These careers are very different and require a wide variety of education levels but may sound similar if one is not familiar with them. Please see the individual links for the variety of careers below.
Employers:
Hospitals
Clinics
Gyms
Rehabilitation Centers
Long-Term Care Facilities
Career Descriptions:
Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) - works with sports teams - Master's Degree
Occupational Therapist (OT) - teach clients how to manage activities of daily living - Master's Degree
Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Associate's Degree
Physical Therapist (PT) - help clients rehabilitate after injury - Doctorate Degree
Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) - Associate's Degree
Recreational Therapist (RRT/RTR) - use leisure activities as therapy - Bachelor's Degree
Rehabilitation Counselors (CRC)
Personal Trainer - teach clients best fitness practices - Certificate
Massage Therapy
Exercise Physiologist - teach how to use exercise as medicine or a wellness practice - Bachelor's Degree
Kinesiologist - help clients in mechanics of movement - Bachelor's Degree
Physicians specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation work to help patients with disabilities of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Physiatrists work with patients of all ages and design care plans for conditions, such as spinal cord or brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and musculoskeletal and pediatric rehabilitation. Unlike many other medical specialties, physiatrists work to improve patient quality of life, rather than seek medical cures.