3 answers
Amelia
Student
Dalton, Massachusetts
1
Question
Asked
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What are some specific careers for someone who wants to help children and is also interested in psychological and/or physical therapy ?
I’m in 11th grade right now but are there any classes I should take prior to college to have a better understanding of these things in college? I’m in a VHS class right now that talks about Psychology of Crime which I’m also very interested in if I just want to focus on psychology more but I’m not sure what the better path is. I also would like to know all the steps I need to take and the degrees I need, etc.
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3 answers
Megan McCoy
Career Coach
158
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Hi Amelia,
Your interest in children, psychology, and physical therapy sounds like a perfect fit for occupational therapy!
Occupational therapists evaluate and treat people who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities to help them with vocational, daily living, and other skills that promote independence. There are different settings for OT and different groups OT works with. Working with children is one and the settings can be in schools, hospitals, and other rehabilitation settings.
There are two paths for working in Occupational Therapy
An Occupational Therapist is a Masters degree (soon moving to a Doctorate degree)
An Occupational Therapy Assistant is an associate degree
These two links look into these two careers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapy-assistants-and-aides.htm
You may also find this link helpful- https://www.aota.org/
For Psychology of Crime and liking children this made me think about social worker jobs that work with children neglect and abuse cases. Here are some places that might help you understand it better.
https://www.childrenstrustma.org/our-programs
https://www.mass.gov/child-abuse-and-neglect
I worked for a Child Abuse and Neglect Council as an educator and I taught students and the community on different things like stranger danger, and safety on the internet. We had a cool safe baby program where we used robot babies with middle and high school students to learn about keeping a baby safe. This might be something of interest to you.
I also worked with social workers who dealt with sexual assault and abuse cases. They would work with children and the police to get to the truth about what happened to them. This might be of interest to you as well.
Here is information on being a social worker
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm
I hope this helps!
Your interest in children, psychology, and physical therapy sounds like a perfect fit for occupational therapy!
Occupational therapists evaluate and treat people who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities to help them with vocational, daily living, and other skills that promote independence. There are different settings for OT and different groups OT works with. Working with children is one and the settings can be in schools, hospitals, and other rehabilitation settings.
There are two paths for working in Occupational Therapy
An Occupational Therapist is a Masters degree (soon moving to a Doctorate degree)
An Occupational Therapy Assistant is an associate degree
These two links look into these two careers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapy-assistants-and-aides.htm
You may also find this link helpful- https://www.aota.org/
For Psychology of Crime and liking children this made me think about social worker jobs that work with children neglect and abuse cases. Here are some places that might help you understand it better.
https://www.childrenstrustma.org/our-programs
https://www.mass.gov/child-abuse-and-neglect
I worked for a Child Abuse and Neglect Council as an educator and I taught students and the community on different things like stranger danger, and safety on the internet. We had a cool safe baby program where we used robot babies with middle and high school students to learn about keeping a baby safe. This might be something of interest to you.
I also worked with social workers who dealt with sexual assault and abuse cases. They would work with children and the police to get to the truth about what happened to them. This might be of interest to you as well.
Here is information on being a social worker
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm
I hope this helps!
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
179
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hello Amelia, how are things going? We're grateful that you've chosen to connect with us. Your dedication to advancing your career is commendable. Your question is indeed thought-provoking. Both psychology and physical therapy play crucial roles in a multi-disciplinary team, especially when it comes to assisting children with special needs or tasks requiring technical skills.
Psychology delves into emotions, behaviors, and cognitive functions, while physical therapy focuses on rectifying physical abnormalities to enhance muscle functions. This can involve pain relief, corrective movement, or strength improvement for both children and adults. To distinguish between these two fields more clearly, we recommend you check out an occupational handbook. This will help you identify which field aligns more closely with your future college aspirations.
It's fantastic that you already have a clear vision for your future. Now, it's time to delve deeper into these fascinating and rewarding professions to discover which one truly sparks your joy. A practical way to do this is by interviewing professionals in these fields, such as school counselors, child psychologists, child therapists, behaviorists, and physical therapists. Psychology, in particular, is a vast field with numerous specializations that might surprise and delight you.
Best of luck, Amelia. Pursue your dreams with passion!
Psychology delves into emotions, behaviors, and cognitive functions, while physical therapy focuses on rectifying physical abnormalities to enhance muscle functions. This can involve pain relief, corrective movement, or strength improvement for both children and adults. To distinguish between these two fields more clearly, we recommend you check out an occupational handbook. This will help you identify which field aligns more closely with your future college aspirations.
It's fantastic that you already have a clear vision for your future. Now, it's time to delve deeper into these fascinating and rewarding professions to discover which one truly sparks your joy. A practical way to do this is by interviewing professionals in these fields, such as school counselors, child psychologists, child therapists, behaviorists, and physical therapists. Psychology, in particular, is a vast field with numerous specializations that might surprise and delight you.
Best of luck, Amelia. Pursue your dreams with passion!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
4338
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Amelia,
Specific Careers for Someone Interested in Helping Children and Psychological/Physical Therapy
Several specific career paths align with your interests in helping children and being involved in psychological and/or physical therapy. Here are some potential career options:
Child Psychologist: Child psychologists work with children to help them navigate emotional, mental, and behavioral issues. They may provide therapy, conduct assessments, and work closely with families to support the child’s well-being.
