries and dysfunctions that have comorbidities that put them at risk for COVID may opt to wait or use telehealth (which has little role for Rehab Techs). It may be a good time to take the next step to apply to professional programs if you can afford it.
For rehab professionals, however, the demand for care remains strong in telehealth, home care, hospital based, out patient care. However, assumed is potential care for people with COVID if in institutional settings and for exposure to COVID via patients in any setting.
In the long term, there will be many people with lingering cardiovascular impairment that may introduce more opportunities for Rehab Techs particularly in Physical and Respiratory Techs in both private and hospital based out-patient care. The job market for rehab care will rebound, though telehealth will likely remain as a part of how we interact with patients.
What technical skills for a Rehabilitation Specialist stand out to employers?
Christopher Kevin Wong Ph.D.: Many clinic owners and rehab department managers may not be as facile with social media, website management, and IT ideas as younger people. Nevertheless, social media and internet searches is how we generate publicity, business, and potentially profit. Skills to help as a webmaster, social media manager, or data management and analyst can be a valuable contribution. Therapy technology can be taught as needed.
What's a good job out of college for Rehabilitation Specialists?
Christopher Kevin Wong Ph.D.: As a parent of college and post-college age kids, at some level any job that can support you out of school is a good job. Beyond that, if the job interests and challenges you that makes job satisfaction more likely. In addition, if the job can help develop you for whatever next step you want to take that makes the job particularly useful. Ultimately, I like to live by the motto: plan for tomorrow, but live for today.
As such, rehab tech or aide positions can help expose you to the clinical profession you may be interested in, develop knowledge that may have been learned in an academic setting without real life application, and meet requirements for professional program applications. Sometimes, such a job may help you realize the profession you thought you were interested in is not what you thought. In the ideal case, meeting the right professional may set you up with a career mentor that can inspire or influence you for decades.
Alternately, a job as a lab assistant or research coordinator, whether clinical or bench research, can also introduce you to the research side of various professions. Such a position also can develop knowledge gained as an undergraduate and prepare you for academic professional or research programs. Clinical research will also provide exposure to patients/subjects that can be a very personal experience with them and their families.