Gain insight into the essential qualifications, important duties, key responsibilities, and vital skills that form a well-rounded Pediatric Physical Therapist job description.
What does a Pediatric Physical Therapist do?
A pediatric physical therapist helps children from birth to age 18 with various health conditions that affect their movement and mobility. This can include injuries, pre-existing conditions, and problems caused by illnesses or diseases. They also work with children who have genetic, neurological, and orthopedic disorders.
Job Description
We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated pediatric physical therapist to help improve the mobility and quality of life for infants, children, and adolescents. Your main role will be to help children develop their motor skills, strength, coordination, and endurance. This may also involve addressing gait difficulties, heart and lung endurance, and delayed motor development.
To be successful in this role, you should be able to work well under pressure and help alleviate any frustrations for your patients and their families. You should also have patience, physical endurance, and good manual dexterity.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Assessing children and their families through interviews and physical examinations to determine the cause of their movement difficulties.
- Creating personalized treatment plans that outline specific goals and methods for each child.
- Teaching children how to move their bodies correctly, reduce pain, improve function in injured body parts, and heal from injuries.
- Monitoring and tracking the progress of patients.
- Using techniques such as functional training, exercise, medication, and specialized equipment to alleviate pain and improve mobility.
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to coordinate a child's care.
- Providing guidance and support to schools and daycares.
- Educating children and their families on safety and home exercises.
Requirements and Qualifications
- Doctorate of Physical Therapy with a focus on pediatric physical therapy.
- Experience in a supervised internship may be beneficial.
- State license to practice pediatric physical therapy.
- Availability to work long hours, including evenings and weekends.
- Ability to handle stress and pressure.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Attention to detail, patience, and empathy.
- Manual dexterity and physical endurance to lift patients and equipment.
Pediatric Physical Therapist Salary
The earning potential of a Pediatric Physical Therapist can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic location, industry, professional experience, educational background, and the specific employer. On average, the annual salary for an Pediatric Physical Therapist in the United States is approximately $81191.
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