Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS)
ABPTS board certification. No comparative outcome studies vs non-PCS-certified pediatric PT. Expertise signal for employers.
Each lens uses its own dimensions and default weights. Scores answer different questions across paths — they aren’t apples-to-apples. How scoring works →
No RCTs comparing PCS vs non-PCS outcomes in pediatric PT.
Applicable to any pediatric PT caseload; broadly useful in children's hospitals, schools, and pediatric outpatient.
Pediatric PT billed under standard codes; PCS does not unlock new billing codes or payer categories.
ABPTS exam plus 2,000 hours pediatric PT experience; major career investment.
Valued in children's hospital and pediatric outpatient settings; moderate employer demand.
Families may prefer credentialed pediatric specialists.
Some pediatric cash-pay markets exist (intensive programs, autism, sports performance for kids) but most pediatric PT runs through insurance, EI, or schools.
Board specialty supports premium pricing in intensive or concierge pediatric programs.
PCS is uncommon — clear differentiator in any pediatric market.
Pediatric practices scale with credentialed staff, though insurance reimbursement caps margins.
Parents seek 'specialists' for their kids but don't search for PCS by name; referrer-driven demand.
Residency or 2,000-hour pathway plus exam — slow and expensive.
ABPTS board specialty — top-tier credential for pediatric faculty hiring and promotion.
PCS holders are heavily represented in pediatric PT research and APTA Academy leadership.
Directly aligns with required pediatric DPT content and lifespan courses.
Pediatric rehab evidence is solid for CP and developmental disorders; mixed for others.
Frequently listed as preferred or required for pediatric faculty positions.
Long pathway, but residency option provides academic mentorship value alongside the credential.
- 01Effort and Reward Predict Burnout in Pediatric Physical Therapists in the Early Intervention SettingA. Schneider; J. Cherry; C. Donaldson · Pediatric Physical Therapy2026Otherdoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001259
- 02Effectiveness of school-based physiotherapy intervention for childrenK. E. Alexander; G. L. Clutterbuck; L. M. Johnston · Disabil Rehabil2025Otherdoi:10.1080/09638288.2024.2388260
- 03Experiences and Opinions of Physiotherapists, Children, Families, and Teachers About School-Based Physiotherapy-Led Interventions: A Metasynthesis of Qualitative StudiesG. Granero-Heredia; N. Sánchez-Labraca; J. Granero-Molina; R. Fernández-García; L. H. Antequera-Raynal; S. Núñez-Nagy · Healthcare (2227-9032)2025Qualitativedoi:10.3390/healthcare13222859
- 04Variation in Intensive Pediatric Physical Therapy Practice in the United States: Results From a National SurveyK. Greve; D. Chole; M. Rubsam; J. B. Hedgecock; Y. Li; N. Zhang; J. B. Hall · Pediatric Physical Therapy2025Cross-sectionaldoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001229
- 05Physical Therapists' Perceptions of Implementing and Sustaining Pediatric Intensive Therapy Programs: A Survey StudyJ. B. Hall; J. B. Hedgecock; M. Rubsam; D. Chole; K. Greve · Pediatric Physical Therapy2025Cross-sectionaldoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001219
- 06Systematic Review to Inform the Developmental Coordination Disorder Clinical Practice Guideline Update: Physical Therapy InterventionK. Iwamoto; K. Pines; C. Lochala; D. Long; P. Hess; B. Sargent · Pediatr Phys Ther2025Systematic reviewdoi:10.1097/pep.0000000000001177
