What is school-based occupational therapy (OT)? School-based occupational therapy refers to OT that takes place in school settings. OT in schools can help children with disabilities meet the goals outlined in their Individualized Education Program. With OT, children can work toward developmental targets and obtain an education.
It’s no secret that the occupational therapy (OT) field is growing, and OTs and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) are in high demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth rate for OTAs is expected to be 21% from 2023 through 2033, much faster than average.
At St. Catherine University, we value molding our students into confident OTAs with our hybrid-online Online Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program. Our program is 80% online for greater convenience and flexibility. You’ll complete online coursework, participate in skills labs and complete fieldwork rotations to gain practical experience. From there, you can pass the certification exam and land your first OTA role.
But where are all of these jobs? The job growth rate affects a multitude of OTA specialties, including school-based occupational therapy. Occupational Therapy has dramatically grown to include patients of all ages requiring a myriad of therapeutic services. As more research is done on occupational therapy, the data supporting the benefits continues to grow, and more individuals may receive the services they need, including in settings like schools.
What is school-based occupational therapy? Let’s take a closer look.
What Does an Occupational Therapist Do in Schools?
OTs and OTAs have a wide range of specialties, allowing them to work with diverse populations. One such specialty is pediatric occupational therapy. Many of these OTAs find positions in schools helping students with sensory processing disorder (SPD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other special needs that require the support of occupational therapy to access their educational plans.
Occupational therapy gives these students tools to participate in the classroom and their school day.
Choosing an OTA specialty? Learn all about becoming a pediatric occupational therapy assistant.
Occupational therapy assistants work with students in the classroom, delivering treatments and applying evidence-based techniques. For example, some students may wear a pressure vest, sit on a scooter or special chair, or utilize adaptive tools. The OTs and OTAs may be hired by the school by the school district or through a contract company to provide school-based services.
Working With a Child’s Individualized Education Program
School-based occupational therapy assistants must have a solid working knowledge of special education law and its application to their practice. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that ensures that all children with disabilities have access to a free, appropriate public education (FAPE). The word “appropriate” is important; it indicates that children with disabilities have the right to an education that includes any accommodations they may need to access their education.
Under the law, children designated as having a disability have the right to receive an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This is a document that details the highly personalized plan for the child’s education, including any accommodations and therapies they need to receive to ensure learning takes place. The child’s parents, teacher(s), and other school staff have a role in creating the IEP, a dynamic document that changes according to the child’s needs over time.
As an aspiring OTA, you will almost certainly become very familiar with IEPs if you decide to specialize in school-based occupational therapy. You’ll need to understand the relevant portions of the IEP for each child you work with, including the services they must receive and their measurable annual goals. When working with a child with an IEP, you’ll focus on helping that child reach their established IEP goals.
Why Is OT in Schools Growing?
Although the occupational therapy profession has been around for over 100 years, it has recently grown and become much more recognized. Part of this is due to the rise in the need for occupational therapy. Additionally, occupational therapy techniques are being found to benefit various patients, not just traditional pediatric and geriatric patients.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) cases are on the rise in the U.S. However, this increase is due in no small part to the improved detection of autism. Researchers have found that changes in the diagnostic criteria and increased awareness of autism symptoms leading to the increased identification of the condition in children are two contributors to the rise in the overall number of autistic cases, as opposed to autism itself being on the rise.
Children diagnosed with ASD fall on a spectrum, as the name implies. While more extreme cases may require special education classrooms, many others with less severe symptoms can interact with their peers without significant adjustments. Bringing in occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants allows more of these children to attend general classes while working toward meeting their IEP goals.
Occupational Therapy in Schools: Interventions and Strategies
What interventions and strategies do OTs and OTAs use in this setting? Much of what an OTA does in schools looks like guiding the child in play activities. Here are a few examples:
- Gross motor skills: Gross motor skills can be strengthened by working with the PE teacher so the student can be included in PE class or by collaborating with the Physical Therapist to ensure the student can access the school environment.
- Sensory integration: Sensory integration supports might aim to soothe an anxious child and help them better handle sensory-rich environments. OTAs may use techniques like deep pressure, brushing, swinging, movement breaks, fidgets, alternative seating, etc.
The Benefit of Working in a School
There are many potential benefits of specializing in occupational therapy in schools, one of which concerns your work schedule. Although the occupational therapy field typically allows for a traditional 9-to-5, Monday-through-Friday work schedule, some may work longer hours and on weekends. Working as a school occupational therapist assistant enables you to more closely adhere to the school’s yearly schedule. This is especially beneficial if you have children and prefer to be home in the evenings.
Working as an OTA to provide OT in schools also allows you to get the same breaks as the school system you work in, including summer, winter, and spring break. You can either use this time to spend with your family, or you can work pro re nata (PRN). This allows you to work as needed, picking up shifts when you want extra hours. You can also look for a part-time position during those summer and winter breaks.
In addition, you may find that providing school-based occupational therapy is highly meaningful. You’ll be able to work with children of a range of ages and ability levels, and you’ll be able to collaborate with teachers, school staff, and parents. You’ll have the chance to watch your young clients grow and thrive and bring creativity to your OT services.
Can OTAs Work in Other Settings?
Occupational therapy assistants are not limited to pediatric environments and schools but can work in numerous work settings. Some prefer working with geriatric patients in their homes or at a facility. Others prefer working solely with pediatric patients. More choose to work in an outpatient or inpatient facility that treats young and old alike. There are quite a few occupational therapy specialties to choose from.
One thing is for sure: working as an OTA is rewarding and allows you to do something new every day.
How to Become a School Occupational Therapist Assistant
You could become a school-based OTA much sooner than you’d think. Your first step is to enroll in an OTA program that confers an associate degree, such as St. Catherine University’s Online Occupational Therapy Assistant program, which confers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in OTA. With this program, you could graduate with your AAS in as few as 16 months.
Upon graduating, you’ll be ready to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®) examination. Passing this exam will allow you to become a certified OTA. Depending on your state, you may also need to meet other requirements, such as passing a background check. Then, you’ll be ready to apply for your first OTA job.
Explore the step-by-step pathway to becoming an OTA here.
Pursue a Career in School-Based Occupational Therapy
St. Kate’s online OTA program is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a meaningful career that will allow them to positively impact their clients. With three start dates per year in winter, summer, and fall, you can begin earning your degree as soon as you’ve met the eligibility requirements and start improving lives in as few as 16 months after that.
Contact an admissions advisor at St. Catherine University today to learn how to take the first step toward a rewarding career as an OTA.
