Credential · Board Cert

Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS)

PT74 citations · 3 lenses

ABPTS board certification. No comparative outcome studies vs non-PCS-certified pediatric PT. Expertise signal for employers.

Score breakdown per lens
Faculty recognition×25%
92/100

ABPTS board specialty — top-tier credential for pediatric faculty hiring and promotion.

Scholarship signal×20%
75/100

PCS holders are heavily represented in pediatric PT research and APTA Academy leadership.

Teaching value×15%
85/100

Directly aligns with required pediatric DPT content and lifespan courses.

Evidence depth×20%
65/100

Pediatric rehab evidence is solid for CP and developmental disorders; mixed for others.

Faculty demand×10%
70/100

Frequently listed as preferred or required for pediatric faculty positions.

Credential investment×10%
25/100

Long pathway, but residency option provides academic mentorship value alongside the credential.

Evidence base · 74 sources
  1. 01
    Effort and Reward Predict Burnout in Pediatric Physical Therapists in the Early Intervention Setting
    A. Schneider; J. Cherry; C. Donaldson · Pediatric Physical Therapy2026
    Otherdoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001259
  2. 02
    Effectiveness of school-based physiotherapy intervention for children
    K. E. Alexander; G. L. Clutterbuck; L. M. Johnston · Disabil Rehabil2025
    Otherdoi:10.1080/09638288.2024.2388260
  3. 03
    Experiences and Opinions of Physiotherapists, Children, Families, and Teachers About School-Based Physiotherapy-Led Interventions: A Metasynthesis of Qualitative Studies
    G. Granero-Heredia; N. Sánchez-Labraca; J. Granero-Molina; R. Fernández-García; L. H. Antequera-Raynal; S. Núñez-Nagy · Healthcare (2227-9032)2025
    Qualitativedoi:10.3390/healthcare13222859
  4. 04
    Variation in Intensive Pediatric Physical Therapy Practice in the United States: Results From a National Survey
    K. Greve; D. Chole; M. Rubsam; J. B. Hedgecock; Y. Li; N. Zhang; J. B. Hall · Pediatric Physical Therapy2025
    Cross-sectionaldoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001229
  5. 05
    Physical Therapists' Perceptions of Implementing and Sustaining Pediatric Intensive Therapy Programs: A Survey Study
    J. B. Hall; J. B. Hedgecock; M. Rubsam; D. Chole; K. Greve · Pediatric Physical Therapy2025
    Cross-sectionaldoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001219
  6. 06
    Systematic Review to Inform the Developmental Coordination Disorder Clinical Practice Guideline Update: Physical Therapy Intervention
    K. Iwamoto; K. Pines; C. Lochala; D. Long; P. Hess; B. Sargent · Pediatr Phys Ther2025
    Systematic reviewdoi:10.1097/pep.0000000000001177
  7. 07
    Effectiveness of physical therapeutic scoliosis exercise (PSSE) intervention for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
    Q. Jia; B. Zhang; H. Wang; W. Zheng · BMC Musculoskelet Disord2025
    Meta-analysisdoi:10.1186/s12891-025-09218-2
  8. 08
    Patient reported outcomes in pediatric physical therapy: a scoping review and evidence map
    D. 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 Outcomes2025
    Systematic reviewdoi:10.1186/s41687-025-00947-5
  9. 09
    Systematic Review to Inform the Developmental Coordination Disorder Clinical Practice Guideline Update: Physical Therapy Examination/Evaluation
    D. Long; C. Lochala; K. Pines; K. Iwamoto; P. Hess; B. Sargent · Pediatr Phys Ther2025
    Systematic reviewdoi:10.1097/pep.0000000000001178
  10. 10
    Factors Which Influence Physical Therapists' Decision to Practice in Pediatrics
    H. Lundeen · Pediatric Physical Therapy2025
    Otherdoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001205
  11. 11
    Monitoring Treatment Fidelity in a Pragmatic Pediatric Rehabilitation Trial Comparing Two Physical Therapy Schedules: Analysis and Unexpected Findings
    E. Maus; K. Scott; R. Ferrante; S. Antoszewski; J. Heathcock · Phys Ther2025
    Otherdoi:10.1093/ptj/pzaf004
  12. 12
    Pediatric physical therapy during a pandemic: Assessing perceptions of providing services through telehealth
    K. McNamara; D. E. Thorpe · Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine2025
    Otherdoi:10.1177/18758894251315639
  13. 13