Pediatric Physical Therapist: Pediatric physical therapists specialize in working with children who have movement difficulties due to injury, illness, or developmental delays. They help improve mobility, strength, and coordination through tailored treatment plans.
Child Life Specialist: Child life specialists focus on supporting children and their families during challenging times, such as hospitalization or medical procedures. They use play therapy and other techniques to help children cope with stress and trauma.
School Counselor: School counselors work in educational settings to support students’ academic achievement, social development, and emotional well-being. They may provide counseling services, crisis intervention, and guidance on educational planning.
Developmental Psychologist: Developmental psychologists study how children grow and develop across various domains such as cognitive, social, and emotional development. They may work in research settings or apply their knowledge in clinical practice.
Pre-College Preparation
To better prepare for a career focused on helping children and psychology/therapy in college, consider taking the following classes:
Psychology Courses: Take psychology courses in high school to gain a foundational understanding of human behavior, mental processes, and child development.
Biology or Anatomy Classes: Understanding the human body’s structure and function can be beneficial if you are considering a career in physical therapy or healthcare.
Child Development Courses: Courses that focus on child development can provide insights into the stages of growth and factors influencing children’s well-being.
Volunteer Work: Consider volunteering with organizations that work with children or individuals receiving therapy to gain practical experience and insight into the field.
Steps to Pursue a Career Helping Children in Psychology/Therapy
Undergraduate Degree: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology, child development, biology, or a related field to build a strong foundation for your future career.
Graduate Education: Depending on the specific career path you choose (e.g., psychologist or physical therapist), you may need to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree for licensure or certification.
Licensure/Certification: Obtain any required licenses or certifications based on your chosen profession (e.g., licensed psychologist, certified pediatric physical therapist).
Gain Experience: Seek out internships, practicum opportunities, or entry-level positions to gain hands-on experience working with children in therapeutic settings.
Continuing Education: Stay updated on advancements in the field by attending workshops, conferences, or pursuing additional certifications to enhance your skills and knowledge.
By following these steps and gaining relevant experience along the way, you can pursue a fulfilling career helping children through psychological and/or physical therapy interventions.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Psychological Association (APA): The APA provides valuable information on careers in psychology, educational requirements, licensing procedures, and resources for aspiring psychologists.
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): APTA offers insights into pediatric physical therapy careers, educational pathways, licensure requirements, and professional development opportunities.
National Association of Child Life Professionals (NCLP): NCLP is a reputable source for information on becoming a child life specialist, certification processes, ethical guidelines, and best practices in supporting children facing medical challenges.
God Bless!
JC.
Specific Careers for Someone Interested in Helping Children and Psychological/Physical Therapy
Several specific career paths align with your interests in helping children and being involved in psychological and/or physical therapy. Here are some potential career options:
Child Psychologist: Child psychologists work with children to help them navigate emotional, mental, and behavioral issues. They may provide therapy, conduct assessments, and work closely with families to support the child’s well-being.
Pediatric Physical Therapist: Pediatric physical therapists specialize in working with children who have movement difficulties due to injury, illness, or developmental delays. They help improve mobility, strength, and coordination through tailored treatment plans.
Child Life Specialist: Child life specialists focus on supporting children and their families during challenging times, such as hospitalization or medical procedures. They use play therapy and other techniques to help children cope with stress and trauma.
School Counselor: School counselors work in educational settings to support students’ academic achievement, social development, and emotional well-being. They may provide counseling services, crisis intervention, and guidance on educational planning.
Developmental Psychologist: Developmental psychologists study how children grow and develop across various domains such as cognitive, social, and emotional development. They may work in research settings or apply their knowledge in clinical practice.
Pre-College Preparation
To better prepare for a career focused on helping children and psychology/therapy in college, consider taking the following classes:
Psychology Courses: Take psychology courses in high school to gain a foundational understanding of human behavior, mental processes, and child development.
Biology or Anatomy Classes: Understanding the human body’s structure and function can be beneficial if you are considering a career in physical therapy or healthcare.
Child Development Courses: Courses that focus on child development can provide insights into the stages of growth and factors influencing children’s well-being.
Volunteer Work: Consider volunteering with organizations that work with children or individuals receiving therapy to gain practical experience and insight into the field.
Steps to Pursue a Career Helping Children in Psychology/Therapy
Undergraduate Degree: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology, child development, biology, or a related field to build a strong foundation for your future career.
Graduate Education: Depending on the specific career path you choose (e.g., psychologist or physical therapist), you may need to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree for licensure or certification.
Licensure/Certification: Obtain any required licenses or certifications based on your chosen profession (e.g., licensed psychologist, certified pediatric physical therapist).
Gain Experience: Seek out internships, practicum opportunities, or entry-level positions to gain hands-on experience working with children in therapeutic settings.
Continuing Education: Stay updated on advancements in the field by attending workshops, conferences, or pursuing additional certifications to enhance your skills and knowledge.
By following these steps and gaining relevant experience along the way, you can pursue a fulfilling career helping children through psychological and/or physical therapy interventions.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Psychological Association (APA): The APA provides valuable information on careers in psychology, educational requirements, licensing procedures, and resources for aspiring psychologists.
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): APTA offers insights into pediatric physical therapy careers, educational pathways, licensure requirements, and professional development opportunities.
National Association of Child Life Professionals (NCLP): NCLP is a reputable source for information on becoming a child life specialist, certification processes, ethical guidelines, and best practices in supporting children facing medical challenges.
God Bless!
JC.