Beyond the Caseload: Building Confidence and Educational Impact in School-Based OT and PT
School-based occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) are about much more than completing evaluations, meeting service minutes, and managing an ever-growing caseload. At their core, these services help students access their educational environments, participate in school activities, and develop the skills necessary for success in the classroom and beyond.
For occupational and physical therapy practitioners transitioning into school-based settings, understanding the differences between clinical and educational practice can be challenging. Even experienced practitioners may struggle to balance documentation requirements, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), collaboration with educators, and the diverse needs of students.
The good news? With the right knowledge, strategies, and collaborative approach, school-based practitioners can move beyond simply surviving their caseloads and begin making an even greater educational impact.
Featured Course: School-Based OT/PT 101 Foundations — From Caseload Survival to Educationally Relevant Practice
Course #7377 | Motivations CEU
Led by Dr. Aditi Mehra, DHSc., OTR/L, this comprehensive continuing education course explores the foundations of school-based OT and PT, with an emphasis on practical strategies for educationally relevant services.
The course is divided into two essential parts.
Part 1: Foundations for Practitioners Entering School-Based Practice
Participants will explore the fundamental principles of school-based therapy, including:
Understanding OT and PT roles within educational settings.
Differentiating between medical and educational service models.
Recognizing workload versus caseload considerations.
Exploring service delivery options.
Understanding documentation expectations.
Expanding practice beyond traditional, impairment-focused interventions.
Supporting participation, inclusion, and collaborative service delivery.
Part 2: IEPs, Goal Writing, Collaboration, and School Team Practice
The second portion focuses on practical skills needed to contribute effectively to educational teams.
Topics include:
Understanding present levels of performance and educational impact.
Developing meaningful, participation-focused IEP goals.
Making appropriate service recommendations.
Collecting data and monitoring student progress.
Aligning interventions with classroom routines.
Collaborating with teachers and related service providers.
Communicating the value of school-based OT and PT to administrators and families.
Through lectures, videos, and question-and-answer opportunities, participants will gain insights they can apply to their school-based practice.
Course Details
Course: #7377 School-Based OT/PT 101 Foundations: From Caseload Survival to Educationally Relevant Practice
Instructor: Dr. Aditi Mehra, DHSc., OTR/L
Live Webinar: Wednesday, March 3, 2027
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:15 PM EST
Continuing Education: 5 hours (4 hours of presentation and 1 hour of pre- and post-course assignments)
Registration: $125 for live or self-study
From Surviving to Thriving in School-Based Therapy
School-based occupational and physical therapy practitioners play an important role in helping students overcome barriers, build independence, and participate meaningfully in their educational environments.
But delivering effective services requires more than clinical expertise. It demands an understanding of educational systems, collaborative teamwork, functional goal development, and the ability to connect therapeutic interventions with everyday school experiences.
By shifting from a caseload-focused mindset to a participation-centered approach, practitioners can strengthen their impact while building more sustainable and meaningful professional practices.
Ready to move beyond caseload survival and strengthen your school-based therapy skills?
Join Motivations CEU for Course #7377: School-Based OT/PT 101 Foundations and discover practical strategies for making your services more collaborative, effective, and educationally relevant.
Motivations CEU — Supporting professional growth through continuing education for occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and rehabilitation professionals.
Comments