How to specialize in Paediatrics in India/Asia, USA, Europe, Middle East (Requirements in different countries)

Paediatric occupational therapists (OTs) usually work with children and young adults from 0-16 years of age. Countries have their own formal and/or informal pathways towards specialization in Paediatric occupational therapy (ped OT). You may like to get in touch with your regulatory body to know about specific requirements. However, most of the countries including Singapore, New Zealand and Australia count work experience (usually 2 years and above) as eligibility towards specialization in ped OT.

In India, holding a masters in Paediatric occupational therapy is desirable but not a compulsory requirement to become a ped OT. Your AIOTA (All India Occupational Association) recognized bachelor of occupational therapy degree would be sufficient to get a job at a Paediatric set up or establish a Paediatric clinic. Usually OTs acquire advanced skills during their course of study, through hands on experience at work, and post qualification professional development opportunities. Interestingly, majority of Indian OT’s work in Paediatrics. Inclusive schools, hospitals, NGOs (non-government organisations) and clinics are common employers for Paediatric OT’s. Big cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata offer better employment opportunities.

How to set up a Paediatric Clinic (Setting the standards for excellence)

In order to set up own Paediatric clinic you would need to know the basics of running a business in your country of residence. For example, NGO/ company/ trust/private clinic/ solo trader registration requirements; basics of financial management and income tax obligations (e.g. invoicing, profit and loss sheet, balance sheet), marketing (e.g. referral sources, strategic partnership) and employment laws (in case you need to employ or contract with staff). It is often helpful to have a website and social media presence. A few examples of resources from New Zealand context are as follows:

  • Business website
  • Income Tax website
  • Employment website

In Indian context, it would be of great worth to consult a good local lawyer and check your clinic’s compatibility with the Clinical Establishment Act 2010.

Once you have made up your mind on your choice of clinic/business, you would need to decide on your place of work. Most commonly, Indian OT’s start their private practice as a solo trader and expand to set up a NGO/ clinic/ company as they gain experience. Being a solo trader is perhaps a safer way to start your own business where basically you work for yourself and there is minimal financial risk. You can determine your place of work. It can be your home, client’s home, your own established clinic or a hired clinical premises. It is important to consider health and safety requirements of the local authorities. For example, fire control measure, safe access to patients.

In terms of equipment, tools and resources, your need would vary depending on your budget and size of the business. For example, you would need minimal equipment if you do home visits as you may be able to utilize the client’s natural environment in therapy. On the other hand, if you are clinic based, you would need to resource sensory tools and equipment.

Some of the common equipment needed in a basic Paediatric clinic are: gym balls, bolster, swings (bolster, platform, disc, and net hammock), ladder, cushioned mat, ball bath, cause & effects toys, pretend play toys, art & craft activities, general stationary items, coloring activities, dressing activities, visual activities, and a tablet ( with relevant apps) can be handy. There are a few suppliers in India. For example, Shama Foundation is owned by a Paediatric occupational therapist and has a range wide range of cost effective sensory products.

Some of the common standardized tests used in Paediatrics are: Visual perceptual tests (DTVP-3, Beery VMI), Coordination (Movement ABC-2), Motor and developmental skills (Ages and stages, PDMS-2), Sensory processing (Sensory Processing Measure, Sensory Profile 3), Goal setting (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure). These can be purchased online. It is very important to be aware of copyright requirements of these tests. You may like to consider investing of these basic tests as they would increase credibility of your practice.

How to advocate for your patients in schools and improve community acceptance

The following can be considered:

  • Conducting educational seminars for teachers at schools. For example, sensory education.
  • Offering screening sessions in classrooms.
  • Advocating for Individual Education Plan for students.
  • Approaching influential authorities, going political. An example in New Zealand context.
  • Publishing articles in media and using social media effectively for advocacy.

An example

Some resources:

starting your own precise from scratch – a useful book to set up private practice

Paediatric resources from CanChild website – CP, dyspraxia etc.

An article on DCD diagnosis

Practice guideline for OT in neonatal careOT (including paediatric) evidence fact sheets

Please contact our Paediatric Specialist Harsh Vardhan for any questions you may have

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