Application Process
This part of the OT/PT application describes why you want to enter the profession.
What is the personal statement?
Therapists in this setting visit clients in their own environment and help adapt daily routines.
What is home health?
This part of the brain controls balance and coordination—important for gait training in PT.
What is the cerebellum?
This type of plan outlines goals, interventions, and frequency of treatment sessions.
What is a treatment plan?
This portable device helps patients safely walk and maintain balance after injury or surgery.
What is a walker?
Many OT/PT schools use this centralized application system.
What is OTCAS or PTCAS?
PTs and OTs working with elderly clients in assisted-living or long-term facilities primarily practice in this setting.
What is geriatrics / skilled nursing facility (SNF)?
This joint connects the upper arm bone to the shoulder blade and is one of the most mobile joints in the body.
What is the shoulder (glenohumeral) joint?
OTs help patients regain hand strength using activities like squeezing therapy putty or using hand grippers. This is part of improving ________.
What is fine motor strength?
These elastic bands come in different resistance levels and are used for strengthening exercises.
What are therabands or resistance bands?
Programs ask individuals like professors or supervisors to write these supporting documents on your behalf.
What are letters of recommendation?
OTs in this specialty help clients recovering from burns, tendon repairs, or nerve injuries regain hand function.
What is hand therapy?
This muscle group on the front of the thigh helps with knee extension—important for standing and walking.
What are the quadriceps?
OTs help clients improve skills needed for everyday activities, known collectively as these.
What are ADLs (activities of daily living)?
PTs often use this flat surface with bars on either side to help patients relearn walking or balance safely.
What is parallel bars?
This is the minimum educational degree needed to apply to OT or PT school.
What is a bachelor’s degree?
This early childhood setting provides therapy in natural environments such as homes or daycares.
What is early intervention?
These two forearm bones allow pronation and supination, such as turning a doorknob.
What are the radius and ulna?
PTs commonly measure how far a joint can move using a tool called a ________.
What is a goniometer?
OTs use this soft, malleable material to improve hand strength, dexterity, and fine motor control.
hat is therapy putty?
Many programs use this type of admissions process that is where applications are reviewed and decisions are made on a continuous, first-come, first-served basis until all spots are filled.
What is rolling admissions?
This common inpatient setting focuses on getting patients medically stable before therapy.
What is acute care?
This large chest muscle helps you push a door open or perform a push-up.
What is the pectoralis major?
PTs frequently analyze the way someone walks to identify abnormalities.
What is gait analysis?
This piece of equipment measures grip strength in the hands and forearms.
What is a dynamometer?