Become an Educational Therapist | Job Duties, Requirements & Degrees

What is an Educational Therapist?

Educational therapy (ET) is an intensive process of teaching that is designed for students with learning disorders. Educational therapists (ETs) combine therapeutic and teaching methods for the evaluation, remediation, case management and advocacy of children and adults who suffer from learning disabilities.

ETs design unique and individualized programs for each student according to the student’s needs and abilities. ETs highlight a student’s strengths and use them to compensate for areas of weakness.

Because every student learns and processes information in a unique way and with a varying degree of success, ETs customize their teaching methods to maximize the learning efficiency of each student. The teaching is presented to the student in an organized, structured and sequential manner. ETs work one-on-one with patients, normally in one-hour sessions.

ET is particularly effective for students with Attention Deficit Disorder—those who have difficulty paying attention in class. Because ETs treat only one student during an ET session, the student remains focused and attentive. The results of ET treatments for most other learning disorders are nearly as impressive.

Unlike regular teachers and tutors, ETs are trained in identifying and dealing with learning disorders and are capable of designing a combined system of therapeutic techniques and teaching methods uniquely suited to a student’s needs.

ETs understand that patients suffer emotional and social complications from the frustrations associated with their learning disorders, and ETs know how to minimize these frustrations. ETs can also work closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, behaviorists, guidance counselors and other professionals.

What Type of Problems are Treated by Educational Therapists?

Some of the most common problems treated effectively by educational therapists are:

Dyslexia
Lack of motivation
Problems with math
Language problems
Non-verbal learning disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Asperger’s Syndrome
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Performance anxiety
Poor social, study or organizational skills
Low academic self-esteem
Tourette Syndrome

Where Does an Educational Therapist Work?

Many educational therapists go into private practice, but some ETs work for schools, community agencies, hospitals or clinics. Some have their own office, while others share an office with a speech therapist, psychologist or other professional.

Some ETs go to the homes or schools of clients for their therapy sessions.

What Does an Educational Therapist Do?

Here are some of the specific duties of educational therapists:

Address all aspects of the learning experience, including the academic, social and emotional aspects
Talk with people who have significant roles in a client’s life— including friends, family, other professionals and employers—in order to develop productive support strategies.
Determine how the underlying learning issues impact other areas of academic, social or family dynamics
Foster independence and self-advocacy in students, helping them take control of the learning process
Conduct assessments and integrate their results to develop a wide range of applicable strategies for teaching
Tailor the curriculum, remediation and teaching methodology to the client’s unique learning needs
Perform academic screening
Provide support for emotional and social development
Use music therapy
Provide references to other specialists if it’s determined that a client is best served by a different specialist
Coach parents in helping to support the ET treatments

What are the Requirements to Become an Educational Therapist?

Educational Therapist Education

Becoming an educational therapist requires taking extensive courses in psychology and education at the undergraduate level. Probably the best option is to get a four-year Bachelor of Arts degree in educational psychology. The aim of educational psychology programs is to prepare students to apply research-based knowledge about human development and learning in the teaching profession.

Another good degree option is to major in clinical or counseling psychology and take a concentrative of electives in school counseling. Clinical psychology is a good choice because it features the counseling of patients with psychological disorders. If necessary, a major in general psychology will suffice. The aim of bachelor programs in general psychology is to provide a broad overview of the field of psychology.

Yet another good option is to major in special education with a concentration or double major in psychology. The aim of special education degree programs is to prepare educators for teaching students with disabilities in grades 1-12, and to do so with a caring and yet skillful and objective attitude.

One drawback with a special education major is that the emphasis is placed upon physical disabilities instead of psychological disorders.

Here are some recommended undergraduate subjects for ET students:

Abnormal psychology
Developmental psychology
Cognition and learning
Neurodevelopmental disorders
Behavioral neuroscience
Behavioral analysis
Psychopharmacology
Human heredity and development
Human psychophysiology
History and systems of psychology
Child psychopathology
Educational psychology
Classroom behavior management
Teaching students with behavioral disorders

At present, there are only a couple of graduate programs in educational therapy. There are also a few certificate programs in ET at the continuing education extensions of universities; these combine traditional classwork with workshops. All the available programs at present are accredited by the Association of Educational Therapists (AET).

These programs aim to broaden the skill sets of students in assessing, evaluating, remediation, case management, communication and advocacy on behalf of people with learning problems.

Students learn to synthesize information from other specialists and parents and to develop and implement the appropriate remedial programs for behavioral and learning challenges. Typical classes at an extension program might include:

Understanding Learning Differences
Technological Strategies for Special Needs Cases
Techniques of Educational Therapy
Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading Disabilities
Math Instruction for Special Needs Students
Adapting Reading Strategies for the Special Needs Child
Understanding Adjunct Therapies
Managing Behaviors that Are Challenging
Assessment in Special Education
Woodcock-Johnson Test Administration and Interpretation
Tests and Measurements in Special Education
Cognitive Development
Psychology of Learning
Child Development
The Exceptional Child
Principles of Educational Therapy
Behavioral Strategies in Special Education
Counseling Techniques in Special Education
Working with Parents of Special Education Children

Educational Therapist Training Requirements

Typical ET educational programs culminate in a period of internship where students work actual cases under the supervision of a certified educational therapist.

Educational Therapist Licensing Requirements

Licensing is not required of ETs. ETs who have a master’s degree in a field related to educational therapy, such as psychology, educational psychology, teaching, special education, counseling and speech/language, can get certified through the Association of Educational Therapists (AET). They must be members in good standing for a year, complete 1000 hours of practice, submit an approved formal case study and complete a written exam on ethical issues in ET.

What Personal Skills are Needed to be an Educational Therapist?

Probably the most important skill for ET practitioners is communication, both verbal and oral. ETs need to be able to communicate effectively with a wide assortment of people. In addition to communicating with their students, who can be of any age, they have to deal with psychologists, educators, parents, health care professionals and agency officials.

They also need to be able to solve problems and to teach that ability to people with learning disorders. They need to be compassionate yet objective in their dealings with students. They need infinite patience and understanding, yet not allow themselves to be become overly emotional or attached.

They need to be able to apply general rules to specific situations and come up with good solutions. They have to learn to read body language and notice details about people that others might miss.

What is the Salary of an Educational Therapist?

According to ZipRecruiter, the average education therapist salary, as of August 2022, is $81,737.

How to Become an Educational Therapist – 2023 Guide and Degrees