    Coping in practice': a qualitative exploration of psychological resilience among paediatric physiotherapists
    A.-M. Moloney; P. O'Connor; S. Lydon; E. O'Dowd · European Journal of Physiotherapy2025
    Qualitativedoi:10.1080/21679169.2024.2424254
  14. 14
    Knowledge Competence and Behavior of Learners: Social Determinants of Health for Pediatric Physical Therapists
    K. C. Nesbit; J. Schreiber; S. D. Crawford · Pediatric Physical Therapy2025
    Otherdoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001204
  15. 15
    Identifying Key Factors in Adherence and Dropouts in Active Physiotherapy in Children with Acute Leukemia: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression
    L. Ramírez-Pérez; N. Moreno-Morales · Healthcare (2227-9032)2025
    Meta-analysisdoi:10.3390/healthcare13212766
  16. 16
    A Qualitative Analysis of the Implementation of an Intensive Model of Physical Therapy for Children
    R. Sherrier; J. Brilmyer; A. O'Donnell; J. Schreiber; D. Hamilton; J. Dimoff · Pediatric Physical Therapy2025
    Qualitativedoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001221
  17. 17
    ePortfolios: A Tool to Demonstrate Ongoing Development of Competency in Pediatric Physical Therapy
    T. Sukal-Moulton; J. Walrath; H. L. Brossman; V. A. Moerchen; J. Schreiber; M. Tovin · Pediatric Physical Therapy2025
    Otherdoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001206
  18. 18
    Experiences of pediatric physiotherapists on the use of walking orthoses in children with cerebral palsy: A quantitative examination
    H. H. Uysal; C. B. Ozel; S. A. Sel; H. Fidan; E. Burc; S. Erdem; M. K. Gunel · Medicine (Baltimore)2025
    Otherdoi:10.1097/md.0000000000044835
  19. 19
    Transforming Pediatric Physiotherapy: The Role of ChatGPT in Therapy, Limitations, and Ethical Considerations
    H. M. Ziab; R. Mazbouh; F. Siblini; A. J. Nashwan · Cureus2025
    Otherdoi:10.7759/cureus.91571
  20. 20
    Trauma-Informed Care in Pediatric Physical Therapy as a Standard Precaution: The Time Is Here
    J. Barreca; M. Swiggum · Pediatric Physical Therapy2024
    Otherdoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001095
  21. 21
    A Pilot Survey of Pediatric Occupational and Physical Therapy Providers' Confidence, Attitudes, Barriers, and Education Regarding Trauma-Informed Care
    J. Barreca; A. Wagner · Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics2024
    Cross-sectionaldoi:10.1080/01942638.2024.2360457
  22. 22
    Effect of Pediatric Physical Therapy Interventions on Congenital Muscular Torticollis: A Systematic Review
    S. Desai; H. V. Sharath · Cureus2024
    Systematic reviewdoi:10.7759/cureus.69572
  23. 23
    Current Trends for Children With Spina Bifida: A Survey of Pediatric Physical Therapists
    M. B. Flores; E. M. Ardolino; K. J. Manella · Pediatric Physical Therapy2024
    Cross-sectionaldoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001107
  24. 24
    Interprofessional online course for telehealth delivery of pediatric developmental services
    L. Gafni-Lachter; N. Gelkop; T. Shahar Ashkenazi; R. Azar Eliyahu; H. Peretz; M. Ackerman; S. Dolinsky; H. Yardeni · Disability & Rehabilitation2024
    Otherdoi:10.1080/09638288.2023.2193427
  25. 25
    Spinal manipulation and mobilisation in paediatrics - an international evidence-based position statement for physiotherapists
    A. R. Gross; K. A. Olson; J. Pool; A. Basson; D. Clewley; J. L. Dice; N. Milne · J Man Manip Ther2024
    Otherdoi:10.1080/10669817.2024.2332026
  26. 26
    New clinical decision tool to assist physical therapists with joint mobilization application to the pediatric population
    V. K. Henderson; J.-M. Brismée · Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy (Taylor & Francis Ltd)2024
    Otherdoi:10.1080/10669817.2024.2322213
  27. 27
    Understanding the importance of therapeutic alliance during physiotherapy treatment for musculoskeletal pain in children: a scoping review
    R. Joslin; E. Allen; B. Carter · Frontiers in Pain Research2024
    Systematic reviewdoi:10.3389/fpain.2024.1452771
  28. 28
    Early Mobility and Crawling: Beliefs and Practices of Pediatric Physical Therapists in the United States
    K. S. Kretch; S. C. Dusing; R. T. Harbourne; H. Lin-Ya; B. A. Sargent; S. L. Willett · Pediatric Physical Therapy2024
    Otherdoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001063
  29. 29
    The Effects of Pediatric Experiential Learning During a 1-Week Intensive
    L. Lowe; M. Flowers; C. Yates · Journal of Physical Therapy Education (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)2024
    Otherdoi:10.1097/JTE.0000000000000319
  30. 30
    Optimum Frequency for Physical Therapy Intervention in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Bone Marrow Transplantation in Acute Care Settings: A Systematic Review
    A. Myers; H. Lenker; R. Reoli · Rehabilitation Oncology2024
    Systematic reviewdoi:10.1097/01.REO.0000000000000376
  31. 31
    Physiotherapy intervention on monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis: a systematic review
    M. Pinto; L. Jacobsohn; F. Florindo-Silva; E. S. L. Costa · Eur J Phys Rehabil Med2024
    Systematic reviewdoi:10.23736/s1973-9087.24.08483-1
  32. 32
    Physical Therapy Management of Congenital Muscular Torticollis: A 2024 Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline From the American Physical Therapy Association Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy
    B. Sargent; C. Coulter; J. Cannoy; S. L. Kaplan · Pediatric Physical Therapy2024
    Clinical guidelinedoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001114
  33. 33
    Understanding Pediatric Physical Therapists' Experiences With Middle Eastern Patients and Arabic Interpreters: A Qualitative Study
    N. Woodberry; C. Bogard; M. Cropsey; N. DeTemple; A. Oster; A. Rindflesch · Pediatric Physical Therapy2024
    Qualitativedoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001108
  34. 34
    Effect of Early Physical Therapy on Children of School Age With Hematological Cancer: A Quasi-Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
    S. Yuma; T. Ryo; I. Yuhachi; T. Takashi · Pediatric Physical Therapy2024
    RCTdoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001061
  35. 35
    Investigation of the effectiveness of family collaborative physiotherapy programs applied to high-risk infants
    H. Adiguzel; Y. U. Sarikabadayi; B. Elbasan · Taylor & Francis Ltd2023
    Otherdoi:1871-1887
  36. 36
    Schroth Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercise (PSSE) Trials-Systematic Review of Methods and Recommendations for Future Research
    S. Schreiber; D. Whibley; E. C. Somers · Children (Basel)2023
    Systematic reviewdoi:10.3390/children10060954
  37. 37
    A Brief Overview of Recent Pediatric Physical Therapy Practices and Their Importance
    C. Srushti Sudhir; H. V. Sharath · Cureus2023
    Narrative reviewdoi:10.7759/cureus.47863
  38. 38
    School-Based Physical Therapists' Perceptions about Becoming Effective Practitioners through Professional Development
    S. Zousmer; C. Stiller; K. Thompson; C. Wilson; M. Kondratek · Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics2023
    Otherdoi:10.1080/01942638.2023.2169092
  39. 39
    Collaborative Goal-Setting Beliefs and Practices of Out-Patient Pediatric Physical Therapists Working in Saudi Arabia and the United States
    R. AlShubaily; L. A. Chiarello · Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics2022
    Otherdoi:10.1080/01942638.2021.1965691
  40. 40
    Chronicling Research and Practice Evolution in Pediatric Physical Therapy
    N. L. Benn; E. A. Birchard; E. I. Korompai; M. Davari; V. Patel; L. K. Brunton · Pediatric Physical Therapy2022
    Otherdoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000000885
  41. 41
    Innovation in Pediatric Clinical Education: The Development of a Clinical Instructor Toolkit
    M. Birkmeier; L. A. Emmel; R. A. Manning; K. C. Nesbit · Journal of Physical Therapy Education (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)2022
    Otherdoi:10.1097/JTE.0000000000000245
  42. 42
    Acceptability of Pediatric Telerehabilitation Interventions Provided by Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists—A Scoping Review
    R. Dostie; I. Gaboury; E. Cinar; C. Camden · Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics2022
    Systematic reviewdoi:10.1080/01942638.2022.2064203
  43. 43
    Pediatric Physical Therapists' Perceptions of Telehealth Continuation Post-pandemic: A Thematic Analysis of Open-Ended Survey Responses
