Pediatric Physical Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare, the role of pediatric physical therapists has never been more crucial.

As our understanding of child development and rehabilitation evolves, the demand for skilled professionals who can guide, support, and enhance the health and mobility of our children continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a pediatric physical therapist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of pediatric physical therapy,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable pediatric physical therapist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Pediatric Physical Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Physical Therapists work with children who have a range of conditions, from congenital disabilities to injuries or diseases that impact their physical abilities.

They help these children improve their physical function and capabilities through therapeutic exercises and activities.

Their primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating the physical condition of a child to determine the appropriate treatment plan
• Developing individualized therapy plans that address the child’s specific needs
• Implementing therapeutic exercises and interventions to improve motor skills, balance, and coordination
• Providing education and guidance to parents and caregivers on how to support their child’s physical development and rehabilitation at home
• Tracking and documenting the child’s progress throughout the course of therapy
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as pediatricians, occupational therapists, and speech therapists, to provide comprehensive care
• Using specialized equipment and techniques, like ultrasound or aquatic therapy, to enhance therapy results
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of best practices and advancements in pediatric physical therapy

 

Pediatric Physical Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Pediatric Physical Therapist to join our team.

The ideal candidate will have experience providing physical therapy to children with various conditions, improving their physical abilities, and aiding their overall development.

Pediatric Physical Therapist responsibilities include evaluating each child’s needs, developing tailored therapy plans, and working closely with families to teach them techniques to support the child’s development at home.

Ultimately, the role of the Pediatric Physical Therapist is to improve the quality of life of their young patients by promoting their physical health and development.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluate the physical condition and needs of patients
• Create personalized treatment plans that align with each child’s needs and goals
• Perform various physical therapy procedures and exercises
• Document patient progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary
• Educate families on how to assist children with their physical therapy exercises at home
• Communicate with other healthcare professionals involved in the child’s care
• Adhere to professional standards and regulations while providing physical therapy
• Keep up-to-date with advancements in physical therapy and pediatric care

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Pediatric Physical Therapist
• Excellent knowledge of physical therapy principles and practices
• Ability to create personalized treatment plans
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Patient and compassionate nature
• Physical stamina and dexterity to perform various physical therapy procedures
• Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy (DPT)
• Valid license to practice physical therapy

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Physical Therapist
• Work Environment: Clinical setting. May require occasional weekend or evening hours.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Physical Therapy or Clinical Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $90,000 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 Physical Therapist Do?

A Pediatric Physical Therapist works with children and young adults to help them recover from injuries and improve their motor skills.

This can involve working with patients with specific conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or developmental delays.

They use therapeutic exercises and play activities to improve strength, balance, coordination, and motor skills.

They also develop treatment plans that involve stretches, exercises, and the use of specialized equipment to assist with mobility.

Pediatric Physical Therapists also work closely with the child’s family or caregivers, teaching them how to assist with exercises and stretches at home to further support the child’s growth and development.

Part of their role involves monitoring and documenting the progress of their patients, adjusting treatment plans as necessary to ensure the best possible outcomes.

They also work closely with other healthcare professionals such as occupational therapists, speech therapists, and doctors to provide a comprehensive approach to the child’s healthcare.

They may work in a variety of settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, or in the patient’s home.

 

Pediatric Physical Therapist Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric Physical Therapist should possess a unique set of technical and interpersonal skills in order to provide effective therapy and care to young patients, including:

• Advanced understanding of child development, including motor skills, cognitive abilities, and emotional development.
• Technical knowledge of various pediatric physical therapy techniques and treatments, such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and functional training.
• Exceptional patience and interpersonal skills for interacting with children of various ages, developmental stages and conditions.
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, parents, and other healthcare professionals to relay information about treatment plans, progress, and any changes in the patient’s condition.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to adapt treatment plans as necessary based on the individual child’s progress and needs.
• Strong physical stamina and dexterity for demonstrating exercises, assisting with physical maneuvers, and handling any necessary equipment.
• A compassionate and empathetic demeanor to comfort and support patients and their families throughout the therapy process.
• Knowledge and ability to adhere to privacy regulations and maintain confidentiality of patient information.

