School-Based Occupational Therapy vs Physical Therapy

May 27, 2025

What is School-Based Occupational Therapy?

School-based Occupational Therapists (OTs) focus on supporting a child’s ability to fully participate and thrive in the school environment as much as possible. School-based OTs support students in building the necessary skills for classroom participation, from fine motor skills to self-care tasks.

School-based occupational therapy focuses on improving a students:

Fine motor skills
Sensory processing
Self-care skills
Cognitive skills
Visual motor skills
Visual perceptual skills

Generally, Occupational Therapists in the school setting are only required to be state licensed Occupational Therapists depending on where you reside. However, Occupational Therapists in New Jersey are required to obtain the “School Occupational Therapist Standard Certification” which allows you to practice in preschool through grade 12. In a school setting, OT’s are an integral part of the special education team. They are responsible for evaluating students to determine whether occupational therapy is recommended as a part of a student’s IEP plan. Due to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), every child that falls under the IDEA has the opportunity to receive this therapy for free. Being able to access this therapy for free is huge, as it gives every child regardless of financial status the opportunity to thrive both educationally and socially.

If you’re looking for occupational therapy jobs in NJ or occupational therapy jobs in NY, school-based roles are a great opportunity to make a lasting difference.

What is School-Based Physical Therapy?

Physical Therapists (PTs) are healthcare professionals who evaluate and treat physical injuries or bodily function issues. They help individuals of all ages maintain, regain, or strengthen function and mobility through physical therapy practices. School-based Physical Therapists (PTs) help students with disabilities or mobility challenges navigate the school environment effectively and safely.

School based Physical Therapists ensure that all students have the ability to participate at their full potential in school activities, regardless of their disability status. For example, if a student breaks a bone, physical therapy is important and useful for their recovery process. However, this can be done independently outside of school hours as injuries like this do not interfere with the students’ access to school services. In-school physical therapy services are reserved for students that are physically disabled or students that struggle with mobility problems that interferes with them being able to fully engage in the education system.

PTs in a school setting focus on:

Balance and coordination
Strength and endurance
Gross motor skills
Safe movement through school facilities

Just like school based OTs, school-based PTs are required to hold a state license. For Physical Therapists in New Jersey looking to become a school-based PT, the state of New Jersey Department of Education requires PTs to obtain a school PT certification. In some cases, schools may also employ Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) under the supervision of a licensed PT.

Interested in becoming a school-based PT? Check out our current openings for PT jobs in NJ and physical therapist jobs in NY.

School-Based Occupational Therapy vs Physical Therapy: What’s the Difference?

Physical therapy and occupational therapy are fundamental fields in allied health that both strive for improving individual’s lives’ by improving daily living activities and overall well-being. Between these two professions, there are plenty of similarities but there are also some major key differences. Both OT’s and PT’s deliver hands-on rehabilitative therapy to heal, care for, or improve physical limitations. On the other hand, both professions also educate clients and families on ways to improve quality of life.

While Physical Therapists focus on healing injuries, Occupational Therapists focus on improving clients’ independence for those with a disability or following an injury. Physical therapists’ goal is to help a patient regain mobility through exercise, massages, and other techniques. Occupational Therapists focus on improving a patient’s ability to optimize their independence and strengthen daily living activities.

When it comes to both of these professions in a school setting, there is typically one main goal for both school-based PTs and school-based OTs, to help students gain and improve skills needed to thrive both socially and academically. An Occupational Therapist in a school-based setting works with students to improve their self-care activities, fine motor skills, and sensory processing. Whereas a school based Physical Therapist will work with students to improve movement skills such as coordination, balance, and mobility.

Conclusion

Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists are crucial allied health professionals and vital allies in the world of special education who help improve the quality of life for students. PTs and OTs can be found in a number of settings including schools, hospitals, private practices, long-term care facilities, and more. Thanks to the IDEA Act, some students are eligible to receive these vital therapy services in school for free. While these therapy services may overlap with some similarities, there are a number of key differences. Together, school-based Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists help students succeed in school while creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Are you a Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist in New York or New Jersey? Whether you’re a licensed OT or PT looking to start or switch up your career, send us your resume today and we can connect you with your next job opportunity. Horizon Healthcare Staffing has plenty of opportunities for Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists in New York and New Jersey.