    J. B. Hall; J. T. Luechtefeld; M. L. Woods · Pediatric Physical Therapy2022
    Cross-sectionaldoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000000908
  44. 44
    Effectiveness of Different Physiotherapy Protocols in Children in the Intensive Care Unit: A Randomized Clinical Trial
    G. 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 Therapy2022
    RCTdoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000000848
  45. 45
    Pediatric Assessments for Preschool Children in Digital Physical Therapy Practice: Results From a Scoping Review
    N. Trottier; K. Hurtubise; C. Zischke; C. Camden · Pediatric Physical Therapy2022
    Systematic reviewdoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000000915
  46. 46
    Physical Therapist Interventions for Infants With Nonsynostotic Positional Head Deformities: A Systematic Review
    I. 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 Journal2021
    Systematic reviewdoi:10.1093/ptj/pzab106
  47. 47
    Manual Therapy in Preadolescent Children: A Delphi Investigation of Physical Therapists in the United States
    J. L. Dice; D. Dendy; P. S. Sizer; C. E. Cook; S. Feuling; J.-M. Brismée · PTJ: Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal2021
    Otherdoi:10.1093/ptj/pzab027
  48. 48
    Caregiver and provider experiences of physical, occupational, and speech therapy for children with medical complexity
    C. C. Foster; M. M. Fuentes; L. A. Wadlington; E. Jacob-Files; A. D. Desai; T. D. Simon; R. Mangione-Smith · Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine2021
    Otherdoi:10.3233/PRM-190647
  49. 49
    Adoption of Telehealth by Pediatric Physical Therapists During COVID-19: A Survey Study
    J. B. Hall; J. T. Luechtefeld; M. L. Woods · Pediatric Physical Therapy2021
    Cross-sectionaldoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000000817
  50. 50
    Early access to physiotherapy for infants with cerebral palsy: A retrospective chart review
    L. Hekne; C. Montgomery; K. Johansen · PLoS One2021
    Otherdoi:10.1371/journal.pone.0253846
  51. 51
    National Study of Excellence in Pediatric Physical Therapy Education: Design, Methods, and Results
    J. G. Moore; M. C. Birkmeier; H. Lundeen; L. Dannemiller; D. K. Anderson; J. A. Furze · PTJ: Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal2021
    Otherdoi:10.1093/ptj/pzab169
  52. 52
    Advancing the Evidence Base of Pediatric Physical Therapy: Sincerely, From the Heart""
    D. J. Bartlett · Pediatr Phys Ther2020
    Otherdoi:10.1097/pep.0000000000000704
  53. 53
    Physical 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 Association
    L. Dannemiller; M. Mueller; A. Leitner; E. Iverson; S. L. Kaplan · Pediatric Physical Therapy2020
    Clinical guidelinedoi:10.1097/pep.0000000000000753
  54. 54
    Commentary on Contemporary Practice as a Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist: A Practice Analysis""
    B. Donahoe-Fillmore; E. Iverson · Pediatr Phys Ther2020
    Otherdoi:10.1097/pep.0000000000000732
  55. 55
    Evidence-Based Secondary Transition Predictors for Physical Therapists Working With High School Students
    A. Doty; L. Ray; K. Clark; L. Bethune; D. Test · Pediatr Phys Ther2020
    Otherdoi:10.1097/pep.0000000000000706
  56. 56
    A Structured Goal-Setting Process to Promote Functional and Measurable Outcomes in School-Based Physical Therapy: A Knowledge Translation Study
    A. M. Ferro; L. Quinn · Pediatr Phys Ther2020
    Otherdoi:10.1097/pep.0000000000000707
  57. 57
    Contemporary 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 Therapy2020
    Otherdoi:10.1097/pep.0000000000000731
  58. 58
    Assimilation of the Pediatric Essential Core Competencies by Professional Physical Therapist Education Programs
    P. A. Weaver; T. Catalino; E. L. Townsend; K. Martin; R. L. Dole · Pediatric Physical Therapy2020
    Otherdoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000000715
  59. 59
    Moving Toward Excellence in Pediatric Physical Therapy Education: A Scoping Review
    D. K. Anderson; J. A. Furze; J. G. Moore · Pediatric Physical Therapy2019
    Systematic reviewdoi:10.1097/pep.0000000000000549
  60. 60
