Whether you’re a speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, psychologist, or even a registered nurse,  transitioning to a school setting brings new challenges and rewards that come with working with children. However, the decision to transition should require careful consideration.  

In this ProCare Therapy guide, explore everything you need to know about the journey from clinic to classroom, including expert tips on how to make the leap. 

Benefits of School-Based Therapy Roles

1. Greater Work-Life Balance 

One of the most significant advantages of school-based therapy is the opportunity for a better work-life balance. School hours typically follow a more predictable schedule, and school holidays such as winter break, spring break, and summer vacation allow for a more consistent routine.  

2. Opportunities to Work with Children in a Meaningful Way 

School-based therapists have the unique opportunity to work with children over extended periods, providing ongoing care that can create lasting impacts. In clinical settings, treatment is often brief and focused on acute needs, whereas in schools, you can track progress and help students achieve developmental milestones over a longer duration. If you have a passion for working with children, this can be incredibly rewarding as you witness a child’s growth in a supportive, educational environment. 

3. Collaboration with a Diverse Team 

In a school setting, you’ll often collaborate with a wide variety of professionals, such as teachers, school counselors, administrators, and parents. This collaborative atmosphere can foster a team approach to therapy that enhances the effectiveness of treatment and provides a more holistic support system for the child. 

4. Increased Job Stability 

With an increasing demand for school-therapy professionals, schools tend to offer more job stability compared to private clinics or medical facilities, which may be more affected by fluctuations in patient volume or funding. Once you’re part of a school district, you’re more likely to have consistent work year-round and greater job security. 

Key Differences Between Clinical and School-Based Therapy: What to Expect

1. Focus on Child Development 

In clinical settings, therapy is often centered around medical conditions and immediate symptoms. For example, if you’re a physical therapist, you may focus on pain relief or rehabilitation from an injury. In school-based physical therapy, however, the goal shifts to ensuring that students can function successfully in the classroom and broader school environment. This means your therapy sessions might focus on improving skills like communication, attention, motor coordination, or social interactions to help students succeed academically and socially. 

2. Population Diversity 

In school therapy, you’ll work with a diverse group of students, each with their own set of needs, backgrounds, and learning styles. This can include students with disabilities, students in need of behavioral intervention, or students with academic challenges. The ability to adapt your approach for each child’s unique needs is a critical skill in a school setting. 

3. Caseload and Environment 

In a clinical setting, your caseload may be smaller, allowing for more one-on-one interactions with each patient. However, in schools, therapists typically manage a larger caseload, as they see multiple students in a day, often with a range of needs. You may also work in a classroom or group setting, rather than in a private office. This requires flexibility in managing your time and adjusting to a more fast-paced and often noisy environment. 

4. IEPs and Education Collaboration 

One of the biggest differences you’ll encounter in school therapy is the emphasis on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). IEPs are legal documents that outline the specific needs and goals of students with disabilities. As a school-based professional, you’ll work closely with other professionals to develop, implement, and track these plans, which is quite different from the more independent work typical in clinical settings. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Transitioning to School-Based Therapy 

Making the shift from a clinical setting to a school-based therapy role requires careful preparation, skill development, and strategic planning. Below are the essential steps to take as you make this transition and set yourself up for success in a school environment:

Step 1: Build Your Skills for Child-Focused Care 

While your clinical background provides valuable skills, school-based therapy requires a different skill set. Begin by expanding your expertise in child-centered therapy techniques. If you’re not already familiar, consider taking courses that focus on child development, pediatric therapy techniques, and educational strategies. 

Step 2: Obtain Relevant Certifications 

Look into certifications that can enhance your qualifications for school-based therapy roles. For example, obtaining certification in working with multilingual students or completing specific courses related to special education could be beneficial. Checking out professional associations or continuing education opportunities is a great place to start to support your career advancement.  

Step 3: Gain Experience with Educational Therapies

Start familiarizing yourself with school-based therapy practices by gaining experience in educational settings. This could be through volunteering, shadowing school therapists, or seeking out short-term contracts. Familiarize yourself with therapy activities and models that are specific to school environments, such as Response to Intervention (RTI) or tiered therapy approaches. 

Step 4: Develop Classroom Management Skills 

If you’re used to one-on-one therapy in a quiet clinic, you’ll need to adjust to working in environments with multiple students, distractions, and the need for more structured activities. School-based therapy often means working with children in group dynamics and handling classroom behavior, which requires a different set of management skills.  

If you haven’t worked in a classroom before, consider taking a workshop or training on classroom management. These skills will help you manage groups of students, collaborate effectively with teachers, and navigate the school environment. 

Step 5: Learn About IEPs 

The IEP is central to the role of a school-based therapist. If you’re not already familiar with IEPs, consider shadowing an experienced therapist or attending workshops on IEP writing and implementation. Learning how to assess, write, and update IEPs will be a critical part of your day-to-day responsibilities. 

Step 6: Tailor Your Resume for Pediatrics and School-Based Roles 

When you’re ready to start applying for jobs, update your resume to highlight your pediatric and child-focused experience. Emphasize any work you’ve done with children, whether in clinical settings, volunteer work, or through special education roles. Make sure your skills in IEP creation and classroom management are front and center. 

Step 7: Apply for School-Based Roles

When applying for school-based therapy roles for the first time, strategy plays a key role in securing the right position. Here are some tips for effectively navigating the job application process: 

  • Timing is key: The ideal time to apply is during the spring or early summer when schools are preparing for the upcoming academic year. However, positions can also open throughout the year, so keep an eye out for listings. 
  • Attend career fairs: Many schools and districts host career fairs, especially in the spring. This is a great way to network and meet hiring managers in person, giving you an advantage when applying for roles. 
  • Utilize a staffing agency: Working with a staffing agency specializing in education or therapy positions, like ProCare Therapy, can help streamline the job search, with the added benefit of being supported throughout the new and unique process, from job matching and licensing assistance to onboarding.  
  • Consider teletherapy roles: If you’re open to remote work, consider applying for school-based therapy roles in districts that lack local specialists. Teletherapy can allow you to serve students in underserved areas where in-person therapy is unavailable. 
  • What to look for in a job: When reviewing job listings, pay attention to factors like caseload size and opportunities for professional development. Also, assess whether the school culture aligns with your work style and values. 

By using these strategies, you’ll enhance your chances of finding a role that matches your expertise and professional goals.

Make the Transition Today with ProCare Therapy 

Transitioning from clinical therapy to school-based therapy can be incredibly rewarding. While the shift may present challenges, the opportunity to work with children and make a lasting impact on their educational and developmental outcomes is worth it. Keep in mind that your clinical background gives you a strong foundation to build on—it’s simply a matter of adapting those skills to a new setting. 

Ready to take on a career in the school environment? ProCare Therapy has a variety of openings for school therapy professionals nationwide. Explore our opportunities and take the leap to an impactful career today.  

On the fence about the switch? Browse ProCare’s career guides here for everything you need to know about the state of different therapy roles in schools today, including requirements, job outlook, current demand, and more.