Pediatric Exercise Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare, the role of pediatric exercise therapists has never been more significant.

As our understanding of children’s health and fitness grows, so does the need for experienced professionals who can guide, motivate, and ensure the physical development of our young ones.

But let’s delve deeper: What exactly does a pediatric exercise therapist do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of pediatric exercise therapy,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable pediatric exercise therapist job description template, perfect for posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Pediatric Exercise Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Exercise Therapists are responsible for aiding children and teenagers with physical and developmental challenges, utilizing exercise and physical activities as a key component of the therapy plan.

They help improve the children’s strength, flexibility, endurance, and motor skills.

Here are some of their primary duties and responsibilities:

• Evaluate each patient’s physical abilities and health status to develop a personalized treatment plan
• Implement exercise programs that are suited to each patient’s abilities and needs
• Monitor each patient’s progress carefully and adjust the exercise program as necessary
• Use equipment and devices to assist patients with exercises and therapy sessions
• Provide education and advice to patients and their families about maintaining an active lifestyle and preventing future health issues
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians and occupational therapists, to ensure a holistic approach to patient care
• Document patient progress and therapy outcomes for further evaluation and treatment planning
• Ensure all therapy sessions are conducted in a safe and supportive environment, following all relevant health and safety guidelines

 

Pediatric Exercise Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Pediatric Exercise Therapist to join our team.

The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of pediatric anatomy, physiology, and the impact of exercise on childhood development.

The Pediatric Exercise Therapist will be responsible for designing and implementing individualized exercise programs for children with various health conditions and physical disabilities.

The goal is to help the child improve mobility, strength, endurance, and other aspects of physical fitness in a safe and supportive environment.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluating the physical condition of patients and understanding their needs and goals.
• Developing personalized exercise programs for each patient, considering their health condition and individual abilities.
• Monitoring and recording patients’ progress and adjusting their exercise plan as needed.
• Providing education and guidance to patients and their families about exercise, physical activity, and overall health.
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care.
• Maintaining patient records in accordance with privacy regulations and ethical standards.
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest research and developments in pediatric exercise therapy.
• Adhering to all professional standards and ethical guidelines in the practice of exercise therapy.

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Physical Therapy, or a related field.
• Proven experience working as an Exercise Therapist or Physical Therapist, preferably with children.
• Knowledge of pediatric exercise therapy techniques and the ability to tailor them to individual patients’ needs.
• Strong understanding of child development and the impact of exercise on physical health.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain complex concepts in an understandable way.
• Compassionate and patient with a genuine interest in improving children’s health and wellbeing.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Exercise Therapist
• Work Environment: Hospital, clinic, or private practice. Some travel may be required for home visits or consultations at other healthcare facilities.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Physical Therapy Manager or Director of Rehabilitation Services.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pediatric Exercise Therapist Do?

Pediatric Exercise Therapists specialize in working with children and young adolescents, using physical activity and exercise to aid in their development, rehabilitation, or overall health improvement.

These therapists design and implement individualized exercise programs that are both safe and effective for the child.

These programs often involve strength training, cardiovascular conditioning, stretching, and balance exercises.

They conduct initial assessments to understand the child’s physical condition, motor skills, and health status.

Based on these assessments, they plan suitable exercise regimens, focusing on improving the child’s strength, flexibility, endurance, or coordination.

Pediatric Exercise Therapists also monitor the child’s progress, adjust the exercise program as needed, and provide feedback to the child’s parents or caregivers.

They also educate the child and their family about the importance of physical activity and healthy lifestyle habits.

In addition, they may work closely with other healthcare providers such as pediatricians, physiotherapists, and dietitians, ensuring a holistic approach to the child’s well-being.

They may work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, fitness centers, and schools, or they could provide in-home services.

 

Pediatric Exercise Therapist Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric Exercise Therapist should have the skills and qualifications that are essential for the job role, such as:

• Knowledge of pediatric anatomy and physiology to develop effective exercise programs for children with various conditions and disabilities
• Understanding of child development and psychology to create engaging and age-appropriate activities
• Strong interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with children and their families
• Patience and empathy to work with children who may be experiencing discomfort or distress
• Excellent communication skills to effectively convey information and instructions to children, their families, and other healthcare professionals
• Problem-solving skills to adapt activities and programs to the unique needs and limitations of each child
• Physical fitness and stamina to demonstrate exercises and engage in physical activities with children
• Knowledge of safety procedures and guidelines to prevent injuries and ensure a safe exercise environment
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals

 

Pediatric Exercise Therapist Experience Requirements

A Pediatric Exercise Therapist typically requires a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy or a related field as a starting point.