 

Pediatric Physical Therapist Experience Requirements

Entry-level pediatric physical therapists are typically required to have completed a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, which includes both theoretical study and clinical practice.

This is often complemented by an internship or residency in a pediatric setting to gain practical experience working with children.

Candidates with around 1 to 2 years of experience may have already worked in a clinic or hospital, providing physical therapy to children with a variety of physical conditions.

They may have gained experience in developing and implementing therapy plans, tracking progress, and coordinating with other healthcare professionals.

Pediatric physical therapists with 3 to 5 years of experience have often honed their skills in assessing and treating various pediatric conditions and disabilities.

These therapists may be knowledgeable in using specialized therapeutic techniques, equipment and tools.

They may also have experience working with patients of different ages, from infants to adolescents.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may be considered experts in pediatric physical therapy.

They may have experience with more complex cases and may have taken on leadership roles, such as supervising a team of therapists or managing a therapy department.

They may also have pursued continuing education or certification in specialized areas, such as neurodevelopmental treatment or pediatric orthopedics.

 

Pediatric Physical Therapist Education and Training Requirements

Pediatric Physical Therapists typically need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which requires a bachelor’s degree for admission.

The bachelor’s degree can be in any field, but courses in biology, anatomy, physiology, and physics may be particularly helpful.

The DPT program usually takes about three years to complete and includes both classroom learning and clinical internships.

Subjects covered include neuroscience, pathology, and kinesiology, among others.

After completing their DPT, pediatric physical therapists need to obtain a state license to practice.

This typically involves passing the National Physical Therapy Examination, as well as any additional state requirements.

Many pediatric physical therapists also pursue a board certification in pediatrics from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

This usually involves a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical work in the specialty area and passing an exam.

Continuing education is important in this field, as therapists need to stay current with new treatment techniques and research.

This can be accomplished through workshops, seminars, or additional coursework.

 

Pediatric Physical Therapist Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Physical Therapist earns an average of $70,000 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may vary depending on experience, education, the region they are practicing in, and the healthcare facility they are associated with.

 

Pediatric Physical Therapist Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Pediatric Physical Therapist need?

Pediatric Physical Therapists should hold a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited university.

They should also pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and be licensed in the state they wish to practice.

Additionally, they may need to complete specialized training in pediatric physical therapy to understand the unique needs of children.

 

What does a typical day for a Pediatric Physical Therapist look like?

A Pediatric Physical Therapist usually starts their day by reviewing their patients’ medical histories and treatment plans.

They then conduct physical therapy sessions with their patients, which may involve exercises, stretches, and the use of therapeutic equipment.

They may also communicate with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors and occupational therapists, regarding a child’s progress.

Documentation of each session is also part of their daily duties.

 

What skills are important for a Pediatric Physical Therapist?

Pediatric Physical Therapists should have excellent communication skills to effectively convey treatment plans and progress to children and their parents.

They should be patient and empathetic, as working with children, particularly those with disabilities or serious injuries, can be challenging.

Manual dexterity and physical stamina are also crucial, as the job involves physical activities and handling therapeutic equipment.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Physical Therapist resume?

When reviewing a Pediatric Physical Therapist’s resume, look for a DPT degree and state licensure.

Experience working with children, particularly in a healthcare setting, is highly desirable.

Certifications in pediatric physical therapy or related fields may also be beneficial.

Ensure to check for evidence of soft skills, such as communication, empathy, and patience.

 

What are the common challenges faced by a Pediatric Physical Therapist?

Pediatric Physical Therapists often deal with emotionally challenging situations, as their patients may be in pain or have severe physical limitations.

They may also face difficulty in communicating complex therapy procedures to children.

Furthermore, they need to constantly adapt their methods to each child’s specific needs, which requires creativity and flexibility.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken a closer look at the intricate world of a pediatric physical therapist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about guiding exercises.

It’s about shaping the futures of children, one therapy session at a time.

Armed with our trusty pediatric physical therapist job description template and real-world instances, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your pathway to creating accurate job listings or fine-tuning your resume to precision.

Remember:

Every therapy session is a part of the bigger journey.

Let’s shape those futures. Together.

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