Education of Individuals with Physical Health Impairments: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
This program prepares educators and specialists to design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive educational strategies for individuals with physical health impairments that impact learning and daily functioning. It emphasizes evidence-based practices, inclusive pedagogy, and collaborative service delivery to support student success in academic, social, and functional domains.
- Identification and Assessment of Physical Health Impairments: Training in recognizing a range of physical and health-related conditions—such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, and chronic illnesses—that affect educational engagement and performance.
- Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Development: Instruction in creating tailored, legally compliant educational plans that align academic goals with the unique physical, cognitive, and emotional needs of each student.
- Adaptive Teaching and Instructional Strategies: Mastery of specialized methods for delivering curriculum through modified materials, assistive technology, and differentiated instruction to ensure accessibility and meaningful participation.
- Student Supervision and Behavioral Support: Techniques for managing physical and emotional challenges in classroom and community settings, promoting independence, safety, and positive behavioral outcomes.
- Special Education Counseling and Advocacy: Skills in supporting students’ social-emotional development, fostering self-advocacy, and guiding families through educational and medical transitions.
- Legal and Policy Frameworks in Special Education: In-depth study of federal and state regulations—including IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)—that govern service delivery, rights, and accountability for students with health-related disabilities.
Education of Individuals with Physical Health Impairments Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Education of Individuals with Physical Health Impairments Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Education of Individuals with Physical Health Impairments degrees, including Education Teachers, Postsecondary, Special Education Teachers, Secondary School and Special Education Teachers, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 384,750 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1081 | $72,090 | $38,650 - $126,450 | 59,090 | N/A |
| Special Education Teachers, Secondary School 25-2058 | $69,590 | $47,930 - $106,050 | 162,780 | N/A |
| Special Education Teachers, All Other 25-2059 | $67,430 | $43,220 - $109,360 | 39,350 | N/A |
| Special Education Teachers, Middle School 25-2057 | $64,880 | $48,070 - $102,730 | 95,330 | N/A |
| Special Education Teachers, Preschool 25-2051 | $62,190 | $38,740 - $132,530 | 28,200 | N/A |
Education of Individuals with Physical Health Impairments Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $49,096 in Mississippi to $98,568 in New York—a 101% difference. The highest-paying states include New York, California, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 384,750 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Education of Individuals with Physical Health Impairments by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Education of Individuals with Physical Health Impairments programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Education of Individuals with Physical Health Impairments is found at University of Puerto Rico (UPRB), Bayamon (33 graduates), and CUNY Hunter College (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 34 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Puerto Rico (UPRB) |
Bachelor's
|
33 | Bayamon, Puerto Rico | Public | uprb.edu |
| CUNY Hunter College |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | New York, New York | Public | hunter.cuny.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Education of Individuals with Physical Health Impairments programs
How much can I earn with a Education of Individuals with Physical Health Impairments degree?
Salaries for Education of Individuals with Physical Health Impairments graduates vary by role and location. Education Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $72,090 annually, while Special Education Teachers, Secondary School earn around $69,590. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New York average $98,568 compared to $49,096 in Mississippi. Approximately 384,750 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Education of Individuals with Physical Health Impairments programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Education of Individuals with Physical Health Impairments degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Puerto Rico (UPRB), Bayamon (33 graduates), CUNY Hunter College (1 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Education of Individuals with Physical Health Impairments growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 62 in 2010 to a peak of 82 in 2020, before declining slightly to 34 in 2023-24. This represents a 45% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Education of Individuals with Physical Health Impairments degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Education Teachers, Postsecondary, Special Education Teachers, Secondary School, and Special Education Teachers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 384,750 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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