During their studies, they gain significant knowledge and understanding of child development, anatomy, and physiology.

In addition to their studies, many students gain practical experience through internships or placements in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private clinics.

This hands-on experience, often lasting between 1 to 2 years, provides them with the necessary exposure to work with children who have a variety of physical and developmental conditions.

Following their studies, many Pediatric Exercise Therapists complete a specialized pediatric residency program.

This is a postgraduate training program that typically lasts between 12 to 36 months and provides in-depth clinical experience in pediatric exercise therapy.

Furthermore, candidates with more than 3 years of experience often enhance their skills and knowledge in specific areas of pediatric exercise therapy, such as neurodevelopmental treatment or sensory integration therapy.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in the field may have some leadership experience, having supervised or mentored less experienced therapists, and may be ready for a managerial or team-lead position within a therapy department.

They might also have advanced their knowledge and skills by earning a master’s or doctoral degree in pediatric physical therapy or a related specialty.

 

Pediatric Exercise Therapist Education and Training Requirements

Pediatric Exercise Therapists typically have a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, kinesiology, exercise science or a related field.

Coursework in these programs may include anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and childhood development.

Practical training may involve learning therapeutic exercises, assessing a child’s physical abilities, and learning about the unique needs of patients with various pediatric conditions.

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree, many aspiring Pediatric Exercise Therapists go on to earn a master’s degree or Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.

These advanced programs offer further study into pediatric care and rehabilitation, as well as clinical experience.

Most states require Pediatric Exercise Therapists to be licensed.

Licensure requirements generally include the completion of a degree from an accredited physical therapy program and passing scores on the National Physical Therapy Examination.

Continuing education is crucial in this field to stay updated with the latest techniques, research and approaches to pediatric care.

Therapists may also obtain a Pediatric Certified Specialist (PCS) certification to demonstrate their expertise in pediatric therapy.

Voluntary certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and pediatric first aid could also be beneficial, as Pediatric Exercise Therapists need to be prepared for medical emergencies that might occur during therapy sessions.

Experience working with children, either through internships, volunteer work, or job placements is also highly valued in this profession.

 

Pediatric Exercise Therapist Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Exercise Therapist earns an average salary of $56,400 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary can vary depending on factors such as years of experience, additional qualifications, and the geographical location of the job.

 

Pediatric Exercise Therapist Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Pediatric Exercise Therapist need?

Typically, a Pediatric Exercise Therapist must have a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, kinesiology, exercise science, or a related field.

Some positions may require a master’s degree in pediatric physical therapy or a relevant specialization.

A license to practice physical therapy is often required, and certification in pediatric exercise therapy is highly desirable.

 

What skills are important for a Pediatric Exercise Therapist?

Pediatric Exercise Therapists should have strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with both children and their parents.

They should be patient, empathetic, and able to motivate children to complete exercises that might be difficult or uncomfortable.

Knowledge of pediatric anatomy, physiology, and developmental stages is essential.

Therapists should also have excellent problem-solving skills to adapt exercises to each child’s specific needs and abilities.

 

What are the daily duties of a Pediatric Exercise Therapist?

A Pediatric Exercise Therapist often starts the day by reviewing patient files and planning individualized therapy sessions.

They spend most of their time conducting therapy sessions, which involve guiding children through various exercises to improve their strength, flexibility, coordination, and overall physical health.

They also regularly evaluate and document each child’s progress, adjust treatment plans as necessary, and communicate with parents and other healthcare professionals about the child’s progress and any concerns.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Exercise Therapist?

A good Pediatric Exercise Therapist is passionate about working with children and helping them improve their physical health and abilities.

They should be compassionate, patient, and able to build a rapport with children of all ages.

Good therapists are also creative in designing and implementing fun, engaging exercises that cater to each child’s interests and abilities.

They should have excellent observational skills to identify any changes in a child’s physical condition or performance.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Pediatric Exercise Therapist?

Finding a qualified Pediatric Exercise Therapist can be challenging due to the specialized skills and qualifications required for the role.

Employers often look for candidates with a strong educational background, relevant experience, and a genuine passion for working with children.

Therefore, offering competitive salaries, comprehensive training programs, and a supportive work environment can help attract and retain talented therapists.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the true essence of being a pediatric exercise therapist.

Guess what?

It’s not just about guiding kids through exercises.

It’s about shaping the future of children’s health, one activity at a time.

With our go-to pediatric exercise therapist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make a difference.

But why stop there?

Go a step further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every exercise is a step towards a healthier future.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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