A pediatric technician is a certified health care provider who is trained in the treatment, care, and support of special needs children. The technician's services are generally coordinated with family, other professionals, and community members. To learn more about the job duties and training for pediatric technicians, read on.
Career Defined
Pediatric technicians are trained to identify and work with a full range of a child's special needs. Their care and support include medical treatments, daily task management, age transition activities, social engagement techniques, and independence development. In carrying out these responsibilities, technicians work closely with doctors, nurses, teachers, social service advisors, child advocate attorneys, and other consultants. They typically have a nursing or mental health background.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisOccupation">Important Facts About This Occupation</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td><b>Mean Salary (May 2021)</b></td><td>$82,750 (<i>for registered nurses</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</b></td><td>6% (<i>for registered nurses</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Key Skills</b></td><td>Medical knowledge, intervention techniques that will assist patients, good working relationship with children</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Work Environment</b></td><td>Hospital and office settings, at-home care, schools</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---DutiesAndResponsibilities">Duties and Responsibilities</h3><p>Pediatric technicians work at different levels of special needs child care and with various extended service providers. They treat and provide care for children with illnesses such as autism, cerebral palsy, sensory impairments and emotional, congenital, muscular, or neurological disorders. Some of the areas of care, treatment, and support include therapy, language, and instruction on adaptive equipment. These technicians provide care for children with special needs in a variety of environments, such as medical, home, and specialized care.
</p><h3 id="section---TrainingOptions">Training Options</h3><p>Through the National Institute of Certified Pediatric Technicians (NICPT), which is a private, non-profit organization, there are two levels of training available for pediatric technicians:
</p><h4 id="section---CertifiedPediatricTechnicianCPT">Certified Pediatric Technician (CPT)</h4><p>NICPT's Certified Pediatric Technician training program requires a minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalent for enrollment. Coursework can be completed in person or online, and national test requirements must be fulfilled. Instruction is offered in seven modules:
</p><ul><li>Human anatomy
</li><li>Maternal care
</li><li>Normal child
</li><li>Special needs
</li><li>Psychology
</li><li>Rehabilitation
</li><li>Individual education plans
</li></ul><h4 id="section---ProfessionalPediatricTechnician">Professional Pediatric Technician</h4><p>NICPT's Professional Pediatric Technician program is designed for professionals who have a degree, such as doctors, therapists, nurses, educators, social workers, or legal rights advocates. Applicants must provide evidence of the status of their professional activity and indicate their preferred area of certification concentration. Students work from the above seven modules and must fulfill national test requirements.</p>