- 07Effectiveness of physical therapeutic scoliosis exercise (PSSE) intervention for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a systematic review and meta-analysisQ. Jia; B. Zhang; H. Wang; W. Zheng · BMC Musculoskelet Disord2025Meta-analysisdoi:10.1186/s12891-025-09218-2
- 08Patient reported outcomes in pediatric physical therapy: a scoping review and evidence mapD. L. Korteling; S. Limmen; M. Ketelaar; J. G. Daams; M. A. J. Luijten; H. A. van Oers; M. A. T. Bloemen; L. Haverman; R. H. H. Engelbert · Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes2025Systematic reviewdoi:10.1186/s41687-025-00947-5
- 09Systematic Review to Inform the Developmental Coordination Disorder Clinical Practice Guideline Update: Physical Therapy Examination/EvaluationD. Long; C. Lochala; K. Pines; K. Iwamoto; P. Hess; B. Sargent · Pediatr Phys Ther2025Systematic reviewdoi:10.1097/pep.0000000000001178
- 10Factors Which Influence Physical Therapists' Decision to Practice in PediatricsH. Lundeen · Pediatric Physical Therapy2025Otherdoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001205
- 11Monitoring Treatment Fidelity in a Pragmatic Pediatric Rehabilitation Trial Comparing Two Physical Therapy Schedules: Analysis and Unexpected FindingsE. Maus; K. Scott; R. Ferrante; S. Antoszewski; J. Heathcock · Phys Ther2025Otherdoi:10.1093/ptj/pzaf004
- 12Pediatric physical therapy during a pandemic: Assessing perceptions of providing services through telehealthK. McNamara; D. E. Thorpe · Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine2025Otherdoi:10.1177/18758894251315639
- 13Coping in practice': a qualitative exploration of psychological resilience among paediatric physiotherapistsA.-M. Moloney; P. O'Connor; S. Lydon; E. O'Dowd · European Journal of Physiotherapy2025Qualitativedoi:10.1080/21679169.2024.2424254
- 14Knowledge Competence and Behavior of Learners: Social Determinants of Health for Pediatric Physical TherapistsK. C. Nesbit; J. Schreiber; S. D. Crawford · Pediatric Physical Therapy2025Otherdoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001204
- 15Identifying Key Factors in Adherence and Dropouts in Active Physiotherapy in Children with Acute Leukemia: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis and Meta-RegressionL. Ramírez-Pérez; N. Moreno-Morales · Healthcare (2227-9032)2025Meta-analysisdoi:10.3390/healthcare13212766
- 16A Qualitative Analysis of the Implementation of an Intensive Model of Physical Therapy for ChildrenR. Sherrier; J. Brilmyer; A. O'Donnell; J. Schreiber; D. Hamilton; J. Dimoff · Pediatric Physical Therapy2025Qualitativedoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001221
- 17ePortfolios: A Tool to Demonstrate Ongoing Development of Competency in Pediatric Physical TherapyT. Sukal-Moulton; J. Walrath; H. L. Brossman; V. A. Moerchen; J. Schreiber; M. Tovin · Pediatric Physical Therapy2025Otherdoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001206
- 18Experiences of pediatric physiotherapists on the use of walking orthoses in children with cerebral palsy: A quantitative examinationH. H. Uysal; C. B. Ozel; S. A. Sel; H. Fidan; E. Burc; S. Erdem; M. K. Gunel · Medicine (Baltimore)2025Otherdoi:10.1097/md.0000000000044835
- 19Transforming Pediatric Physiotherapy: The Role of ChatGPT in Therapy, Limitations, and Ethical ConsiderationsH. M. Ziab; R. Mazbouh; F. Siblini; A. J. Nashwan · Cureus2025Otherdoi:10.7759/cureus.91571
- 20Trauma-Informed Care in Pediatric Physical Therapy as a Standard Precaution: The Time Is HereJ. Barreca; M. Swiggum · Pediatric Physical Therapy2024Otherdoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001095
- 21A Pilot Survey of Pediatric Occupational and Physical Therapy Providers' Confidence, Attitudes, Barriers, and Education Regarding Trauma-Informed CareJ. Barreca; A. Wagner · Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics2024Cross-sectionaldoi:10.1080/01942638.2024.2360457
