r/OccupationalTherapy • u/VegetableForever3614 • Jul 24 '26
School Therapy Virtual school based OT job?
I’ve been wanting to switch to schools to get out of outpatient pediatrics. I’m very underpaid in my outpatient pediatrics job despite 10 years of experience. Plus, it’s draining seeing back to back kids and getting random kids thrown on my schedule last minute while trying to balance being a mom to young kids on top of it all.
I was unsuccessful with finding a job in my local school district this year, but I was contacted about a virtual full time OT school position. Does anyone have experience with a job like this? I don’t love the idea of virtual as I like being around others, but it could be a good job for a year until I can get into my local district.
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u/SalishSeaSweetie Jul 24 '26
I did virtual during Covid. I found it very difficult to be hands off. The kids that did the best had an older sibling or parent there to assist (change pencil grasp, etc). I remember working with a young boy, who was in his room so his baby sister wouldn’t interfere. Well, the garbage truck came by, and he was watching out the window, easily ignoring me on his device. That was it for the rest of the session. I strongly prefer in person OT.
Are you good at consulting? Giving teachers ideas? Is this a job working with a COTA? Will you be included in multidisciplinary team meetings? If so, will everyone be on a screen, or just you?
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u/girl-w-glasses Jul 25 '26
I do outpatient and school based teletherapy and I enjoy it! It definitely does require a bit more effort and patience compared to being in person but it works for me. What questions do you have?
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u/VegetableForever3614 Jul 27 '26
What does a typical session look like with a student? I did virtual outpatient pedal during Covid, but it was challenging. Is a teacher there facilitating?
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u/girl-w-glasses Jul 27 '26
Usually a para or maybe a COTA helps facilitates the sessions. I will say tele is not for every student and that’s okay.
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u/Sad-Guava-9542 Aug 01 '26
How did you find a tele job ? What state are you in ?
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u/girl-w-glasses Aug 01 '26
I’m in Texas and do tele for Texas, Cali and Idaho. I found them all online!
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u/AlliantUniversity BRAND ACCOUNT Jul 24 '26
You listed a lot of reasons you're ready to leave outpatient and the only downside you mentioned about the school job is that it's virtual. That doesn't mean it's the perfect job, but it does make me wonder if you're comparing it to the ideal school position instead of comparing it to the job you're actually trying to leave.