Pediatric clinical OT and school-based OT both help children and teens participate as fully as possible in everyday “occupations” of living. However, clinical OT uses the medical model and school-based OT uses the educational model.

<h2>Essential Tips for Occupational Therapists Moving from Clinical to Educational Settings</h2><p>So, you’ve made the leap from clinical to school-based occupational therapy. Congratulations! Being a school OT is an exciting and gratifying career with an outstanding schedule!</p><p>As you make this transition, you may be wondering…</p><ul><li>How different is school-based OT from clinical OT?</li><li>How will my work day differ as a school OT?</li><li>What are the benefits of being a school-based OT?</li><li>What can I do to prepare for my transition to being a school-based occupational therapist?</li></ul><p>Read on…we’ve got answers from school OTs who know the ropes!</p><h2>Clinical OT versus School OT</h2><p>While there’s a great deal of overlap between occupational therapy services delivered in clinical and educational settings, there are also many differences.</p><p>Pediatric clinical OT and school-based OT both help children and teens participate as fully as possible in everyday “occupations” of living. However, clinical OT uses the medical model and school-based OT uses the educational model. Here’s how they differ (note: these are typical situations; exceptions do occur):</p><h2>   Clinical OT School-Based OT     Based on the medical model Based on the educational model   Focused on any of the occupations of children/teens, which may include eating, resting, sleeping, communicating needs, participating in a family, playing, getting dressed, brushing teeth, toileting, practicing self-care, regulating emotions, participating in school, etc. Focused on any of the occupations of children/teens specifically related to education, which may include eating, communicating needs, playing, practicing self, care, reading, writing, organizing, paying attention, interacting with others, following directions, holding a pencil, writing, typing, etc.   Delivered in outpatient clinics, hospitals, NICUs or private practices Delivered in schools (hospitals or homes for students who are considered hospital/home-bound)   Paid for by private health insurance, public payers, caregivers/parents, etc. Federally mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and provided by school districts   Referred/prescribed by a physician Referred for OT evaluation by teachers, parents or other IEP team members   Most often delivered as one-on-one services Delivered one-on-one or in small groups either in or out of the classroom   Your Work Day as a School OT</h2><p>Clinical OTs and school-based OTs perform many of the same functions. The focus, however, is very different. This has a lot to do with switching mindsets from medical to educational models. The environment is also quite different since you’ll work in a school versus a clinic or hospital.</p><p>As a school-based OT, your day might involve:</p><ul><li>Responding to email messages and reviewing your calendar</li><li>Planning for sessions and gathering OT supplies</li><li>Screening/evaluating students for services</li><li>Setting and reviewing students’ occupational therapy goals</li><li>“Pushing in” to classrooms to work with students in the general education environment</li><li>“Pulling out” students for one-on-one services</li><li>Working with students in small group special education classrooms</li><li>Recording data while working with students</li><li>Collaborating with speech-language pathologists, physical therapists and other education professionals</li><li>Showing classroom teachers strategies to help students who receive OT</li><li>Attending IEP meetings</li><li>Coming up with creative ways to help students and teachers with challenges</li></ul><h2>Benefits of Being a School-Based OT</h2><p>We think being a school-based OT is amazing (we’ll admit we’re biased)! Here are just 10 of the many reasons why:</p><ol><li>You get to work with kids, so you get to laugh and play a lot!</li><li>You’ll have wonderful coworkers who care about improving lives.</li><li>The schedule is fantastic: short work days and a school calendar with lots of time off.</li><li>It’s the perfect job if you have kids or want plenty of leisure time to enjoy an outstanding work-life balance.</li><li>Your work day won’t ever be boring. The day will be full of adventure and will fly by.</li><li>You get to use your creativity and problem-solving skills to help kids thrive.</li><li>You’ll have the opportunity to work closely with therapists and expand your knowledge base.</li><li>You get to help teachers learn ways to support their students.</li><li>You’ll help concerned parents know their children have an advocate on their side.</li><li>You see measurable changes in students that will improve their lives forever.</li></ol><h2>Tips for Transitioning to School OT</h2><p>If you want to feel confident transitioning into the school environment, you can take these steps:</p><ul><li><strong>Visit the school in advance.</strong> Find out where you’ll park. Get familiar with the school layout. Check out your workspace. See what equipment and tools are available.</li><li><strong>Get the bell schedule.</strong> Find out the schedule, so you can plan your days around the bells and navigate class changes.</li><li><strong>Learn the terminology. </strong>Become familiar with terms like tier 1, 2 and 3 supports, response to interventions (RTI), individualized education program (IEP), 504, student support teams (SST), eligibility, data collection, goals, direct services, integrated services, pull-out services, program supports and present levels of performance (PRP).</li><li><strong>Make some friends.</strong> Spend some time connecting with other therapists, teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, front office staff, janitors, cafeteria employees, bus attendants and others.</li><li><strong>Remember why you’re here.</strong> Put on your OT hat, but shift your mindset to education. Your primary goal is to support your clients’ educational needs in school and beyond.</li></ul><h2>School Occupational Therapy Jobs</h2><p>Find your next school-based occupational therapy opportunity <a href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/home" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>

Transitioning from Clinical to School-Based OT