Why I love being a pediatric physical therapist: more than just a career
Grace Goodfellow, DPT
When I reflect on my career as a pediatric physical therapist, it fills my heart with so much joy and satisfaction. This profession is not just a job; it's a calling that allows me to make an impact on the lives of children and their families. In this blog post, I want to share three key reasons why I love being a pediatric physical therapist and why you might consider embarking on this rewarding journey too.
1. How to Become a Pediatric Physical Therapist
Becoming a pediatric physical therapist is not just a career choice; it's a path of purpose and dedication. The journey to becoming a pediatric PT involves years of education, licensure, and specialized training:
Educational Foundation: To kickstart your journey, you'll need a strong educational foundation. You'll begin with a bachelor's degree and then pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Often seven years total.
Clinical Experience: Throughout your DPT program, you'll gain invaluable clinical experience. This hands-on training is an opportunity to work with pediatric patients and truly understand their unique needs. One tip is to be intentional when planning out your clinical experience and plan to have a clinical rotation within the field of pediatrics.
Licensure and Certification: After completing your DPT program, you'll need to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and obtain state licensure to practice. While not mandatory, pursuing additional certification in pediatric physical therapy further your skillset and experience in pediatrics, this is often pursued after working about three-five years in the pediatric PT field.
A physical therapist must complete a rigorous doctoral program.
2. Working with Children and their Families
One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a pediatric physical therapist is the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of children and their families. Here's why it's so rewarding:
Building Trust: Children often come to therapy feeling apprehensive or fearful. As a pediatric PT, you have the privilege of building trust with your patients, creating a safe and supportive environment where they can thrive. The bonds you form with these children are truly special and often last years.
Witnessing Progress: Every small victory is a cause for celebration. Whether it's a child taking their first independent step or increasing their independence in functional mobility, witnessing their progress is incredibly rewarding. These milestones and times of celebration remind you of all the hard work the child and their family has put into their PT goals.
Family Involvement: Pediatric physical therapy is not just about working with the child alone; it's a collaborative effort with their families. You get to work closely with parents and caregivers, providing guidance and support. One of my favorite parts of this career is the relationships that you build with families that often last over years.
Pediatric physical therapists work closely with both children and their caregivers.
3. Fun and Creative Approaches
One of the unique aspects of pediatric physical therapy is the opportunity to incorporate fun and creativity into your sessions.
Play-Based Therapy: Children learn best through play, and as a pediatric PT, you get to design engaging therapy sessions that are centered around play. Whether it's using motivating toys, games, or imaginative exercises, we focus on keeping sessions fun, upbeat, and engaging- in a way that is authentic to them as children.
Tailored Interventions: Each child is unique, and so are their needs. Pediatric physical therapists have the freedom to tailor their interventions to suit the child's interests and abilities, while still staying developmentally aligned. This flexibility allows for creative problem-solving and therapy that begins with each child’s individual strengths.
Innovation and Adaptation: The field of pediatric physical therapy is constantly evolving. You have the opportunity to explore innovative techniques and approaches to improve outcomes. This field allows you to always be learning.
Pediatric physical therapists come up with creative and engaging ways to target individual goals.
In conclusion, being a pediatric physical therapist is a journey filled with purpose, fun-filled days, creativity, and joy. Through your dedication to education, building trust with young patients and their families, and embracing fun and creative approaches, you can truly make a difference in the lives of children. If you're considering this path, know that it's not just a career; it's a calling that will enrich your life in countless ways.