Physical therapy is one of the fastest growing profession in the world today. With numerous physical therapists in a wide range of diverse fields, this booming sector shows a promising future. One of the specializations of this sector growing in prominence today is Pediatric physical therapy. In this field, therapists work with children helping them achieve their full potential through a number of support programs such as evaluation, examination, promotion of well-being and good health. They help detect, diagnose and treat early health problems in infants, adolescents and children with a number of disorders, diseases and injuries pertaining to the joints, bones and muscles. The main treatments under this therapy include increasing motor skills, strength, improving coordination and balance, better integration and sensory processing. Pediatric therapists work with the children, their respective families and other educational, developmental and medical units that help children function well in their surroundings.
Good pediatric physical therapy can promote greater participation rates, make children more independent, facilitate their motor development and function and improves learning and strength. It is extremely important for parents and families to support a child’s development by actively giving assistance in daily activities, catering to the child’s health and educational needs, teaching about safety in home and outside and adapting toys for play. Most of the Pediatric therapists use an evidenced-based practice under which they integrate their research findings and clinical advice with parents, educators and health care providers to give the best results. This practice can be used to provide the child with greater strength, development, motor learning, burn and wound care, tone management, movement and mobility, balance and coordination, orthotics and prosthetics, safety and prevention programs and cardiopulmonary endurance.
Pediatric Physical Therapy is a sector where there is considerable gender differential. Women holding around 94 percent of the jobs while men only account for 6 percent of the total therapy jobs dominate it. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and pay scale, the pay for women therapists are generally higher but are increasingly dependent on qualifications and the location where this therapy is practiced. Under qualification, those therapists having the highest amount of education namely a doctorate hold the highest salary which is approximately $46-682-$75,795. Similarly, a therapist holding a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) earns around the second highest salary of $48,175 – $71,689. Meanwhile holders of Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) earn less at $59,994 – $73,698 and the bachelor holders of about $39,844 – $86,000 earn the lowest amounts for a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy (BSc/BS) and $31,622 – $71,244 for bachelor holders not holding a specialized degree in physical therapy. As this is a newly developed field of physical therapy majority of therapists about 35 percent, have work experience of only 1-4 years.
The highest paid salaries in Pediatric Physical Therapy accrue to therapists who are currently working in New York. In this state, there is a greater need for this therapy thus the higher demand. The salary earned amounts to $39,453-$80,400. New York is followed by Texas where pediatric therapists earn the second highest salaries at $51-640-$81,186. Pennsylvania comes third with salaries amounting to $50,033-$72,833. Georgia and California come next with salaries amounting to $44,649-$72,414 and $55,929-$84,500 respectively.
In regards to the state, there are certain locations where pediatric therapy is the most popular. New York City in New York, Pittsburg in Pennsylvania, Atlanta in Georgia, Houston in Texas and Philadelphia in Pennsylvania are the most profitable places to work in. Moreover, the salary for a starting therapist in this field is about $50,000 with an increase to $58,000 after every five years. The amount of salary received depends upon the sector the pediatric therapist wants to work in. Private practices generally pay higher with an average amount of $60,000 to $70,000. But this takes time and experience to build as a particular steady clientele has to be made before substantial money can be made. For Pediatric physical therapists working in non-profit organizations catering to the lower income class, there will be less money with pay scales amounting to $52000 only. This is the media pay given by state and local governments and schools as well.
Pediatric physical therapy is a job associated with numerous benefits. These pertain to Paid holidays and vacations, health insurance and usually a sign-on bonus and package related to relocation. The amount of monetary and non-monetary benefits also depends upon where the therapist is working. In America, the Children’s Hospital for Pittsburg and Children’s specialized hospital give the highest salary as well as the most substantial fringe benefits. It is essential for a physical therapist in this field to be completely aware of all what this job requires. As this particular field is highly specialized and requires considerable expertise, academic qualifications play a major role. Similarly, concerning salary, the sector where the service is to be given, the city and state for the practice are all important factors that have to be considered before any decision is made.