    Knowledge Translation Lecture: Providing Best Practice in Neonatal Intensive Care and Follow-up: A Clinician-Researcher Collaboration
    S. E. Brown; S. C. Dusing · Pediatr Phys Ther2019
    Otherdoi:10.1097/pep.0000000000000634
  61. 61
    Description of the Services, Activities, and Interventions Within School-Based Physical Therapist Practices Across the United States
    L. M. Jeffries; S. W. McCoy; S. K. Effgen; L. A. Chiarello; A. G. Villasante Tezanos · Phys Ther2019
    Otherdoi:10.1093/ptj/pzy123
  62. 62
    Pediatric Physical Therapists' Use of the Congenital Muscular Torticollis Clinical Practice Guidelines: A Qualitative Implementation Study
    K. Nixon-Cave; S. Kaplan; R. Dole; J. Schreiber · Pediatr Phys Ther2019
    Qualitativedoi:10.1097/pep.0000000000000639
  63. 63
    Noninvasive ventilation and respiratory physical therapy reduce exercise-induced bronchospasm and pulmonary inflammation in children with asthma: randomized clinical trial
    M. M. C. David; E. Gomes; M. C. Mello; D. Costa · Ther Adv Respir Dis2018
    RCTdoi:10.1177/1753466618777723
  64. 64
    Physical Therapists' Use and Alteration of Standardized Assessments of Motor Function in Children
    D. Fay; E. Brock; S. Peneton; R. Simon; M. Splan; L. Sullivan; A. Weiler · Pediatric Physical Therapy2018
    Otherdoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000000532
  65. 65
    Sitting Together And Reaching To Play (START-Play): Protocol for a Multisite Randomized Controlled Efficacy Trial on Intervention for Infants With Neuromotor Disorders
    R. 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 Therapy2018
    RCTdoi:10.1093/ptj/pzy033
  66. 66
    Informing the Update to the Physical Therapy Management of Congenital Muscular Torticollis Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline
    E. Heidenreich; R. Johnson; B. Sargent · Pediatr Phys Ther2018
    Clinical guidelinedoi:10.1097/pep.0000000000000517
  67. 67
    Changes in the Content of Pediatric Physical Therapy for Infants: A Quantitative, Observational Study
    T. 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 Pediatr2018
    Otherdoi:10.1080/01942638.2017.1405863
  68. 68
    Developing a Web Platform to Support a Community of Practice: A Mixed Methods Study in Pediatric Physiotherapy
    G. Pratte; K. Hurtubise; L. Rivard; J. Berbari; C. Camden · Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions2018
    Otherdoi:10.1097/CEH.0000000000000185
  69. 69
    A Pediatric Service-Learning Program in Physical Therapy Education
    H. Yu-Jen; L. Wen-Yu; L. Yang-Hua; L. Hen-Yu; A. M. K. Wong; C. Chien-Min · Pediatric Physical Therapy2018
    Otherdoi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000000498
  70. 70
    Linking the Essential Core Competencies to Pediatric Content in an Entry-Level Physical Therapy Education Curriculum: A Case Report
    D. Cech; J. J. Krzak; D. K. Anderson · Journal of Physical Therapy Education (American Physical Therapy Association, Education Section)2017
    Case seriesdoi:10.1097/JTE.0000000000000003
  71. 71
    The Stoplight Program: A Proactive Physical Therapy Intervention for Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
    L. Tanner; S. Sencer; M. C. Hooke · Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing2017
    Otherdoi:10.1177/1043454217698093
  72. 72
    Congress of Neurological Surgeons Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guideline for the Management of Patients With Positional Plagiocephaly: The Role of Physical Therapy
    L. 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 · Neurosurgery2016
    Systematic reviewdoi:10.1227/neu.0000000000001429
  73. 73
    Systematic review of physiotherapy interventions to improve gross motor capacity and performance in children and adolescents with an acquired brain injury
    E. Baque; L. Sakzewski; L. Barber; R. N. Boyd · Brain Injury2016
    Systematic reviewdoi:10.3109/02699052.2016.1147079
  74. 74
    Descriptions of physical therapy management of infants with congenital muscular torticollis in the United States of America
    M. D. O'Connell · Descriptions of Physical Therapy Management of Infants With Congenital Muscular Torticollis in the United States of America2016
    OtherPMID 123313565
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