Physical Therapist - Houston, TX

School-based PTs are essential to student mobility, independence, and full participation in school life — yet many practice without adequate consultation time, peer support, or workloads aligned to best practice.

Thrive partners with districts that value physical therapy as integral to educational access. You'll work in environments where your expertise in gross motor development, mobility, and functional capacity is sought at the IEP level and embedded throughout the school day — not limited to isolated sessions.

As a School-Based Physical Therapist, you assess and treat students K–12 with gross motor, mobility, neuromotor, and musculoskeletal challenges that impact educational participation and independence. You design individualized interventions targeting functional mobility, postural stability, endurance, and environmental access to support academic engagement.

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  Conduct comprehensive PT evaluations including gross motor assessment, functional mobility screening, postural analysis, and school-based functional capacity assessment

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  Develop and implement IEP goals focused on school function: mobility, transfers, positioning, locomotion, and physical education participation

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  Deliver direct and consultative PT services including therapeutic exercise, mobility training, gait training, and positioning strategies

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  Assess and recommend adaptive equipment: wheelchairs, walkers, orthotics, positioning devices, and accessibility modifications

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  Collaborate with OTs, SLPs, and special education staff on comprehensive student support and transition planning

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  Provide in-service training to staff and families on positioning, mobility assistance, and safe handling techniques

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  Participate in IEP/ARD meetings and contribute to transition planning for secondary students

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or Master's degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited program

• Valid, unrestricted state licensure as a Physical Therapist (NPTE board certification)

• Proof of immunization status and background check clearance per school district requirements

• CPR/BLS certification

• 2+ years of school-based or pediatric PT experience (new graduates welcome with structured mentorship)

• Pediatric specialty certification or training in neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT)

• Experience with adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and accessibility assessment

• Experience with autism spectrum disorder and complex physical disabilities

• Bilingual capability a meaningful plus

$72,000 – $85,600,based on experience

A salary that reflects the expertise you bring. W-2 employment means full benefits, paid time off, retirement match, disability coverage, and malpractice insurance — all on us. Your total compensation is built to reflect what this work is worth.

$54-$66/hr/hr

If flexibility is what fits your life, we built that in. Our 1099 option puts you in control of how you work — with a competitive hourly rate, full professional supports, and your career mobility fully intact.

$6,000 —paid 25% at 30 days,25% at 90 days,50% at 6 months

Our sign-on bonus is a signal: we’re committed to you from the moment you say yes, and we want you to feel that.

Paid annually afterexceeding performancemetrics

When you go above and beyond for students, we notice. Our performance bonus is how we say we see you, we value what you’re doing, and this work matters.

Up to $2,000 —paid after completing your first full school year

We’re building Thrive around the people who commit to this work and to each other over the long haul — because that’s who our kids and schools depend on. Every year you come back, we reward it. And it grows with you.

$750 your first year →growing up to $2,000after five years

Your practice is the whole thing. The more you grow as a clinician, the better the care our kids get. We put real dollars behind your continuing education, and it grows with your tenure. Investing in your expertise is investing in our mission.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance — Thrive covers 100% of employee premiums

• Coverage begins day one

• Choice of HSA-eligible high-deductible plan or traditional PPO; nationwide PPO network

• Dependent and family coverage available

• 401(k) with up to 5% company match

• Optional voluntary benefits: supplemental life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and FSA

• School-year calendar — school holidays off, amounting to 30+ paid days annually

• 3 PTO and 3 Sick days

• Malpractice and professional liability insurance — fully covered by Thrive; no personal policy required

• Quarterly professional development led by clinical leadership — school-based, substantive, and paid

• Paid Summer Intensive — pre-year clinical PD that brings the full Thrive team together annually

• No non-compete agreement — your professional mobility is yours to keep

• State PT licensure renewal and APTA dues reimbursed annually