Working as a School-Based PTA
School-based Physical Therapy Assistants provide a wide range of supportive services under the direction and supervision of Physical Therapists. When working with students living with disabilities, PTAs often:
- Help students use adaptive equipment.
- Gather baseline data about physical abilities.
- Monitor and document an individual student’s progress.
- Support IEP development and intervention implementation.
- Recommend specific physical modifications to enhance comfort and improve mobility.
To work alongside PTS as a PTA, you will need an associate degree in physical therapy assisting and any state licensures. Accredited programs frequently require a minimum number of fieldwork hours as well as CPR and First Aid certifications. Along with that, strong interpersonal skills are vital and having experience engaging with students can be helpful.
If you’re still completing your PTA education, you can contact your university to learn more about potential fieldwork opportunities with PTS.
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Model to Support More Students
We apply a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Model to school-based therapy and related services. This matches students with the right level of support and helps them move through a continuum of services. While engaging with PTS as a PTA, you may assist in providing classroom-level or small-group instruction as well as individual PT services to students.
Benefits of Engaging With PTS
At PTS, we have over 25 years of experience and a network of over 2,000 independent contractors. Many of the service providers who engage with us feel they can achieve a healthy work-life balance and have found their fit working as a school-based therapist. In fact, nearly half of our incoming applicants have been referred to us by a current provider.
We’re more than a typical staffing agency. We won’t just place you in a school and quickly depart; we’ll go with you. This is what we call The Therapist Achievement Approach™.
Access to Resources & Support
Each of our partnering districts has a PTS Clinical Director who facilitates communication among clinicians, teachers, and administrators. They will also provide you with access to support and guidance when needed. Along with that, we offer access to:
- Free library of clinician-developed resources and interventions
- Networking and career advancement opportunities
- Community Facebook group of clinicians
Optional School-Based Academy
For therapists who are just starting out or transitioning to work in a school setting, we offer an optional orientation called School-Based Academy. This program begins every August and is designed to teach school-based clinicians how to thrive in a school environment.
Whether you are unsure how to monitor an IEP or want help managing your caseload, you can hone your skills and connect with other professionals as you begin your PTA career.
Apply to Work Alongside PTS as a School-Based Physical Therapy Assistant
If you want to advance your career as a Physical Therapy Assistant in a school setting, engaging with PTS may be the right move for you. When you join our network of independent contractors, you will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded service providers and learn from other related disciplines.
To take the next step, explore the current Physical Therapy Assistant opportunities in our partnering schools. If you have any questions, contact us at PTS today!