Identify physical conditions that interfere with a student's educational program
Conduct assessments of mobility skills, daily activities, positioning and posture during activities in the school environment, muscle strength, and sensorimotor performance
Collaborate with teachers, other education and health professionals, and parents to determine physical therapy goals that will allow the child to benefit from the individualized instructional program
Advise on purchase of specialized equipment and modifications to the classroom and home
Develop recreation and leisure programs for older students
Advocate for environments that are physically accessible
Education Required:
Identify physical conditions that interfere with a student's educational program
Conduct assessments of mobility skills, daily activities, positioning and posture during activities in the school environment, muscle strength, and sensorimotor performance
Collaborate with teachers, other education and health professionals, and parents to determine physical therapy goals that will allow the child to benefit from the individualized instructional program
Advise on purchase of specialized equipment and modifications to the classroom and home
Develop recreation and leisure programs for older students
Advocate for environments that are physically accessible
Personal Qualities:
Patient
Self-assured
Resourceful
Able to work with a variety of people
Excellent listening and communication skills
Job Outlook and Advancement:
Physical therapists are expected to be among the fastest growing occupations through the year 2006 as the demand for physical therapy services grows
In 1997, school districts employed 4,345 fully certified/licensed physical therapists but had 342 vacancies
How to Prepare for a Career:
Take a strong high school program in the sciences.
Maintain a strong competitive high school grade point average
Volunteer in a physical therapy setting
Seek information from the American Physical Therapy Association
