While physical therapy is often associated with the recovering from injuries of adults, children can also experience movement and mobility challenges because of developmental conditions, physical disabilities, injuries, illnesses, and other health problems.
The professionals best equipped to help them address these challenges are pediatric physical therapists, who specialize in supporting children’s movement, physical function, and motor development. If you are interested in helping children become more mobile and independent, a career in pediatric physical therapy can be a rewarding professional path for you.
In the article below, we will explain how to become a pediatric physical therapist and walk through the qualification process involved. We will also examine the profession itself and the advanced training available in pediatric physical therapy.
Understanding Pediatric Physical Therapists and Their Role
Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who help patients improve their movement, restore their physical function, and manage the limitations caused by injuries, illnesses, disabilities, and various other health conditions.
While general PTs may work with patients of all ages, a pediatric physical therapist specializes in treating infants, children, and adolescents whose movement or physical development has been affected by these types of challenges.
When working with a child, a pediatric physical therapist will first assess the specific areas of physical function that need attention, and then, based on what they observe, will develop an individualized treatment plan to address these limitations.
Depending on the child, the recommended course of treatment may involve performing therapeutic exercises, practicing mobility and balance activities, gait training, stretching, or age-appropriate movement exercises designed to improve motor skills and make everyday activities easier to perform.
As the therapy progresses and the child’s abilities and needs change over time, the pediatric PT will monitor the child’s response and adjust the treatment plan to support their ongoing development.
Considering the additional knowledge required for treating young patients and understanding their developmental needs, becoming a pediatric physical therapist is a multi-stage qualification process that requires both general physical therapy preparation and more focused pediatric training.
To enter this field as specialists, aspiring professionals first need to qualify as licensed PTs and then build specialized experience in pediatric physical therapy.
Children and Conditions Treated by Pediatric Physical Therapists
Given the breadth of the field of physical therapy, pediatric PTs can work with children whose function has been affected by a wide range of conditions, including:
- Developmental delays, which can affect when and how children develop motor skills such as sitting, standing, walking, or running
- Cerebral palsy, which can affect movement, posture, coordination, and a child’s ability to perform everyday physical activities
- Developmental coordination disorder, which can make coordinated movement and age-appropriate motor tasks more difficult
- Congenital muscular torticollis, which can affect an infant’s head and neck position and may require early physical therapy management
- Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities, which may be associated with delays or difficulties in gross motor development
- Neuromuscular conditions, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy, which can progressively affect strength and mobility
- Spina bifida, which can affect mobility and the development of independent movement
- Orthopedic injuries, concussions, and other physical conditions that can interfere with a child’s ability to move comfortably and participate in normal activities
In other words, the specialty has a very broad scope, and the goals of treatment can vary from one child to another depending on their condition, age, and developmental needs.
Professional Work Settings for Pediatric Physical Therapists
Considering that pediatric physical therapists work with children who have different developmental, rehabilitation, and mobility needs, their expertise can find application across a variety of professional settings, including:
- Children’s hospitals, where they may work with young patients recovering from surgery, serious injuries, illnesses, or other conditions that affect movement and physical function
- Outpatient pediatric clinics, where they can provide ongoing treatment to children with developmental, orthopedic, neurological, and other movement-related conditions
- Schools, where pediatric PTs may help students whose physical limitations affect their mobility and ability to participate in educational activities
- Early intervention programs, where they can work with infants and young children who show developmental delays or other concerns affecting motor development
- Rehabilitation facilities, where children may receive more intensive physical therapy after an injury, surgery, or significant medical event
- Home and community settings, where therapists can work with children in familiar environments and help them improve the physical skills needed for everyday activities
While the type of setting in which they practice may have a limited effect on their day-to-day responsibilities, ultimately, the goal of all pediatric PTs is to help children become more mobile and independent.
Important Skills for Pediatric Physical Therapists
Working effectively with children requires pediatric physical therapists to develop strong interpersonal and practical skills in addition to their clinical knowledge and technical abilities. Some of the most important skills for these professionals include:
- Patience, as children may need additional time, encouragement, or repeated guidance when learning new movements and exercises
- Empathy, which can help therapists build trust with children and better understand the concerns of their families
- Communication skills, since pediatric PTs need to explain exercises and treatment goals in ways children can understand while also keeping parents and caregivers informed
- Creativity, which can help therapists turn therapeutic movements into age-appropriate activities that keep younger patients interested and engaged
- Knowledge of child development, which can help pediatric PTs understand a child’s abilities in the context of their developmental stage and establish appropriate treatment goals
- Attention to detail, as therapists need to monitor subtle changes in a child’s movement and response to treatment
- Stress management, which can help pediatric PTs remain patient and focused when dealing with challenging cases or slower periods of progress
Together, these skills can help pediatric physical therapists treat young patients more effectively, adapt treatment to their individual needs, and work closely with the families involved in their care.
