As schools continue to prioritize the well-being and development of their students, therapy roles in education are more important than ever. From helping students with special needs to supporting emotional health, school therapists play a vital role in creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
The demand for qualified school therapy professionals has grown, especially as schools face new challenges, more diverse learning needs, and an increasing focus on mental health. Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this ProCare Therapy guide explores the most in-demand school therapy roles in the coming school years with insights on what makes these professionals so sought-after.
School Therapy Careers: 7 Roles That Are In High Demand Right Now
Whether you’re a current therapy professional considering a transition into the school setting or a new graduate looking for your first school-based position, understanding which roles are most sought after can help you make informed career decisions. Below are the seven most popular school therapy roles that employers are actively seeking.
1. School Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
Employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 19.3% from 2022 to 2032. The rise in students with speech and language disorders, including developmental delays and learning disabilities, has made SLPs crucial in ensuring students can communicate effectively in academic settings.
As the focus on early intervention grows, schools are seeking more SLPs to help address these issues and ensure students can communicate effectively in the classroom.
2. School Physical Therapist
Employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 15.1% from 2022 to 2032. Physical therapy is essential for students who may have difficulty with movement, coordination, or motor skills due to physical disabilities, neurological conditions, or developmental delays.
As more students face challenges related to mobility, injury recovery, and physical disabilities, physical therapists are in demand as specialized therapy professionals who can support their development.
3. Occupational Therapist (OT)
Employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 11.5% from 2022 to 2032. Occupational therapists help students develop the skills necessary for daily living and learning, such as fine motor skills, sensory processing, and activities of daily living (ADLs).
With the rise of students with sensory processing issues and physical disabilities, schools are seeking more OTs to address a wide range of needs. OTs also play a key role in helping students with developmental disabilities, autism, or ADHD to integrate successfully into school life.
4. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Employment of occupational therapy assistants is projected to grow 24.2% from 2022 to 2032. Similar to occupational therapists, COTAs are in high demand as schools require additional support to provide therapy services to students with physical, sensory, and developmental challenges. They assist occupational therapists in implementing individualized therapy plans and support students with motor skills, sensory integration, and daily living activities.
5. Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
Employment of physical therapist assistants is projected to grow 26% from 2022 to 2032. With demand for physical therapists growing, physical therapist assistants are also increasingly sought after to help manage caseloads. PTAs work under the supervision of physical therapists to implement treatment plans, assist with exercises, and support students in improving their physical strength and coordination for academic and social participation.
6. School Social Worker
While the employment of social workers is projected to grow just 5.3% from 2022 to 2032, about 29,500 job openings are expected each year, making school social workers a highly in-demand career.
School social workers are essential for supporting students and families who face challenges such as poverty, family trauma, homelessness, and mental health issues. As schools become more focused on addressing the whole student, social workers are needed to bridge gaps between students, their families, and school resources. They play a key role in improving attendance, supporting student behavior, and providing crisis intervention.
7. School Counselor
Similarly, despite an employment growth of 5.4%, there will be roughly 26,600 annual openings for school counselors each year. School counselors play an essential role in supporting the social, emotional, and academic development of students. They work to guide students through challenges, assist in career and college planning, and support their growth.
The growing focus on social-emotional learning (SEL), mental health, and academic guidance has increased the demand for school counselors to support students’ emotional and academic development.
Now Is the Perfect Time to Pursue a Career in School Therapy
Whether you’re interested in working directly with students on behavioral issues, providing mental health support, or addressing physical and developmental challenges, these in-demand roles offer rewarding opportunities to make a real difference in students’ lives. If you’re looking to pursue a career in school-based therapy, focusing on one of these roles can set you up for success in a field that continues to expand and evolve. Explore available openings in schools with ProCare Therapy today!
Interested in learning more about school-based roles? Explore ProCare’s career guides for all the information you need on the current landscape of school therapy and educator positions, including requirements, job outlook, demand, and more.