How do you become a paediatric physiotherapist?

[emilymaria]

Hi, I'm a student and I would really love to specialize in paeds. Is it hard to find jobs in this field? What can I do to increase my chances? I've already spoken to a paeds physio on placement who recommended doing an Oz-swim course. Anything else I should be doing? Thanks!

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[estherderu]

dear Emily,

I am reacting to your questions even though I cannot say anything about the current situation in Australia.
I do however want to congratulate you with this choice, it is a wonderful but very difficult job.

In my opinion it is wise to work as a regular physio for a number of years before specializing...
Do some voluntering in a childrens hospital or other facility to see what it is like to work with kids.

People do not like hearing this but I actually think the best paediatric physio's are the ones that do not specialize too early, maybe even have children themselves before they start working with them professionally and why.......
It is such a responsible job especially treating babies and young children.
You have to be able to:
assess and treat the child,
understand and be aware of the importance of their parents, school and environment
be able to deal with all the emotions,
and last but not least... you can do harm.....

I have heard young colleagues speak of how difficult they find
all these aspects.

I wish you well with your studies and your choice.

kind regards

Esther

[violablue]

I agree with Esther, peds can be fantastic and/or terrifying.

Not quite sure how programming works in Australia, but in Canada, we all graduate with the same basic physio knowledge and from there we begin branching out with continuing education. The usual way is to work as a pediatric physio is to get hired on in a peds position and off you go with on the job experience and continuing education courses.

Good luck with your studies.

[emilymaria]

Thankyou both for replying. In Australia when we graduate we are qualified to work in any field and can choose to specialise from there.

[Aisha Bennett]

Pediatric physiotherapy is the specialization in the field of physiotherapy. As such physiotherapist are in high demand these days, and if you do a specialization here then definitely it would be beneficial. Though many hospitals doesn't have a place for a specific pediatric physiotherapist, preference would always be given to the trained ones when there are choices to be made.

[mohey adin]

my dear, realy I wish you well in your studies