For some individuals with disabilities (birth to 26 years), moving safely through the school day takes planning, support, and practice. School-based physical therapy assistants help individuals build mobility skills that support learning, participation, and independence. Working under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist, they help students access classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, and other school routines with greater confidence.
To become a Michigan Physical Therapy Assistant, you will need:
- HS diploma / GED
- Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited PTA Associate Degree program
- Submit your Michigan application in MiPLUS (LARA) (this is the state licensure application step)
- Register and pay for the NPTE-PTA through FSBPT
- Pass the NPTE-PTA + pass the Michigan PTA Jurisprudence Exam
Michigan’s School-Based Physical Therapy Assistants:
What does a certified occupational therapy assistant do? Physical therapy assistants play an important role in helping individuals participate more fully in school. Their work is tied directly to a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and focuses on functional movement throughout the day. In school settings, physical therapy assistants may help with:
- Implementing Physical Therapy Interventions: Carrying out delegated parts of a student’s physical therapy plan.
- Building Functional Mobility: Helping individuals move safely throughout the building.
- Supporting Safe Transfers: Assisting with movement routines such as chair-to-wheelchair transfers.
- Improving Classroom Access: Supporting seating and standing to help individuals participate in instruction and activities.
- Assisting With Mobility Equipment: Helping individuals use walkers, gait trainers, wheelchairs, and standing frames.
- Coaching the School Team: Working with paraeducators, classroom staff, and families to create routines of support.
- Tracking Progress: Collecting data and documenting progress toward IEP-related functional outcomes so the Physical Therapist can adjust services as needed.
Copper Country ISD
Physical Therapist & Physical Therapy Assistant
Cynthia and Monica, from the Copper Country ISD, are helping children with disabilities, Birth to 26, excel in school!
Why Physical Therapy Assistants in Special Education Are Important
Physical therapy assistants help remove physical barriers that can make school harder to navigate. Their support can improve safety, access, and participation for individuals who need help with mobility and movement throughout the day.
- Access to Learning: PTAs help individuals move more safely through their school environment so they can participate in instruction and daily routines.
- Greater Independence: PTAs support the development of functional mobility skills that help individuals do more on their own.
- Safer School Days: PTAs reinforce safe transfers, positioning, and movement strategies across real school settings.
- Inclusive Participation: PTAs help individuals take part in classroom activities, transitions, and other parts of school life with fewer barriers.
Cynthia Stites, a physical therapy assistant from Copper County, Michigan, explained why she loves her job: “The most rewarding thing is watching kids progress and sometimes do the unthinkable.”
About OPTIMISE
OPTIMISE attracts, prepares, and retains diverse and qualified personnel to help advance individuals with disabilities (birth to 26 years).
The OPTIMISE Task Force, Core Team, and Action Teams work with many partners, including Michigan’s leading education organizations and legislature, to reduce barriers and align licensing for special educators. This work also includes working with all levels of education to accomplish this goal.
OPTIMISE promotes ten professions within Michigan’s special education field, their funding options, and steps to jumpstart a career in special education.
Join a great group of dedicated people who help individuals with disabilities excel.
Go to: OPTIMISE.education
