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Physical therapy involves the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of a variety of conditions that are related to mobility, balance, strength, ambulation and independence.  Pediatric physical therapist jobs have some additional duties in the job description, as this type of physical therapist employment involves using clinical expertise to help children reach their maximum potential in school, home and community settings.  Pediatric physical therapist jobs are found in schools, hospitals, clinics, private practice and anywhere that children ages birth through adolescence may obtain services.  As with any type of physical therapist employment, these clinicians must work closely with families, caregivers and teachers, in addition to the direct treatment of the patient.  As a pediatric physical therapist, these skills are even more important than ever, as the clients are less able to advocate for themselves than adults and most families will play a primary role in their child’s treatment.

Once a person determines that they have a desire to pursue physical therapy employment and specifically work with children, there are several steps that they must follow.  In order to obtain pediatric physical therapist jobs, candidates must obtain a graduate degee in physical therapy from an accredited program and pass a national physical therapy licensing examination to become registered.  Some states will require demonstration of skills in additional content areas related specifically to pediatrics.  Continuing education is required on a yearly basis to maintain proper certification and licensure.  Most educational programs that are geared toward pediatric physical therapist jobs will take 5-6 years to complete.

Obtaining pediatric physical therapist jobs is more likely when the candidate has an extensive knowledge of child development, physical development, and conditions and disorders that may require physical therapy treatment in children.  Some of the conditions that commonly require physical therapy include spina bifida, torticollis, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, developmental coordination disorder, and scoliosis.  Additionally, young children who do not reach developmental motor milestones as expected may also require services from a physical therapist for treatment of trunk control, muscle tone, coordination, strength, balance and endurance.  Those with pediatric physical therapist jobs will be experts in issues including proper positioning for play and eating, adaptive equipment and toys, equipment that can enhance mobility (braces, orthotics, etc.), safety equipment, and any other types of problems that arise as a child attempts to interact effectively with their environment, access the general education curriculum, and participate with peers and adults in a safe and appropriate way.

Physical therapy employment in the area of pediatrics is a growing field, as the benefits of this type of therapy are becoming more widely understood by doctors, teachers and parents.  Pediatric physical therapists can make a difference for a child struggling with gross motor and coordination issues and help them develop skills and learn adaptations that will lead to success.

If you need help finding a job as a pediatric physical therapist, visit PTJobs.com. By choosing PTJobs.com physical therapist job search engine over another general job search engine, you can minimize the stress and the unnecessary time wasted sorting through irrelevant information and job listings.

For complete access to jobs specific to your field, as well as all the tools and services necessary to feel fully confident in your physical therapist job application process, visit PTJobs.com today and make sure you’re placed in the position that best suits you.

Article Resources:

http://www.pediatricapta.org/consumer-patient-information/pdfs/09%20ABCs%20of%20Ped%20PT.pdf

http://physicaltherapy.about.com/od/pediatricphysicaltherapy/Pediatric_Physical_Therapy.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_2033138_become-pediatric-physical.html