Sep 16, 2025

School Based vs. Clinical Occupational Therapy: Choosing the Right Path for You

Occupational Therapists (OTs) make a meaningful difference every day by helping people develop, recover, and thrive in the activities that matter most to them. But while the mission of OT is always the same, the setting where you practice can shape your role, focus, and career path.

Two of the most common options for OTs are working in schools or in clinics and healthcare facilities. Both settings offer opportunities to build strong therapeutic relationships and change lives, but they also look and feel very different in practice.

At Aequor, we staff OTs in both schools and healthcare environments nationwide. Whether you’re seeking a travel assignment in a pediatric rehab clinic, a contract role in a school district, or something in between, we can help you find a position that matches your goals and lifestyle.

What It’s Like to Work as a School-Based OT

School-based OTs support children with the skills they need to succeed in their educational environments. Instead of focusing on medical recovery, the emphasis is on helping students access their curriculum, engage in classroom routines, and build independence in age-appropriate tasks.

Key responsibilities in schools:

1. Supporting IEP goals: Most therapy services are tied to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), with OTs helping to set goals that align with a student’s academic and developmental needs.
2. Collaborating with the team: School OTs work closely with teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, and families to integrate strategies into daily routines.
3. Targeting functional skills: This may include handwriting, fine motor development, self-care (like eating or dressing), attention and focus, or sensory regulation.
4. Providing services in varied settings: Therapy can happen in a resource room, classroom, playground, or wherever the student needs support.

Advantages of school based OT:

1. A chance to watch students grow year after year.
2. A team-oriented atmosphere that blends education and therapy.
3. A schedule that follows the school calendar (holidays and summers off, depending on the contract).

Outside of schools, OTs practice in a variety of medical and community based settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehab, mental health facilities, and home health. Here, the focus is often on medical needs, recovery, and quality of life.

What It’s Like to Work as a Clinical or Healthcare OT

Key responsibilities in clinics and healthcare facilities:

1. Developing individualized treatment plans: Therapy may focus on rehabilitation after injury or illness, managing chronic conditions, or developing independence with daily living tasks.
2. Working with diverse populations: Patients may include children with developmental delays, adults recovering from strokes or surgeries, or seniors adapting to physical or cognitive changes.
3. Using specialized techniques and equipment: OTs may recommend adaptive devices, teach energy conservation strategies, or address complex motor, sensory, or cognitive needs.
4. Delivering care in structured sessions: Most therapy occurs one-on-one in a therapy gym, clinic, or patient’s home.

Advantages of clinical/healthcare OT:

1. Opportunities to specialize in areas like neurology, pediatrics, geriatrics, or mental health.
2. Exposure to a wide variety of cases and patient populations.
3. Clear progress tracking and measurable medical outcomes.

Key Differences Between School and Clinical OT

While both settings share the same core goal, helping individuals live more independently, the differences are clear:

Which Setting Is Right for You?

Choosing between schools and clinical practice often comes down to your personal interests and lifestyle.

1. You might prefer schools if: you love working with kids, enjoy collaborating with teachers, and want a schedule that aligns with the academic year.
2. You might prefer clinics/healthcare if: you’re drawn to medical rehabilitation, want to specialize in certain conditions, or prefer working with a wider range of patients.

Some OTs even explore both throughout their careers. Starting in one setting and later transitioning to the other can provide valuable experience and keep your career path fresh and rewarding.

How Aequor Supports OTs in Every Setting

At Aequor, we recognize that every OT has unique skills and career goals. That’s why we offer opportunities in both education and healthcare environments. Whether you’re seeking:

1. A school based contract position supporting students’ learning success
2. A travel OT assignment in a hospital or rehab facility
3. Opportunities in outpatient clinics or community health programs

…our recruiters are here to connect you with the right match.

With Aequor, you’ll benefit from competitive pay, benefits, and the flexibility to choose assignments that fit your lifestyle. All while knowing you’re making a difference in the lives of the patients and students you serve.

Ready to explore your next OT role? Browse Aequor’s open positions today and connect with a recruiter who understands your career goals.

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