As a pediatric physical therapist who has worked in both the school-based and outpatient clinic settings, I frequently receive questions on the difference between the two settings and why their child might receive services in one setting versus the other. 

The main difference between school-based and clinic-based PT is the focus and purpose of the interventions. 

School-based physical therapists focus on access and help students physically access their school environment as independently and fully as possible. For example, a school-based PT might help a child work on sitting balance to be able to safely sit in a chair in the classroom, help with coordination and ball skills to help a child safely participate with their class in PE, or work on walking speed to help a child get from class to class on time. A student qualifies for school-based physical therapy through a disability category under IDEA, and are often referred by teachers, parents, or other school personnel. These services are not for students outside of those disability categories, so a typically-developing student who sustained an ankle sprain would not be able to receive school-based PT. 

Clinic-based physical therapists focus on helping children with goals relating to participation in activities with their family and peers in the community. Clinic-based PT is great for helping children return to a sport after an injury or learn to improve their walking skills for going on family outings. Referral for clinic-based PT comes from a medical doctor, but families can also seek out physical therapy services on their own through direct access. The clinic-based setting often focuses more on the medical-continuum of needs and access to a wide variety of settings. 

Think PT might be helpful for your child? Contact us! We would be happy to help :). 

More information on the difference between school-based and outpatient clinic-based PT can be found on the Pediatric APTA website: https://pediatricapta.org/includes/fact-sheets/pdfs/15%20PT%20for%20Educational%20Benefit.pdf?v=1