- 22Effect of Pediatric Physical Therapy Interventions on Congenital Muscular Torticollis: A Systematic ReviewS. Desai; H. V. Sharath · Cureus2024Systematic reviewdoi:10.7759/cureus.69572
- 23Current Trends for Children With Spina Bifida: A Survey of Pediatric Physical TherapistsM. B. Flores; E. M. Ardolino; K. J. Manella · Pediatric Physical Therapy2024Cross-sectionaldoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001107
- 24Interprofessional online course for telehealth delivery of pediatric developmental servicesL. Gafni-Lachter; N. Gelkop; T. Shahar Ashkenazi; R. Azar Eliyahu; H. Peretz; M. Ackerman; S. Dolinsky; H. Yardeni · Disability & Rehabilitation2024Otherdoi:10.1080/09638288.2023.2193427
- 25Spinal manipulation and mobilisation in paediatrics - an international evidence-based position statement for physiotherapistsA. R. Gross; K. A. Olson; J. Pool; A. Basson; D. Clewley; J. L. Dice; N. Milne · J Man Manip Ther2024Otherdoi:10.1080/10669817.2024.2332026
- 26New clinical decision tool to assist physical therapists with joint mobilization application to the pediatric populationV. K. Henderson; J.-M. Brismée · Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy (Taylor & Francis Ltd)2024Otherdoi:10.1080/10669817.2024.2322213
- 27Understanding the importance of therapeutic alliance during physiotherapy treatment for musculoskeletal pain in children: a scoping reviewR. Joslin; E. Allen; B. Carter · Frontiers in Pain Research2024Systematic reviewdoi:10.3389/fpain.2024.1452771
- 28Early Mobility and Crawling: Beliefs and Practices of Pediatric Physical Therapists in the United StatesK. S. Kretch; S. C. Dusing; R. T. Harbourne; H. Lin-Ya; B. A. Sargent; S. L. Willett · Pediatric Physical Therapy2024Otherdoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001063
- 29The Effects of Pediatric Experiential Learning During a 1-Week IntensiveL. Lowe; M. Flowers; C. Yates · Journal of Physical Therapy Education (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)2024Otherdoi:10.1097/JTE.0000000000000319
- 30Optimum Frequency for Physical Therapy Intervention in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Bone Marrow Transplantation in Acute Care Settings: A Systematic ReviewA. Myers; H. Lenker; R. Reoli · Rehabilitation Oncology2024Systematic reviewdoi:10.1097/01.REO.0000000000000376
- 31Physiotherapy intervention on monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis: a systematic reviewM. Pinto; L. Jacobsohn; F. Florindo-Silva; E. S. L. Costa · Eur J Phys Rehabil Med2024Systematic reviewdoi:10.23736/s1973-9087.24.08483-1
- 32Physical Therapy Management of Congenital Muscular Torticollis: A 2024 Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline From the American Physical Therapy Association Academy of Pediatric Physical TherapyB. Sargent; C. Coulter; J. Cannoy; S. L. Kaplan · Pediatric Physical Therapy2024Clinical guidelinedoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001114
- 33Understanding Pediatric Physical Therapists' Experiences With Middle Eastern Patients and Arabic Interpreters: A Qualitative StudyN. Woodberry; C. Bogard; M. Cropsey; N. DeTemple; A. Oster; A. Rindflesch · Pediatric Physical Therapy2024Qualitativedoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001108
- 34Effect of Early Physical Therapy on Children of School Age With Hematological Cancer: A Quasi-Randomized Controlled Pilot StudyS. Yuma; T. Ryo; I. Yuhachi; T. Takashi · Pediatric Physical Therapy2024RCTdoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001061
