What is a Rehab Technician?
What is a Rehab Technician?
Rehab technicians play an integral role in a patient’s long-term care by providing basic nursing care skills while supporting daily life. This role also offers a way to enter healthcare without needing a college degree. Instead, individuals complete a training program and complete a certification.
In this article, we’re going to cover the role rehab technicians play within the medical community, what they do, where they work, and how this role differs from a medical assistant’s role.
Who Rehab Technicians Are
Rehab technicians are trained to provide basic care to residents, clients, and patients in long-term care facilities including nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that this role has a projected 40% job growth between 2012 and 2022, the most recent numbers available. Individuals who are humble, compassionate, and trustworthy make the best rehab technician.
What Rehab Technicians Do
Rehab technicians are trained in basic medical skills in addition to patient advocacy and safety. Most training programs are ten to 12 weeks, offering students a chance to start their new career much faster than traditional four-year schools.
Upon graduation, rehab technicians are ready to help patients in these areas:
- Providing basic nursing care skills, including vital signs.
- Basic nutritional guidance in meal planning.
- Proper infection control measures.
- Proper body mechanics in bed making, lifting, and turning patients.
- Assisting clients with bed mobility and other therapeutic exercises.
- Assisting clients in the use of self-help adaptive devices for daily living.
Once complete, nurse aides are eligible to take the state Competency Exam for Nurse Assistants (NACES), which is required before nurse aides can step into their first job.
Where Rehab Technicians Work
After training and certification, rehab technicians can work in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and private care companies. This variety of positions means that it’s possible to find a good career fit.
Rehab technicians can advance in their careers by becoming a case manager or office manager, depending on an individual’s goals.
Becoming a rehab technician is one of the best entry-level ways to build long-term relationships with patients. There are a variety of workplaces available while interfacing with the rest of the treatment team. Because of this, working as a rehab technician is a valuable introduction to the healthcare industry without meeting extensive education requirements.
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