Pediatric Physical Therapy: Navigating Continuing Education for Optimal Patient Outcomes
Continuing education is not just a requirement for license renewal; it's the lifeblood of a thriving pediatric therapy practice. To stay current with best practices and deliver optimal results for young patients, pediatric therapists must engage in ongoing learning. However, the abundance of online CEU options can make it challenging to discern which courses are truly valuable. This article provides a curated guide to the best online pediatric CEU courses for physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), and speech-language pathologists (SLPs), designed to help you navigate the landscape of professional development.
The Importance of Continuing Education in Pediatric Therapy
Pediatric therapists face unique challenges in their practice. They work with a diverse range of conditions, from developmental delays to complex neurological disorders, requiring a broad knowledge base and specialized skills. Continuing education ensures that therapists remain equipped with the latest evidence-based techniques and approaches, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.
Continuing Education for Pediatric Physical Therapists
Pediatric physical therapists focus on improving children's motor skills, mobility, and overall physical function. The following courses are highly recommended for PTs seeking to enhance their expertise:
Breathing, Posture, and Core Activation in Medically Complex Children
Mary Massery’s courses are legendary among pediatric PTs, particularly her work on breathing, posture, and core activation in medically complex children.
Whole Body Vibration in Pediatric Therapy
Discover the science and application of whole body vibration in pediatric rehab - and how it can activate underused systems in children with neurodevelopmental delays with "Catch the Wave! Introduction to Whole Body Vibration in Pediatric Therapy". This on-demand course provides practical strategies for PTs, OTs, and SLPs, costing $65 for 4 CE Hours.
Read also: Medical College of Georgia Pediatric Program
Torticollis Assessment and Treatment
Learn to confidently assess and treat torticollis in infants and young children. Covers positioning, parent education, and interdisciplinary strategies.
Pediatric Gait Training
This intensive, hands-on approach to pediatric gait training is ideal for therapists treating children with CP, hypotonia, or orthopedic challenges ($375 | 🕒 16 CEUs).
Orthotic Management
A variety of free CEU courses highlighting orthotic management with various populations using SureStep products.
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
The prevalence of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is high among the general population, and yet physical therapists find themselves unprepared to diagnose, assess, and provide evidence-based treatment.
Cystic Fibrosis
This course explores the pathophysiology and multisystem impact of cystic fibrosis, equipping physiotherapists with the latest evidence on respiratory and musculoskeletal complications.
Read also: Becoming a Pediatric Nurse
Introduction to Assessment and Treatment of Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries in Infancy
This course will discuss the initial injury, assessment, treatment, family education, and the importance of connecting families with a multidisciplinary care team.
Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Intervention of Cerebral Palsy
This course will introduce the current best practices in the early detection, diagnosis, and intervention of cerebral palsy.
Sports Medicine Topics for the Pediatric & Adolescent Athlete: Patellar & Glenohumeral Instability
Topics in Pediatric Physical Therapy
Continuing Education for Pediatric Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists help children develop the skills they need to perform everyday tasks and participate fully in their environment. Key areas of focus include fine motor skills, sensory processing, and adaptive behavior. Consider these CEU options:
Handwriting Without Tears
A household name in schools and clinics, Handwriting Without Tears helps kids build writing fluency and fine motor skills with fun, structured routines.
Upper Extremity Splinting
Learn to evaluate when a splint is needed and how to fabricate basic upper extremity splints that support functional outcomes in pediatric clients. Great for beginner and intermediate OTs.
Read also: Comprehensive Pediatric Dermatology
Executive Functioning in Schools
This course provides practical, school-based tools for supporting executive functioning in children with ADHD, ASD, and learning differences ($65 | 🕒 2 CEUs).
Lower Extremity Orthotics
Learn about lower extremity orthotic options, indications, and clinical decision-making for children with gross motor challenges. Emphasis on collaboration with orthotists.
Unlimited CEUs
Consider a massive course catalog including sensory integration, early intervention, and school-based therapy content ($129/year for unlimited CEUs).
Motor Learning Principles
Motor learning principles through the lens of therapy, emphasizing their application in diverse contexts, will be explored in this course. Participants will compare and contrast motor learning approaches with occupational analysis, examine the role of fundamental movements in developing integrative functional motor skills, and evaluate strategies to generalize motor skills within therapeutic settings.
Continuing Education for Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologists
Speech-language pathologists play a crucial role in helping children develop communication, language, and feeding skills. The following courses can enhance their ability to support young clients:
Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach to Pediatric Therapy
Shift your clinical mindset with this affirming, inclusive framework. Perfect for SLPs (and OTs/PTs) working with autistic and neurodivergent children ($275 | 🕒 7.5 CE Hours).
Unlimited CEUs
Explore a broad course catalog with flexible, on-demand access. Highly rated among school-based SLPs ($129/year unlimited CEUs).
IEP Process for Florida Therapists
Walk through the IEP process with practical tips and insights tailored to Florida-based therapists. Ideal for SLPs collaborating with school teams.
Interdisciplinary Courses
Some courses are beneficial for therapists across disciplines, promoting collaboration and a holistic approach to patient care:
Adult Learning Theory and Coaching Practices
This course explores how adult learning theory can be applied to enhance coaching practices that strengthen parental self-efficacy across therapy disciplines.
The Therapist’s Role in the Educational Environment
The 21st century brings many challenges toward integrating the therapist’s role in the educational environment. Is there an overall philosophy of support, collaboration, and a sense of community? Is there adequate time to prep, plan, and connect with those responsible for the IEPs?
Autism Spectrum Disorder and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders
People who have autism spectrum disorder can also have co-occurring mental disorders that cause functional difficulties and distress when left unaddressed.
Additional Resources for Continuing Education
Education Resources, Inc. (ERI)
ERI designs its continuing education courses for pediatrics to provide the most value to your practice and patients. With opportunities for hands-on learning and evidence-based practices, their flexible CEU courses will make it easy for you to improve your standard of care. A few examples include developmental coordination disorder, vestibular therapy, motor skills in autism, neurodevelopmental treatment, toe-walking and torticollis. We provide classes on vestibular therapy, complex feeding disorders, premature and medically complex babies and gait development. ERI also offers swallowing, breathing and pediatric feeding CEU courses for SLPs.
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
Physical Therapy at CHOP offers clinical education, residency and fellowship opportunities for those training for a career in physical therapy.
Texas Children's Hospital
Featuring the latest technologies and healthcare trends, we provide a broad offering of courses in pediatric continuing medical education.
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