Physical Therapist - Houston, TX
Thrive Therapies · Houston, TX
- On site
- Full-time
- $75,600 / year
- Houston, TX
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Job highlights
- Assess and treat K-12 students with motor challenges.
- Design interventions for functional independence.
- Develop and implement IEP goals.
- Assess and recommend adaptive equipment.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
About the role
Physical Therapist - Houston, TX
WHY THRIVE THERAPIES
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.
Position Summary
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.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive PT evaluations including gross motor assessment, functional mobility screening, postural analysis, and school-based functional capacity assessment
- Develop and implement IEP goals focused on school function: mobility, transfers, positioning, locomotion, and physical education participation
- Deliver direct and consultative PT services including therapeutic exercise, mobility training, gait training, and positioning strategies
- Assess and recommend adaptive equipment: wheelchairs, walkers, orthotics, positioning devices, and accessibility modifications
- Collaborate with OTs, SLPs, and special education staff on comprehensive student support and transition planning
- Provide in-service training to staff and families on positioning, mobility assistance, and safe handling techniques
- Participate in IEP/ARD meetings and contribute to transition planning for secondary students
Required Qualifications
- 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
Preferred Qualifications
- 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
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive W-2 salary: $72,000-$75,600 based on credentials, experience, and location
- Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision) effective your first day
- 401(k) with company match
- 10 days PTO + paid sick leave
- Professional development stipend ($1,200 annually) for CEUs, conferences, and certifications
- $2,000 sign-on bonus (paid at 90 days)
- $1,000 semester retention bonus per semester completed
- State PT license dues and state licensure fees fully reimbursed
- Malpractice and professional liability coverage provided by Thrive
- No non-compete clause — we earn your loyalty by being a place worth staying
Key skills/competency
- Physical Therapy
- School-Based Therapy
- IEP
- Gross Motor Skills
- Mobility Assessment
- Adaptive Equipment
- Pediatric PT
- Functional Capacity Assessment
- Neurodevelopmental Treatment
- Therapeutic Exercise
Skills & topics
- Physical Therapist
- School Therapy
- Pediatric PT
- IEP
- Gross Motor
- Mobility
- Adaptive Equipment
- Therapeutic Exercise
- DPT
- K-12 Education
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight school-based PT experience and pediatric skills.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Emphasize your passion for educational access.
- Prepare for interviews: Discuss your approach to IEPs and student assessments.
- Showcase collaboration: Detail your experience working with multidisciplinary teams.
- Research Thrive Therapies: Understand their mission and values.
Technical preparation
Master pediatric gross motor and mobility assessments.,Practice implementing IEP goals for school function.,Familiarize with adaptive equipment recommendations.,Review NDT and pediatric treatment techniques.
Behavioral questions
Describe a challenging student case and resolution.,How do you collaborate with educational teams?,How do you manage caseload and prioritize tasks?,Explain your approach to parent/family communication.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the salary range for a Physical Therapist at Thrive Therapies in Houston, TX?
- The salary range for a School-Based Physical Therapist at Thrive Therapies in Houston, TX is $72,000 to $75,600 annually, based on your credentials, experience, and specific location.
- Does Thrive Therapies offer health insurance for Physical Therapists?
- Yes, Thrive Therapies provides comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision, effective from your first day of employment.
- What professional development opportunities are available for Physical Therapists at Thrive Therapies?
- Thrive Therapies offers a professional development stipend of $1,200 annually, which can be used for CEUs, conferences, and certifications to support your continued learning.
- Is experience required for the School-Based Physical Therapist position?
- While 2+ years of school-based or pediatric PT experience is preferred, new graduates are welcome and will receive structured mentorship.
- What is the work arrangement for this Physical Therapist role?
- This is a school-based position, indicating an on-site work arrangement within school districts in Houston, TX.
- What are the core responsibilities of a School-Based Physical Therapist at Thrive Therapies?
- Core responsibilities include assessing and treating students K-12 with gross motor and mobility challenges, developing IEP goals, recommending adaptive equipment, and collaborating with educational staff.
- Does Thrive Therapies offer a sign-on bonus for Physical Therapists?
- Yes, Thrive Therapies offers a $2,000 sign-on bonus, which is paid after 90 days of employment.
- What is required to apply for the Physical Therapist job at Thrive Therapies?
- Applicants must have a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or Master's degree, a valid state PT license, proof of immunization and background check, and CPR/BLS certification.