A pediatric physical therapist works with children from birth to age 18 to treat problems like injuries, pre-existing conditions, and problems caused by illnesses or diseases. The pediatric physical therapist will also treat conditions related to genetic, neurological, and orthopedic disorders.

Pediatric Physical Therapist Job Description Template

We are looking for an able and dedicated pediatric physical therapist to treat musculoskeletal problems and improve the mobility of infants, children, and adolescents facing various health conditions. Your main responsibility as a pediatric physical therapist will be to improve children’s motor development, strength, range of motion, endurance, balance, coordination, gait difficulties, heart and lung endurance, and delayed motor development.

To be successful as a pediatric physical therapist, you should be able to work under stress and alleviate the frustrations of your patients and their families. You should be patient and have strong physical endurance and manual dexterity.

Pediatric Physical Therapist Responsibilities:

  • Interviewing children and family members and using physical examinations to diagnose the source of children’s movement difficulties.
  • Creating unique, individualized treatment plans that outline the treatment goals and methods to be used.
  • Helping children to learn to move their bodies correctly, make their movements less painful, increase the functions of injured body parts, and heal from injuries.
  • Assessing patients and monitoring their progress.
  • Using techniques like functional training and exercise, medication, diet changes, and specialized equipment that is designed to treat and alleviate pain.
  • Coordinating a child’s care with other healthcare professionals.
  • Providing expert consultations to schools and daycares.
  • Teaching children and their families about safety and home exercises.

Pediatric Physical Therapist Requirements:

  • A Doctorate of Physical Therapy, specializing in pediatric physical therapy.
  • Experience in a supervised internship may be advantageous.
  • A state license to practice pediatric physical therapy.
  • The ability to work long hours as well as some evening and weekend shifts.
  • The ability to handle stress and pressure.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Attention to detail, patience, and empathy.
  • Manual dexterity and physical endurance to lift patients and heavy equipment.