In most settings, a physical therapist is a medical professional whose job entails implementing physical exercises and mobility work through to assist people with their recovery from injuries and illnesses. However, a physical therapist in a school setting can have much different roles and responsibilities.

A physical therapist working in a school setting must assess and evaluate a student’s ability to function, uncover any delays or challenges with their movement, and then devise a plan for integrated intervention services with recommendation from, and in collaboration with, an IEP or 504 committee. Once a student has been evaluated, their physical therapist is then in charge of deciding which services would impact them and help meet mobility or functional goals, and shares the student’s individual plan with the school, the student and their parents. This career is challenging, but highly rewarding and impactful to both the physical therapists and the students.

If You Are Considering a Career as a Physical Therapist in a School Setting, Which Skills Do You Need to Have?

1. Compassion

School physical therapists will be assisting students who might be frustrated, aggravated, or need a shoulder to lean on both literally and figuratively. Having compassion for the challenge students are going through will not only help you better determine their physical response to treatments, but it will also help the student feel motivated and determined to complete their exercises or regimen. Having compassion in this role will help you better collaborate, encourage and stop you from becoming burned out by frustrations or delays.

2. Communication

Being able to accurately and concisely share information, movements and plans with your students, the school and the students’ families is crucial for all school physical therapists. You need to not only be able to communicate things like how to perform an exercise in school or at home, but also how the exercises affect the students’ movements, and how their support system can pitch in to help improve students’ therapy progress. Having strong communication skills affects an school physical therapist’s ability to listen to their students, speak and be heard, write instructions that are easy to follow, and more.

3. Energy

It would not be uncommon for a school physical therapist to spend most of their day either on their feet or performing – or helping a student to perform – physical exercises. This means you need to keep a high level of energy to be successful in this role. Setting up equipment, helping students perform different physical exercises, traveling between schools, and being able to apply resistance to patients’ body parts to help them perform their planned exercises are all parts of a school physical therapist’s day that will require no shortage of personal stamina.

Are You Ready to Take on a Physical Therapy Career in the Schools?

If you are ready to find a school physical therapy career, let Spotter Staffing help! We have decades of knowledge, and a team of industry experts, ready to turn your job search into your personal success. Click here to browse our current open positions or contact us today!