Adapted PE & SBPT

The Difference between 

Adapted Physical Education (APE)

&

School Based Physical Therapy

In many schools, districts, and even across states, school-based physical therapists are increasingly being asked—or directed—to provide adapted physical education (APE) services to students with disabilities, primarily due to a shortage of certified adapted physical education teachers. However, the vast majority of licensed physical therapists do not hold teaching credentials and therefore are not qualified to deliver instructional services within the physical education setting.

Similarly, most certified adapted physical education teachers do not possess the medical licensure required to provide school-based physical therapy services. This distinction highlights the importance of employing appropriately credentialed professionals to ensure students receive both educationally and medically appropriate services.

Please refer to the documents below for a clear understanding of each service.

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