Each pediatric physical therapist career path looks a bit different. Decisions you make about where you attend college or complete clinical fieldwork, will have an impact on your career trajectory. For example, if you want to be a school-based PT, you’ll need to meet a few requirements to develop and strengthen your skills
Education is a key part of becoming an effective pediatric therapist (PT). As an undergraduate student, choosing a major relevant to PT, such as physiology or exercise science, can provide a solid foundation for your career. As you move into higher education with a graduate program or a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, these skills will become more focused on pediatric PT.
When choosing a physical therapy program, make sure it has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Clinical experience is an important part of your education. By dedicating the time to engage in real-world situations, you’ll learn from examples and shape your abilities as a PT. Most positions require a number of clinical fieldwork hours.
You can apply for a school-based fieldwork position through you career office.
Note that we have opportunities at Kelly Pediatric Therapy! We have a network of partnering universities and supervising clinicians to support students. Contact your fieldwork coordinator to learn more about fieldwork opportunities with us.
Every PT must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). This exam reviews the skills and practices taught throughout your physical therapy education. Before applying to take your exam, it’s a good idea to review your class notes, study guides, and other resources provided by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
After completing your education, fieldwork experience, and the NPTE, you can bring your skills to the classroom and begin practicing as a pediatric PT. You will typically work a schedule that is akin to a school-year calendar.
To be an effective school-based PT, it's also crucial to have a manageable caseload.
At Kelly Pediatric Therapy, we deploy a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) approach to ensure that the right students receive the right support. With three tiers of classroom-wide, small-group, and individual interventions, we support both the students and our PTs.
Physical therapy requires reliable communication and coordination between the student’s school, parents, and other administrators or caregivers. At Kelly, we continually support the providers who engage with us by going to school with you, so we can facilitate communications and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
You became a physical therapist to make a difference, and at Kelly Pediatric Therapy, we're here to help you move your career forward through professional development, mentoring, clinical ladders, and attention to career-life balance.
We'd love to talk with you about how we place PTs in schools and how we can help you begin providing students with the support they need to succeed in and out of the classroom. Learn more about our current staffing opportunities.