What Does a School-Based Physical Therapist do?
Physical Therapy is provided by schools as a service when it is related to the student’s educational needs. The school-based physical therapist is part of the special education team that helps to develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). They develop treatment plans and implement appropriate therapy strategies to ensure students can physically access education resources.
The Physical Therapist may provide services in various areas of school function related to a student’s ability to access the educational environment, including, but not limited to:
- School mobility – student’s ability to access various areas of the school via walking, wheelchair, or other means of mobility
- Classroom activities – function related to participating physically and maneuvering within the classroom environment
- Accessing (and participating in) the lunchroom, playground, bathroom, transportation, etc. Transitioning from school to post‐school activities
Therapy focuses on adaptation and intervention to allow the student to participate, access their special education and school environment.
The student’s educational needs are met individually. Services may include direct one-on-one treatments, staff training, program development, collaboration with staff, integrated therapy, inclusive therapy (with peers) or by consultation for the student’s daily program.
How to Start Your Physical Therapist Journey
To join this amazing group of Special Educators you need:
STEP ONE
Earn a bachelor’s degree in health science.
STEP TWO
Earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
STEP THREE
Apply for a license with The Michigan Board of Physical Therapy.
STEP THREE
Pass the two exams before becoming licensed. The National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) and the Michigan Physical Therapist Jurisprudence Exam.
Associations to Support You
Scholarships & Grants
This award is intended to reward and empower students who are instrumental in advancing DEI in Michigan. An award will be given annually to a second-year Michigan Physical Therapy DPT or PTA student. Recipients of this scholarship will be recognized and given a check for $2500 at the APTA Michigan Fall Conference Awards Ceremony.
This scholarship is intended to reward and encourage PT students who exemplify the four core values of Orthopedic Rehab Specialists (ORS): Respect, Environment, Accountability, and Service.
This scholarship is intended to reward and encourage PT and PTA students who are already showing promise as practical clinicians.
- Be enrolled in an accredited occupational therapy program in the state of Michigan
- Be a MiOTA member
- Have a minimum 3.0 GPA average
- Be in involved in a student professional organization, participate in activities of your educational institution, or demonstrate community involvement
- The MiOTA annual student scholarship ($1,000) is awarded to two students on an annual basis, one OT student and one OTA student.
As part of its role in supporting and encouraging research in the State of Michigan, the APTA Michigan Institute for Education and Research has a small research grant program that is intended to provide out-of-pocket expenses/seed money for either basic or clinical research related to physical therapy and to encourage the development of new projects.
As part of its role in supporting and encouraging research in the State of Michigan, the APTA Michigan Institute for Education and Research has a small research grant program that is intended to provide out-of-pocket expenses/seed money for either basic or clinical research related to physical therapy and to encourage the development of new projects.
To support research in physical therapy clinical education in conjunction with the APTA Michigan Institute for Education and Research as charged in the APTA MI CEC Standing Rules.
$2,000 – $5,500
Need help paying for college? Fill out the FAFSA – Federal Student Aid – form each year in October, and you may qualify for loans to help cover college tuition.
Free College Opportunities
Options for High School Students include Dual Enrollment & Early Middle College
Dual Enrollment – Allows students to earn college credit (up to 10 courses) while in High School at no cost between 9th-12th grade. The classes that students are eligible for must not be offered by the high school or PSA and must lead towards postsecondary credit, accreditation, certification, and/or licensing.
How to apply – Students are to talk with their high school advisor on eligibility, application, deadlines, and college course options.
Early Middle College (EMC) is a Michigan Department of Education approved five-year program of study.
EMCs work closely with certain colleges to provide students with an opportunity earn a high school diploma and one or more of the following:
- 60 transferable college credits
- An associate degree
- A professional certification
- The Michigan Early Middle College Association (MEMCA) technical certificate
- Participation in a registered apprenticeship
Volunteer to Gain More Experience!
Get hands-on experience and find a classroom near you that is in need of a volunteer!
Job Shadowing
To participate in a job shadow, reach out to a school district and request to job shadow an School Physical Therapist for a day.
Each school district has its own policy when it comes to job shadowing, but you may need a State ID or a driver’s license to participate.
College Program Information
Click a point on the map to find degree programs, scholarships, grants, and organizations to join!
Occupational Therapist Story Tellers
Below are videos highlighting Occupational Therapist throughout Michigan.
Find out why they love the profession.
Sign Language’s Impact in Classrooms
Mona Shores Public Schools
Lydia Hansen shares her love for this exciting career and the benefits it brings to her own life and to the children in the classroom.
join the success
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from Michigan Sign Language Interpreters