Becoming a Pediatric Physical Therapist: Qualifications Breakdown
Having explored the pediatric physical therapy profession in some detail, we can now move on to outlining the qualifications aspiring pediatric PTs need to meet to qualify for professional practice. To enter this specialized field, candidates need to work through the following stages:
- Complete the undergraduate education and prerequisite coursework required for admission to a DPT program
- Earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from a CAPTE-accredited program
- Accumulate the required supervised clinical experience
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination
- Obtain a professional physical therapist license
- Complete a pediatric physical therapy residency for more focused specialty training
- Pursue board certification as a Pediatric Clinical Specialist
In other words, aspiring pediatric PTs first need to qualify for general physical therapy practice, and then continue developing specialized expertise in pediatric care.
How to Become a Pediatric Physical Therapist: Step-by-Step
Now that we understand exactly what it takes to become a pediatric physical therapist, we can turn our attention to exploring the qualification process and walk you through it one step at a time.
Complete the Undergraduate Preparation Required for DPT Admission
Aspiring pediatric physical therapists typically begin their preparation for a career in physical therapy at the undergraduate level, where they complete the academic requirements needed to qualify for a DPT program. Most DPT programs expect applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree, although they generally do not require applicants to complete a specific undergraduate major.
This means that physical therapy students can choose any undergraduate field that interests them as long as they also complete their prerequisite coursework. These prerequisites commonly include subjects such as anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and statistics.
We should point out that in addition to completing the required prerequisite coursework, individual DPT programs may also establish additional admission criteria, such as minimum GPA requirements, observation or volunteer experience in physical therapy settings, etc.
For this reason, prospective physical therapy students would be wise to review the requirements of the specific DPT program they want to enroll in before planning their undergraduate coursework, and make sure it satisfies all of the corresponding criteria.
Earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree
After completing their undergraduate degree, aspiring pediatric physical therapists continue their academic training at the graduate level, where they begin the professional education required for physical therapy practice.
One of the most important considerations we should mention here is that the programs that students attend need to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) for graduates to qualify for physical therapist licensure. DPT programs that are not CAPTE-accredited will not satisfy this educational requirement.
While the length of DPT programs can vary based on their curriculum structure and the institution that offers them, in general, they tend to last around three years and combine both classroom instruction and laboratory training.
During their time in the program, physical therapy students complete coursework in a range of foundational and clinical subjects such as anatomy, neuroscience, and biomechanics.
We should also point out that in addition to their academic preparation, DPT students also participate in clinical education experiences, which allow them to apply the knowledge and practical skills they learned in real patient-care settings.
Accumulate the Required Supervised Clinical Experience
As a part of their CAPTE-accredited program, aspiring pediatric physical therapists also need to complete supervised clinical education in real patient-care settings. The clinical component of DPT programs is one of the most important parts of their professional preparation, as it gives students the practical experience required before they start working independently with patients.
Under the current CAPTE standards, DPT programs must include at least 30 weeks of full-time clinical education. During these experiences, students work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists and begin applying the knowledge and practical skills they developed throughout their academic and laboratory training.
Depending on the program and the placements available, students may complete their clinical training in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, or other settings where physical therapy services are provided. Students interested in pediatric physical therapy should try their best to train in settings that serve children and begin gaining experience with younger patient populations.
By the time they complete the required clinical experience, DPT students should have developed the practical skills and professional judgment needed to complement their academic preparation and continue toward the licensing process.
Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination
With the academic and supervised clinical preparation stages of their professional training complete, DPT graduates can finally move on to the examination stage of the physical therapist licensing process.
The main exam that PT candidates need to pass to qualify for licensure is the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), which is developed and administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. The exam is designed to assess whether candidates have the knowledge and abilities required for entry-level physical therapy practice.
However, considering that some states may also impose state-specific examination requirements and require candidates to pass a jurisprudence examination or meet other conditions, it is a good idea for candidates to review the licensing requirements in the jurisdiction where they intend to practice before beginning the examination process.
In some states, candidates may also be required to take a jurisprudence exam or another state-specific examination before they can obtain their physical therapist license.
Obtain State Physical Therapist License in Your State
After passing the NPTE and satisfying all of the other examination requirements established by their state boards, candidates can apply for a physical therapist license.
While the exact application process can vary from one state to the next, candidates typically need to submit proof of their DPT education, examination results, and any other documentation requested by the relevant licensing authority.
