Tidelands Health invites high school students to apply for upcoming hands-on rehabilitation career event
February 25, 2026
Students interested in a career as a rehabilitation therapist are encouraged to apply for the upcoming second annual “Healing Hands: Career Pathways in Rehabilitation” program, taking place Thursday, March 19, from 9 a.m. to noon.
The program, led by Tidelands Health professionals, gives students a hands-on introduction to in‑demand careers in physical and occupational therapy. Selected students will explore real-world skills such as rehabilitation techniques, mobility assistance, manual therapy practices and more. 
High school juniors and seniors in Georgetown, Horry and Williamsburg counties are eligible to apply to participate in the “Healing Hands” event. Deadline to complete the application is March 10.
“This program is all about giving students a real look at what these careers are like,” said Ashley Odom, student program specialist. “People go into health care because they want to help people. This is one way students can experience a new career path option.”
Physical therapists and occupational therapists are in demand nationwide, with both careers growing much faster than the average for all occupations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for physical therapists to rise 11 percent from 2024 to 2034, adding about 29,300 jobs, while occupational therapist positions are expected to grow 14 percent, creating roughly 22,100 jobs during the same period. This strong growth reflects the increasing need for rehabilitation and therapy professionals as the population ages and more people require supportive care.
Tidelands Health meets this rising demand by offering the region’s most comprehensive rehabilitation services, including outpatient and inpatient care, pediatric therapy and neurological rehabilitation, helping patients recover abilities and return to everyday activities after injury, illness or surgery.
“Healing Hands” is part of the Tidelands Health McRoy and Jo Skipper Initiative for Learning and Teaching, which supports the education and training of current and future health care professionals through scholarships, internships, development programs and more.
Through its Skipper Initiative, the health system also has a comprehensive strategy to help recruit and train the next generation of health care professionals to serve the rapidly growing region.
Learn more about student opportunities at Tidelands Health here.
About Tidelands Health
Tidelands Health, in collaboration with MUSC Health, is the region’s largest health care provider, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 70 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.
