How to Become an Occupational Pediatrics Therapist in Encino, California

Pediatric occupational therapists work with children with medical conditions, disabilities and injuries. Therapists help with fine motor skills and teach patients to perform daily living activities. They may also help children adapt to their environment, use adaptive devices and function more independently in school. All states require a therapist to graduate from an occupational therapy program and pass a national exam.

Instructions

1. Attend an accredited occupational program. Locate an accredited occupational therapy program through the American Occupational Therapy Association. Some schools offer both a bachelors degree and masters degree program. After completing your education you will need to pass a national certification exam.

2. Complete a pediatric occupational therapy internship. As a requirement for your degree you will need to work in a clinical setting with children. Settings may include, children’s clinics, rehabilitation centers, daycares and hospitals. Locate appropriate internships with the help of a college advisor or the director of your program. Learn to use age appropriate games and educational materials to assist children.

3. Obtain a California Occupational License. Obtain your California license through the Board of Occupational Therapy in Sacramento California. You will need to provide a transcript from the occupational therapy program you graduated from. Verification you passed the national exam is also needed. Fingerprints and a criminal background check will also be completed prior to licensing.

4. Join the Occupational Therapy Association of California. This professional organization provides continuing education and the latest information on licensing and renewal requirements for therapists in California. A job board is also available to check for employment positions throughout California including Encino healthcare facilities.

5. Apply at Encino-Tarzana Regional Medical Center. The medical center has a pediatric department as well as a neonatal and pediatric intensive care unit. Occupational therapists may work with injured and ill children in this inpatient setting.

6. Become a therapist in Encino schools. Encino schools are a part of the Los Angeles Unified School district. Contact the district office for career openings. Occupational therapists are hired to work in the schools and help children function more efficiently. Therapists may work on developing skills such as handwriting.

7. Work for a pediatric home health company. An Encino company such as Pediastaff hires pediatric occupational therapists to work with children in their homes or schools in the Encino area.

Tips & Warnings

• Renew your California Occupational License every two years. Keep in mind you will need to completed the required amount of continuing educational classes to renew. Request your renewal several weeks before your license expires.

• Be aware if you are unable to find a job as a pediatric therapist in Encino, nearby communities may have job openings. Consider trying neighboring cities such as Los Angeles, which is a larger area than Encino and has larger children hospitals such as Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and Mattel Children’s Hospital at UCLA that employ therapists.