For students who struggle with mobility or motor skills or face challenges when navigating a classroom, gym, or playground—physical therapy can be life-changing. This critical service is provided by school physical therapists (PTs), licensed professionals who work closely with students to improve their movement and physical abilities.
PTs and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) help children fully engage in their learning environment alongside their peers. These school physical therapy professionals are key players in providing students access to the tools, skills, and support they need to move with independence and confidence.
In this article on the State of School Physical Therapy Careers from ProCare Therapy, you’ll find everything you need to know about PT and PTA roles in schools today, including the job outlook, responsibilities, and current trends influencing the demand for professionals.
What is a School Physical Therapist?
A school physical therapist is a licensed healthcare professional employed by school districts or other educational systems to help students overcome physical challenges. Their primary goal is to support students who have disabilities or injuries that affect their mobility, strength, or motor skills. By assessing each student’s unique needs, they develop individualized treatment plans that enable students to navigate their school environment more effectively.
From improving balance and motor skills to giving lessons on how to use adaptive equipment, school PTs play a vital role in a child’s success inside and outside the classroom.
What Does a School Physical Therapist Do?
The responsibilities of a school PT are diverse, but they primarily revolve around supporting students’ physical well-being within the school environment.
School physical therapists are responsible for evaluating students’ physical abilities to determine what therapy services they may need. Following this, they develop individualized treatment plans that target a student’s specific challenges and provide therapy services to improve movement, strength, coordination, and balance. In addition, school PTs might teach students how to use adaptive equipment and collaborate with special education teams.
What is a School Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)?
A school physical therapist assistant (PTA) works under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist to help carry out treatment. PTAs are generally more hands-on, as they help deliver therapy services and show students how to perform the prescribed exercises. While they don’t develop treatment plans, PTAs play an important role in ensuring students receive the care and support they need throughout their school day.
Job Outlook for School Physical Therapy Careers
The job outlook for physical therapists and PT assistants in schools is very positive. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of physical therapists is projected to grow by 14% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Similarly, the employment of physical therapist assistants and aides is projected to skyrocket over the next decade, with a 19% increase in these roles from 2023 to 2033.
The job outlook for school-based physical therapy professionals is particularly high as more students with special needs are identified and as schools continue to invest in inclusive education services to help students succeed both academically and physically.
Demand for School Physical Therapy Professionals
The demand for school physical therapists and assistants is growing rapidly, largely due to the increasing number of students who require specialized physical care and support. Schools are legally required to provide services for students with disabilities, which means that more institutions are seeking qualified PTs and PTAs to meet the needs of their student populations.
Additionally, remote physical therapy roles have emerged as a solution to the high demand for these professionals. Remote PTs and PTAs can offer telehealth services where they assess and guide students through virtual therapy sessions.
Where PTs & PTAs Are In-Demand
According to the Projections Managing Partnership (PMP), the top ten states that will see the highest increase in the employment of physical therapists from 2022 to 2032 are:
- Utah (49.8%)
- New Mexico (31.3%)
- Arizona (31%)
- Idaho (30.2%)
- New York (29.4%)
- Washington (27.9%)
- California (27.2%)
- Montana (26.2%)
- Florida (25.3%)
- Colorado (24.5%)
The top ten states that will see the highest increase in the employment of physical therapist assistants from 2022 to 2032 are:
- Utah (67.7%)
- Arizona (47.3%)
- New Mexico (47.2%)
- California (41.8%)
- Idaho (40.7%)
- Montana (40%)
- Tennessee (39.4%)
- Oregon (38.1%)
- South Carolina (37.9%)
- Florida (37.7%)
Explore School Physical Therapy Careers
Beyond the emotional rewards of the role, pursuing a career as a school PT or PTA offers job security in a growing field, flexible working environments (including remote options), and the chance to learn from and collaborate with a team of passionate, talented educators and healthcare professionals.
Whether you are just starting out or are looking to transition into a new and fulfilling physical therapy role, becoming a school-based PT or PTA is a deeply rewarding path to consider.
If you’re ready to take the next step, explore current physical therapy openings with ProCare Therapy today—and start making a difference in students’ lives.