- 35Investigation of the effectiveness of family collaborative physiotherapy programs applied to high-risk infantsH. Adiguzel; Y. U. Sarikabadayi; B. Elbasan · Taylor & Francis Ltd2023Otherdoi:1871-1887
- 36Schroth Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercise (PSSE) Trials-Systematic Review of Methods and Recommendations for Future ResearchS. Schreiber; D. Whibley; E. C. Somers · Children (Basel)2023Systematic reviewdoi:10.3390/children10060954
- 37A Brief Overview of Recent Pediatric Physical Therapy Practices and Their ImportanceC. Srushti Sudhir; H. V. Sharath · Cureus2023Narrative reviewdoi:10.7759/cureus.47863
- 38School-Based Physical Therapists' Perceptions about Becoming Effective Practitioners through Professional DevelopmentS. Zousmer; C. Stiller; K. Thompson; C. Wilson; M. Kondratek · Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics2023Otherdoi:10.1080/01942638.2023.2169092
- 39Collaborative Goal-Setting Beliefs and Practices of Out-Patient Pediatric Physical Therapists Working in Saudi Arabia and the United StatesR. AlShubaily; L. A. Chiarello · Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics2022Otherdoi:10.1080/01942638.2021.1965691
- 40Chronicling Research and Practice Evolution in Pediatric Physical TherapyN. L. Benn; E. A. Birchard; E. I. Korompai; M. Davari; V. Patel; L. K. Brunton · Pediatric Physical Therapy2022Otherdoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000000885
- 41Innovation in Pediatric Clinical Education: The Development of a Clinical Instructor ToolkitM. Birkmeier; L. A. Emmel; R. A. Manning; K. C. Nesbit · Journal of Physical Therapy Education (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)2022Otherdoi:10.1097/JTE.0000000000000245
- 42Acceptability of Pediatric Telerehabilitation Interventions Provided by Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists—A Scoping ReviewR. Dostie; I. Gaboury; E. Cinar; C. Camden · Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics2022Systematic reviewdoi:10.1080/01942638.2022.2064203
- 43Pediatric Physical Therapists' Perceptions of Telehealth Continuation Post-pandemic: A Thematic Analysis of Open-Ended Survey ResponsesJ. B. Hall; J. T. Luechtefeld; M. L. Woods · Pediatric Physical Therapy2022Cross-sectionaldoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000000908
- 44Effectiveness of Different Physiotherapy Protocols in Children in the Intensive Care Unit: A Randomized Clinical TrialG. S. B. Souza; M. F. M. Novais; G. E. Lemes; M. L. F. M. F. de Mello; S. C. D. de Sales; K. d. C. Cunha; L. S. d. O. Rocha; P. E. S. Avila; R. S. B. Rocha · Pediatric Physical Therapy2022RCTdoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000000848
- 45Pediatric Assessments for Preschool Children in Digital Physical Therapy Practice: Results From a Scoping ReviewN. Trottier; K. Hurtubise; C. Zischke; C. Camden · Pediatric Physical Therapy2022Systematic reviewdoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000000915
- 46Physical Therapist Interventions for Infants With Nonsynostotic Positional Head Deformities: A Systematic ReviewI. Cabrera-Martos; S. J. Ortigosa-Gómez; L. López-López; A. Ortiz-Rubio; I. Torres-Sánchez; M. Granados-Santiago; M. C. Valenza · PTJ: Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal2021Systematic reviewdoi:10.1093/ptj/pzab106
- 47Manual Therapy in Preadolescent Children: A Delphi Investigation of Physical Therapists in the United StatesJ. L. Dice; D. Dendy; P. S. Sizer; C. E. Cook; S. Feuling; J.-M. Brismée · PTJ: Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal2021Otherdoi:10.1093/ptj/pzab027