Depending on the jurisdiction, they may also need to complete a criminal background check, pay application fees, and potentially satisfy some other state-specific requirements.
Once the licensing board reviews the application and confirms that all applicable requirements have been met, candidates can receive their physical therapist license and become legally authorized to practice in that state.
Start Working as a Licensed Physical Therapy Professional
Once candidates receive their state license, they can begin working as licensed physical therapists and take on responsibility for patient care within the scope of their practice.
At this point, professionals who want to focus on pediatric physical therapy can start looking for positions in settings that provide care to children, such as pediatric clinics, children’s hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, schools, or early intervention programs.
Working in these environments allows newly licensed PTs to gain experience with pediatric patients and become more familiar with the developmental and rehabilitation needs they may encounter in practice.
And while licensed PTs don’t need to complete any additional formal education to get authorization to work with children, those who want to develop more advanced expertise in pediatric care can pursue additional postprofessional training.
Enroll in a Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency
One of the main postprofessional training options available to licensed PTs are pediatric physical therapy residencies. These programs are designed to help practicing physical therapists build on the broader knowledge and clinical skills they developed during their DPT education and gain more focused experience in pediatric care.
Pediatric physical therapy residencies combine advanced clinical practice with structured education and mentoring, and give licensed PTs an opportunity to deepen their knowledge while continuing to work directly with patients.
Under the current residency standards, pediatric therapy residencies must total 1,800 hours, 1,500 of which need to consist of patient-care clinical work, while another 300 hours are for educational activities. Their clinical portion should also include structured mentoring, which gives residents an opportunity to receive direct feedback as they develop their skills in pediatric practice.
Throughout the residency, physical therapists can gain more hands-on experience treating children with different developmental, medical, and rehabilitation needs. By the time they complete the program, they should have developed a stronger level of clinical competency in pediatric physical therapy.
Secure Board Certification as a Pediatric Clinical Specialist
The second postprofessional option available to physical therapists who want to specialize in pediatric care is board certification, which isn’t so much a form of additional training as it is a professional credential used to formally demonstrate advanced competency in pediatric physical therapy.
Board certification in pediatric physical therapy is awarded through the ABPTS and leads to the Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy designation, commonly abbreviated as PCS.
To qualify for the pediatric specialty examination, candidates need to hold a current unrestricted physical therapist license, have completed an accredited pediatric physical therapy residency, and pass the Pediatric Specialty Examination.
Once they pass the exam and receive the certification, pediatric PTs can use the PCS designation and formally identify themselves as board-certified pediatric physical therapists.
Closing Thoughts
Movement difficulties and developmental conditions can affect a child’s ability to participate in everyday activities and become more independent as they grow. Pediatric physical therapists can help children manage these challenges by providing rehabilitation that supports their physical development and functional abilities.
Becoming a pediatric physical therapist is a demanding process that requires several years of education, passing licensing examinations, and securing suitable credentials. However, for those who are willing to commit to the process and want to build a career centered on helping children become more mobile and independent, pediatric physical therapy can be a rewarding path.
FAQs
What does a pediatric physical therapist do?
A pediatric physical therapist helps infants, children, and adolescents improve their movement, physical function, and motor development when these abilities are affected by injuries, illnesses, disabilities, or developmental conditions.
Depending on the child’s needs, pediatric PTs may provide therapeutic exercises, gait and mobility training, balance activities, stretching, and other age-appropriate interventions.
Additionally, they may also help children develop skills needed for everyday activities, monitor their progress throughout treatment, adjust therapy when necessary, and work with parents or caregivers to support continued improvement outside of therapy sessions.
How long does it take to become a pediatric physical therapist?
Becoming a pediatric physical therapist can take around eight years from the beginning of undergraduate education, although the exact timeline can vary depending on the program and the specialization route a candidate follows.
The standard pathway usually includes about four years to complete a bachelor’s degree and approximately three years to earn a DPT. Candidates then need additional time to pass the NPTE, obtain state licensure, and begin practicing professionally.
Those who also complete a pediatric physical therapy residency generally need about another year before they can pursue board certification.
Are pediatric physical therapists in demand?
Yes, pediatric physical therapists can expect a favorable employment outlook, although the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish separate projections specifically for this specialty.
According to the BLS, employment of physical therapists overall is projected to grow by 11% between 2024 and 2034, which is considerably faster than the 3% average projected for all occupations. The agency also expects around 13,200 openings for physical therapists each year during this period.
As such, while these figures apply to the profession as a whole, they indicate strong demand for physical therapy services, including opportunities for professionals who focus on pediatric care.