October is PT Month, a time to raise awareness of how physical therapists (PTs) enhance mobility, function, and quality of life across populations. In the school setting, PTs play a unique and vital role in helping students access their education, participate meaningfully, and prepare for success. In this article, let’s explore what school-based physical therapy means, how it works, how educators and PTs can collaborate, and why working as a school PT is a rewarding path!
What Is School-Based Physical Therapy?
When you think of careers and settings in physical therapy, you might think of clinics, hospitals, or outpatient settings. But PTs also serve as related service providers in the educational system by supporting students who’s physical, mobility, or functional challenges affect their ability to benefit from instruction.
Some key insights:
- Under the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) physical therapy is designated as a “related service” for children whose disabilities impact their education. American Physical Therapy Association+2PediatricAPTA.org+2
- The goal is not simply “therapy for therapy’s sake,” but providing services to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education. PediatricAPTA.org
- As the APTA puts it: “Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are integral members of school-based teams that ensure a free and appropriate education for students with disabilities.” American Physical Therapy Association
In practice, this means PTs may be involved with:
- Evaluation & assessment: determining mobility, strength, balance, gait, functional movement within school settings
- Planning interventions: recommending strategies, equipment, modifications, or accommodations
- Direct services: providing therapy in classroom and other school areas (pull-out, push-in, or consultative models)
- Consultation & collaboration: advising teachers, aides, school staff, and families
- Monitoring and progress tracking
- Facilitating transitions (moving from special education to general education, or preparing for post-school life)
Because school PTs work within the educational environment, their interventions are often more contextualized. This means they must consider classroom layout, school schedule, peer interactions, and teacher routines.
How Educators Can Partner Effectively with PTs
- Invite PTs early into planning
Rather than requesting PT after the fact, try bringing them into curriculum planning, school layout decisions, or activity design so they can advise on access from the start.
- Share class schedules, routines, and student needs
PTs can better plan their sessions if they know the flow of classes, high-traffic zones, recess timing, and classroom routines.
- Embed therapy into classroom routines
Whenever possible, incorporate movement, standing, transitions, or mobility tasks into classroom activities. This increases generalization and reduces “pull-out” stigma.
- Use cooperative goals
When PT and teacher goals align (e.g. “standing during circle time,” “moving between centers”), student engagement increases.
- Provide feedback and data
Teachers can report on how mobility adaptations are going in the classroom and share observations (e.g. “student fatigue increased mid-day”) which inform PT adjustments.
- Attend collaborative professional development
Invite PTs to present in staff meetings, in-services, or co-lead training about inclusion, physical access, or posture management.
- Integrate physical environment modifications
Consult PT when planning furniture layout changes, hallway flow, accessible restrooms, threshold ramps, or classroom pathways.
- Maintain open communication
Regular check-ins, joint problem solving, and documenting student responses builds trust and efficacy.
A successful PT-educator collaboration benefits students by making access and mobility seamless parts of the learning environment, rather than add-ons.
How Physical Therapy Under IDEA Differs from Clinic-Based PT
It’s important to acknowledge that school-based PT is not identical to clinical or outpatient PT. See the diagram for a quick snapshot of the key differences!
APTA Educationally Relevant Physical Therapy: Scope of School-Based Practice Fact Sheet
The Pros (and Realities) of Working as a School-Based PT
If you’re considering or exploring a career in school-based PT, keep reading for a quick list of the advantages!
Advantages & Rewards
- Impact on student participation and equity
You get to directly influence a student’s access to education, inclusion, and independence. School PTs help level the playing field.
- Predictable schedule / holidays / breaks
Unlike many clinical settings, school PTs typically follow the school calendar which means summers off or reduced hours and holiday breaks. This provides a more predictable work rhythm.
- Building relationships over time
You might see students year after year, which allows you to witness progress longitudinally and sustain impact.
- Interdisciplinary teamwork
You’ll be part of a multidisciplinary team (SLPs, OTs, special educators, counselors) offering rich professional collaboration.
Considerations
- Resource constraints
Budgets, equipment, or staffing may be limited; PTs must often be creative with low-cost solutions. If you’re an Austill’s or AOT PT, feel free to reach out to your Clinical Educational Therapy Managers for ideas!
- Role clarity and understanding
Some teachers or administrators may lack awareness of what PTs contribute in the school setting. Ongoing education and advocacy are key!
- Licensure and state practice act differences
Each state defines PT scope differently, and school PTs must ensure their work aligns with both the state practice act and IDEA/education laws. Visit APTA.org for more information.
Despite these considerations, many PTs find school-based roles deeply fulfilling because the work is embedded in helping students succeed in their educational environment!
Celebrating PTs This October
This Physical Therapy Month, Austill’s is proud to recognize the Physical Therapists who help students move, grow, and participate more fully in their school day. Your expertise supports not just physical development, but confidence, independence, and access to learning for every child.
We’re also grateful to the educators, administrators, and families who partner with our PTs to create inclusive, movement-friendly school environments. Together, we’re helping students reach their potential one motion and milestone at a time!
School-Based PT Careers: Build Your Career With Us | Austill’s Educational Services