- 48Caregiver and provider experiences of physical, occupational, and speech therapy for children with medical complexityC. C. Foster; M. M. Fuentes; L. A. Wadlington; E. Jacob-Files; A. D. Desai; T. D. Simon; R. Mangione-Smith · Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine2021Otherdoi:10.3233/PRM-190647
- 49Adoption of Telehealth by Pediatric Physical Therapists During COVID-19: A Survey StudyJ. B. Hall; J. T. Luechtefeld; M. L. Woods · Pediatric Physical Therapy2021Cross-sectionaldoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000000817
- 50Early access to physiotherapy for infants with cerebral palsy: A retrospective chart reviewL. Hekne; C. Montgomery; K. Johansen · PLoS One2021Otherdoi:10.1371/journal.pone.0253846
- 51National Study of Excellence in Pediatric Physical Therapy Education: Design, Methods, and ResultsJ. G. Moore; M. C. Birkmeier; H. Lundeen; L. Dannemiller; D. K. Anderson; J. A. Furze · PTJ: Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal2021Otherdoi:10.1093/ptj/pzab169
- 52Advancing the Evidence Base of Pediatric Physical Therapy: Sincerely, From the Heart""D. J. Bartlett · Pediatr Phys Ther2020Otherdoi:10.1097/pep.0000000000000704
- 53Physical Therapy Management of Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder: An Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline From the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy AssociationL. Dannemiller; M. Mueller; A. Leitner; E. Iverson; S. L. Kaplan · Pediatric Physical Therapy2020Clinical guidelinedoi:10.1097/pep.0000000000000753
- 54Commentary on Contemporary Practice as a Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist: A Practice Analysis""B. Donahoe-Fillmore; E. Iverson · Pediatr Phys Ther2020Otherdoi:10.1097/pep.0000000000000732
- 55Evidence-Based Secondary Transition Predictors for Physical Therapists Working With High School StudentsA. Doty; L. Ray; K. Clark; L. Bethune; D. Test · Pediatr Phys Ther2020Otherdoi:10.1097/pep.0000000000000706
- 56A Structured Goal-Setting Process to Promote Functional and Measurable Outcomes in School-Based Physical Therapy: A Knowledge Translation StudyA. M. Ferro; L. Quinn · Pediatr Phys Ther2020Otherdoi:10.1097/pep.0000000000000707
- 57Contemporary Practice as a Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist: A Practice Analysis... [including commentary by Betsy Donahoe-Fillmore and Erin Iverson]L. K. Kenyon; R. L. Dole; K. C. Gibbs; H. Tundeen; R. C. Barnhart; L. Farroni; J. G. Moore; M. Garcia; D. Wild; B. Donahoe-Fillmore; E. Iverson · Pediatric Physical Therapy2020Otherdoi:10.1097/pep.0000000000000731
- 58Assimilation of the Pediatric Essential Core Competencies by Professional Physical Therapist Education ProgramsP. A. Weaver; T. Catalino; E. L. Townsend; K. Martin; R. L. Dole · Pediatric Physical Therapy2020Otherdoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000000715
- 59Moving Toward Excellence in Pediatric Physical Therapy Education: A Scoping ReviewD. K. Anderson; J. A. Furze; J. G. Moore · Pediatric Physical Therapy2019Systematic reviewdoi:10.1097/pep.0000000000000549
- 60Knowledge Translation Lecture: Providing Best Practice in Neonatal Intensive Care and Follow-up: A Clinician-Researcher CollaborationS. E. Brown; S. C. Dusing · Pediatr Phys Ther2019Otherdoi:10.1097/pep.0000000000000634
- 61Description of the Services, Activities, and Interventions Within School-Based Physical Therapist Practices Across the United StatesL. M. Jeffries; S. W. McCoy; S. K. Effgen; L. A. Chiarello; A. G. Villasante Tezanos · Phys Ther2019Otherdoi:10.1093/ptj/pzy123
- 62Pediatric Physical Therapists' Use of the Congenital Muscular Torticollis Clinical Practice Guidelines: A Qualitative Implementation StudyK. Nixon-Cave; S. Kaplan; R. Dole; J. Schreiber · Pediatr Phys Ther2019Qualitativedoi:10.1097/pep.0000000000000639
