1 Comment so far

1. Mary

   It depends on where you work. If you work in a general out patient clinic, you will treat more injuries such as acl tears, spondololesis, fractures etc.
   If you work at a cancer center, you will see all types of tumors and amputees from surgery. NICU therapist see very sick premature infants.
   Generally, you will treat genetic disorders, congenital defects, developmental delaxy, dypraxia, developmental coordination disorder, Cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, orthopedic conditions, (Torticolis is huge lately).
   On my case load in a public school, I currently treat children with Down Sydrome, autism, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Jra-arthritis, spina bifida, DCD and apraxia, developmental delay, dermatomyositis, TBI, neurofibromatosis, asthma, tourettes, agenisis of the corpus collosum, epilepsy, sensory integration dysfunction, and much much more. Over the years, I have treated just about everything under the sun, some really rare disorders but new ones pop up every year. I have treated 3 kids with ancephalephy (no brain only a brainstem. In peds, you treat children from birth to 21 and adults with developmental disabilitiies. You can work in a variety of facilites including children’s hospitals, pediatric rehab or skilled nursing facilities, group homes, special schools, public schools, homecare (early intervention, medically frail or post op), private practice, NICU, and day hab.
   I work the school schedule/ I love what I do but it is not for everyone. I could not work with middle age people with back problems. In my opinion, they complain to much but I have friends who do this and hate what I do.
   I help children so they can function in the school environment. I order adaptive equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, standers, adapted classroom chairs, and patient lifts. I assist the orthotist when making new braces. I work on a team with speech therapist, OT, social workers, special ed teachers, psy, reg ed, adaptive phys ed teachers and regular ed teachers. I treat children who have a range of cognitive ability from gifted to severely mentally retarded and everything in between.
   It can be frustrating when not everyone is on the same page. I certainly do not do the job for the money. I do ok but I could make more working elsewhere. The worst part is when a child dies. I have had a few over the years.
   The pro of the job is that it is extremely rewarding. I wish I could share the picture of one of my kids that I took yesterday for his new wheelchair. He giggled and his face lit up and I just wanted to melt. He does not talk but you new he was happy and enjoyed coming to PT.
   My advice is to do some volunteering or shadowing with a pediatric therapist. You can go to a children’s hospital or local school for special needs. If you go to PT school, you will need the volunteer hours and these therapist generally write your recommendations.
   Email me if you have more questions
   Best wishes