2 answers
Madelynn
Student
Grandview, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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What skills or qualities are most important for someone working in pediatric occupational therapy?
I am currently a high school senior wanting to pursue pediatric occupational therapy in the future. I love working with children and I fell in love with the idea of getting to help kids live there best like through occupational therapy. I would love to know any tips for someone like me wanting to pursue a career in occupational therapy.
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2 answers
Carol Michot
Occupational Therapist
5
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Carol’s Answer
Hi, Madelynn! As a pediatric OT, I think you’ve picked a great profession to pursue! I’ve been in occupational therapy for over 30 years and spent most of it in pediatrics. It’s been a blessing to me. As far as qualities that will enhance your career, I would start with good communication skills. You’ll be promoting our profession and advocating for our clients all the time. You need to be able to educate other professionals and parents about the best ways to support our clients. Furthermore, you’ll need to remain calm and professional in those communications. Parents struggle sometimes to process their child’s need for OT and that can come out as anger. Learning how to handle that situation with kindness takes great empathy. Also learning to remain calm as children have meltdowns is important. Behavior is communication, so you’ll need to look at what they are trying to communicate rather than reacting to their behavior.
You’ll need to stay humbly curious. Even this far into my career, I’m constantly learning and refining my practice. That may seem daunting, but I would personally find it boring to have it all figured out.
Time management skills are vital. This is not only important for getting through school but also maintaining a caseload while keeping up with paperwork.
You need to be in touch with your own moral compass. Sadly, I have been asked by some employers to do some shady stuff. Sometimes it’s obvious stuff that would endanger your license, but other times it’s more tricky things that don’t respect your client. For example, I was once told in a nursing home that patients can’t refuse. Slap some weights on their wrists during lunch and call it therapeutic exercise. Ugh.
And lastly, I would say that creativity and energy are vital. This isn’t a job you can phone in. You need to bring yourself fully to each session. This can be a bit exhausting at times, but it’s worth it when you see your clients progressing.
Good luck to you!
You’ll need to stay humbly curious. Even this far into my career, I’m constantly learning and refining my practice. That may seem daunting, but I would personally find it boring to have it all figured out.
Time management skills are vital. This is not only important for getting through school but also maintaining a caseload while keeping up with paperwork.
You need to be in touch with your own moral compass. Sadly, I have been asked by some employers to do some shady stuff. Sometimes it’s obvious stuff that would endanger your license, but other times it’s more tricky things that don’t respect your client. For example, I was once told in a nursing home that patients can’t refuse. Slap some weights on their wrists during lunch and call it therapeutic exercise. Ugh.
And lastly, I would say that creativity and energy are vital. This isn’t a job you can phone in. You need to bring yourself fully to each session. This can be a bit exhausting at times, but it’s worth it when you see your clients progressing.
Good luck to you!
This was super helpful, thank you!
Madelynn
Taylor Jordan
Occupational Therapist
5
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Taylor’s Answer
Hi Madelynn!
I’m a pediatric occupational therapist with over two years of experience working in the school setting—and I absolutely love it! My biggest piece of advice is to start building connections early and get as many shadowing hours as possible before applying to graduate school. This isn’t just to meet application requirements, but also to help you determine if this is truly the right path for you. Shadowing will give you a deeper understanding of the profession—both the highlights and the challenges.
When it comes to applying to grad school, try to connect with the admissions team directly. If you can, schedule a campus tour to meet them in person—it can make a big impression. Also, try to diversify your shadowing experience across different settings. It doesn’t all have to be in OT-specific environments. Programs really appreciate applicants who bring a broad perspective and a variety of experiences to the table.
You’ve got this!
I’m a pediatric occupational therapist with over two years of experience working in the school setting—and I absolutely love it! My biggest piece of advice is to start building connections early and get as many shadowing hours as possible before applying to graduate school. This isn’t just to meet application requirements, but also to help you determine if this is truly the right path for you. Shadowing will give you a deeper understanding of the profession—both the highlights and the challenges.
When it comes to applying to grad school, try to connect with the admissions team directly. If you can, schedule a campus tour to meet them in person—it can make a big impression. Also, try to diversify your shadowing experience across different settings. It doesn’t all have to be in OT-specific environments. Programs really appreciate applicants who bring a broad perspective and a variety of experiences to the table.
You’ve got this!
Thank you so much for the advice!
Madelynn