- 63Noninvasive ventilation and respiratory physical therapy reduce exercise-induced bronchospasm and pulmonary inflammation in children with asthma: randomized clinical trialM. M. C. David; E. Gomes; M. C. Mello; D. Costa · Ther Adv Respir Dis2018RCTdoi:10.1177/1753466618777723
- 64Physical Therapists' Use and Alteration of Standardized Assessments of Motor Function in ChildrenD. Fay; E. Brock; S. Peneton; R. Simon; M. Splan; L. Sullivan; A. Weiler · Pediatric Physical Therapy2018Otherdoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000000532
- 65Sitting Together And Reaching To Play (START-Play): Protocol for a Multisite Randomized Controlled Efficacy Trial on Intervention for Infants With Neuromotor DisordersR. T. Harbourne; S. C. Dusing; M. A. Lobo; S. Westcott-McCoy; J. Bovaird; S. Sheridan; J. C. Galloway; C. Hui-Ju; H. Lin-Ya; N. Koziol; E. C. Marcinowski; I. Babik · Physical Therapy2018RCTdoi:10.1093/ptj/pzy033
- 66Informing the Update to the Physical Therapy Management of Congenital Muscular Torticollis Evidence-Based Clinical Practice GuidelineE. Heidenreich; R. Johnson; B. Sargent · Pediatr Phys Ther2018Clinical guidelinedoi:10.1097/pep.0000000000000517
- 67Changes in the Content of Pediatric Physical Therapy for Infants: A Quantitative, Observational StudyT. Hielkema; R. F. Toonen; S. J. Hooijsma; T. Dirks; H. A. Reinders-Messelink; C. G. B. Maathuis; J. H. B. Geertzen; M. Hadders-Algra · Phys Occup Ther Pediatr2018Otherdoi:10.1080/01942638.2017.1405863
- 68Developing a Web Platform to Support a Community of Practice: A Mixed Methods Study in Pediatric PhysiotherapyG. Pratte; K. Hurtubise; L. Rivard; J. Berbari; C. Camden · Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions2018Otherdoi:10.1097/CEH.0000000000000185
- 69A Pediatric Service-Learning Program in Physical Therapy EducationH. Yu-Jen; L. Wen-Yu; L. Yang-Hua; L. Hen-Yu; A. M. K. Wong; C. Chien-Min · Pediatric Physical Therapy2018Otherdoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000000498
- 70Linking the Essential Core Competencies to Pediatric Content in an Entry-Level Physical Therapy Education Curriculum: A Case ReportD. Cech; J. J. Krzak; D. K. Anderson · Journal of Physical Therapy Education (American Physical Therapy Association, Education Section)2017Case seriesdoi:10.1097/JTE.0000000000000003
- 71The Stoplight Program: A Proactive Physical Therapy Intervention for Children With Acute Lymphoblastic LeukemiaL. Tanner; S. Sencer; M. C. Hooke · Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing2017Otherdoi:10.1177/1043454217698093
- 72Congress of Neurological Surgeons Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guideline for the Management of Patients With Positional Plagiocephaly: The Role of Physical TherapyL. C. Baird; P. Klimo, Jr.; A. M. Flannery; D. F. Bauer; A. Beier; S. Durham; A. Y. Lin; C. McClung-Smith; L. Mitchell; D. Nikas; M. S. Tamber; R. Tyagi; C. Mazzola · Neurosurgery2016Systematic reviewdoi:10.1227/neu.0000000000001429
- 73Systematic review of physiotherapy interventions to improve gross motor capacity and performance in children and adolescents with an acquired brain injuryE. Baque; L. Sakzewski; L. Barber; R. N. Boyd · Brain Injury2016Systematic reviewdoi:10.3109/02699052.2016.1147079
- 74Descriptions of physical therapy management of infants with congenital muscular torticollis in the United States of AmericaM. D. O'Connell · Descriptions of Physical Therapy Management of Infants With Congenital Muscular Torticollis in the United States of America2016OtherPMID 123313565