New to School-Based Physical Therapy?

Build the practical knowledge and confidence you need to begin working in schools.

School-based physical therapy is a unique area of practice. It is not simply pediatric physical therapy delivered inside a school building. The school setting requires a different lens – one of access, participation, and educational relevance. School-based PT has a distinct purpose that impacts the assessments we perform, the decisions we make, and the interventions that we deliver.

As such, Apply EBP offers evidence-informed live online and in-person workshops, on-demand webinars, and symposiums that are designed for new physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, and clinicians transitioning from outpatient, hospital, home, or other clinical settings.

School-Based PT Training for New PTs and PTAs

Starting a school-based position can feel overwhelming. You may understand pediatric physical therapy, but educational practice comes with different expectations, systems, terminology, and decision-making responsibilities.

School-based PTs and PTAs must connect services to a student’s access, participation, and progress in the educational environment. That means understanding more than diagnosis or impairment. It also means learning how to make educationally relevant decisions, contribute to the IEP process, collaborate with teachers and families, and select services that support meaningful school participation.

Apply EBP courses help turn those responsibilities into practical steps you can use in your everyday work.

Start Here: School-based PT Essentials

School-based PT Essentials: On-Demand Symposium for New Practitioners

School-Based PT Essentials:
On-Demand Symposium for New Practitioners

This foundational school-based physical therapy course is designed for PTs and PTAs preparing for their first school-based position or building confidence with the essentials of educational practice. Learn directly from leading experts in school-based and pediatric physical therapy as they explain the knowledge, systems, and practical skills needed to work effectively in schools.

Topics address key areas of school-based practice, including:

- - The role of physical therapy in educational settings
  - Differences between medical and school-based practice
  - Laws and regulations
  - Evaluations and eligibility considerations
  - The IEP process and collaborative decision-making
  - Evidence-informed assessment and interventions
  - Documentation, goal setting, and progress monitoring
  - Collaboration with teachers, families, other team members

Best for: New graduates, early-career, and clinicians transitioning into school setting.

Take Advantage of Our Free Articles and Resources

Inspired by commonly asked questions at our live workshops, Ask Apply EBP is a free resource for new and experienced school-based OT, PT and Speech practitioners. Here are some of our recommended articles for new school-based PTs and PTAs.

8 Questions to Prepare You for School-based Practice

#AskApplyEBP discusses 8 questions to prepare you for school-based practice

How to Shine in Your Job Interview

#AskApplyEBP discusses how to shine in your interview for a school-based position

School-based Services Under IDEA versus Medical-Based Services, Download Free Handout

#AskApplyEBP shares a video and infographic for explaining the difference between school-based and medical-based services

Start-of-the-Year Family Introduction Letter, Download Your Free Template

#AskApplyEBP provides a free start-of-the-year parent/guardian introduction letter template.

Continue Building Your Knowledge and Skills

School-based PT Next Steps: On-Demand Symposium for Growing Practitioners

School-Based PT Next Steps:
On-Demand Symposium for Growing Practitioners

Now you have the essential foundations, expand your knowledge with practical training in assessment, targeted intervention approaches, and common childhood health conditions encountered in schools. This symposium is designed for PTs and PTAs who are ready to broaden their skills and grow more confident in practice.

Topics expands your skills in various school-based practice areas, including:

- - Assessing school participation
  - Collaborative goal writing
  - MTSS and various service delivery models from direct to indirect
  - Motor learning for school practitioners
  - Coaching
  - Positioning strategies
  - Fit4Work Screen for older students
  - Childhood health conditions: CP, DCD, down syndrome, ADHD, autism

Best for: PTs and PTAs who understand the school-based basics and are ready for the next stage of professional growth.

Explore Other Courses for School-based PT and PTA

Workshops

Webinars

School OT, PT, & SLP Symposiums

GO TO SYMPOSIUMS

Featured School-based PT and PTA Courses

Live Workshops for School-based PTs and PTAs

Live Workshops for PTs and PTAs

The IEP Process, Documentation and Conflict Resolution

Positioning Strategies to Promote Participation and Prevent Asymmetry

8th School-based OT, PT, and SLP Symposium - On-Demand Version

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Workshops

GO TO WORKSHOPS

On-demand Webinars for School-based PTs and PTAs

On-demand Webinars for PTs and PTAs

Tools and Strategies for Transitions to Adulthood Bundle

Multi-Tiered System of Supports

Down Syndrome: Assessment & Intervention

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