Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 17, 2025

Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training
Published on: July 27, 2022
Factors Which Influence Physical Therapists' Decision to Practice in Pediatrics
1Department of Physical Therapy, University of Mary, Bismarck, North Dakota (Dr Lundeen).
Purpose:
A workforce shortage exists within pediatric physical therapy (PT) which is likely contributing to limited access to services for children. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors associated with a physical therapist's decision to practice pediatrics.
Methods:
Pediatric physical therapists completed an online questionnaire investigating the level of perceptions and influences associated with the choice to practice pediatrics.
Results:
Participants (80%) chose their pediatric practice before or during their professional education and participated in a full-time pediatric clinical experience. The perception of pediatric PT was more positive in items representing clinical care, mentorship, and education. Factors that positively influenced participants' choice of the pediatric practice were clinical care, mentorship, education, and personal/professional.
Conclusions:
Results will guide students, faculty, and mentors to understand factors that influence the choice of pediatric PT and help mitigate the workforce shortage.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Elements Crucial for Effective Psychotherapy
The Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client. The alliance strengthens when the therapist and the client engage in a nurturing, supportive, trusting, empathetic, and respectful relationship, improving therapeutic outcomes. Therapists must monitor this relationship...
Ethical Dilemmas I
Let us explore some examples to understand the potentially complex moral decisions nurses face.
Take the case of caring for minors, particularly in areas related to reproductive...
Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-II
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist (PT) aims to restore function or prevent additional impairment in a patient following an injury or disease. Massage, heat, cold, water, sonar waves, exercises, and electrical stimulation are some treatments used by PTs to treat...
Psychodynamic Therapy
Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...

