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You’re considering making the switch from a clinical to a school-based setting as a pediatric therapist. Still unsure if it's right for you? As with any career move, it’s important to become clear about your personal goals, explore your options in detail, and develop a personal plan for success.
Kelly Pediatric Therapy is here to provide you with insights into the decision-making and transition process. We've put together an overview of clinical and school therapy roles and tips for decision-making.
Should I transition from a clinical to a school setting as a pediatric therapist?
The good news is that it’s not necessary to have pediatric therapy experience in a school setting. We’ve hired physical therapists (PTs) who worked in clinical settings with adults who thrive in a school environment where they work with young students. They simply tailor their rapport-building skills to another population, in another setting.
However, therapists in other roles, such as those who support students with autism, may need additional training and experience to be successful in a school.
Whatever your current starting point, when you transition from a clinical to a school-based therapy setting, you should expect to go through a steep learning curve, apply your skills and expertise in new ways, and work alongside a multi-disciplinary team.
1. Consider key differences between clinical & school-based therapy.
Before making a transition, it’s helpful to understand the main differences between clinical and school-based therapy:
| Clinical Therapy | School Therapy |
| Therapy caseloads tend to remain more consistent | Therapy caseloads tend to be much more fluid |
| Appointment times are set ahead of time and adhered to | Appointment times and therapy rooms may change throughout the day/week |
| Therapists work alongside doctors and other clinicians | Therapists work alongside teachers, school administrators, and other clinicians |
| Patients and their guardians are available to complete documentation | Therapists have additional responsibilities, such as writing Individualized Education Plans (IEP) |
| Therapists coordinate with insurance requirements and providers | Therapists follow all special education regulations and compliance |
If predictability and structure are priorities for you, the dynamic and fluid school environment may not be the best fit. If, on the other hand, you love variety, learning something new every day, problem-solving, collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team, and working in multiple locations, school-based therapy may provide an ideal work environment.
2. Reflect on your career goals & workplace preferences.
Before you apply for a job as a school-based therapist, you should also take the time to reflect on what you want and need and comparing that with what a given role entails, including both therapeutic and other responsibilities. This can include:
- Considering your preferred student population
- Getting clear about your scheduling preferences, such as traditional school year hours and summer programming
- Seeking a mentor who has already transitioned from a clinical to a school setting
- Speaking to and networking with school-based therapists in positions that interest you
As you gather this information, you can also begin tailoring your resume to highlight transferable skills to working with students, as well as any relevant coursework you’ve completed. By connecting your clinical expertise with the therapy caseload that you anticipate in a school-based role, you can stand out and take steps toward the right role.
3. Find the right staffing agency for you.
At Kelly Pediatric Therapy, we take the time to ensure we place the providers who engage with us in a school that fits their style, work culture, and preferred student population. Our goal is long-term success for both the school-based therapist and our partnering school or district.
We differ from other staffing agencies because we don’t just place you in a school, we continue to collaborate with you and look for ways to grow your career.
4. Learn to navigate a school environment.
Some therapist dive right in. Others want some guidance. We offer a year-long optional School-based Academy that begins every August. During the program, you'll learn the ins and outs of school-based therapy from how to write an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to how to track your delivery of services and much more.
5. Access additional support when you need it.
Changing jobs always means a few more questions as you get deeper into the work. Our team of clinical directors at Kelly Pediatric Therapy offer our therapists in their school districts access to support when they need it and facilitate communication among therapists, teachers, and school administrators.
Make your transition to school-based therapy with us.
If you're looking to move forward in your professional career in a way that supports growth, balance, and impact—consider working with us as a school-based therapist.
When you work with Kelly Pediatric Therapy, you’ll enjoy real work-life balance and make a difference in the lives of students. You can expect:
- Weekly, competitive pay
- Compensation for documentation
- Work-free nights, weekends, and holidays
- Variable work options, caseload possibilities, and clinical ladders
- Access to mentorship
- Free professional development
- Collaboration with our national provider network
To start, check out the current PT opportunities with our partnering school districts or submit your school-based therapy application today!
