Continuing education is essential in pediatric therapy, playing a vital part in a therapist’s professional growth, licensure renewal and patient outcomes. As you navigate evolving practices and technologies, ongoing learning ensures that you remain informed and maintain an effective skill set. The curated list of top continuing education unit (CEU) providers will ensure you receive the best educational support available.
5 Best Continuing Education Options for Therapists Specializing in Pediatrics
The selection below is based on criteria such as course quality, flexibility and specialization to ensure that current or future pediatric therapists receive the best educational support in their chosen field.
1. Education Resources, Inc.
Education Resources, Inc. (ERI) is a premier CEU provider with a robust 30-year history, founded by therapists, for therapists. The organization dedicates itself to enhancing the skills of healthcare professionals, particularly in the field of pediatric therapy. ERI stands out as an exceptional choice for therapists seeking high-quality educational content designed to improve patient outcomes and support professional growth in the field.
Key Features
- Multiple formats: ERI offers a diverse range of learning options, including in-person courses, interactive live webinars and flexible on-demand video formats.
- Expert-led: Internationally-renowned instructors with extensive expertise in pediatric therapy lead the courses.
- Pediatric specialization: ERI’s specialized focus includes offerings such as the annual “Birth to Three” conference, along with courses covering topics such as torticollis, feeding and swallowing and school-based therapy.
- Accreditation: ERI provides ASHA and AOTA-approved courses, making it ideal for license renewal.
2. Medbridge
MedBridge is a comprehensive digital platform designed for healthcare professionals, offering innovative solutions for continuing education, patient engagement and outcome tracking. With its strong focus on enhancing clinical skills, MedBridge features a premier option for pediatric therapists seeking to advance their expertise and improve patient care through its extensive resources.
Key Features
- All-in-one platform: MedBridge operates on a subscription model, offering access to a vast library of CEU courses, patient education materials and a home exercise program builder.
- High-quality production: Courses are live or in a high-quality, video-based format, enhancing the learning experience with engaging visuals and real-world applications.
- Certificate programs: MedBridge offers specialized pediatric certificate programs that provide in-depth knowledge of specific topics relevant to your practice.
- Ongoing support: You benefit from additional resources and tools to support learning and application in clinical settings.
3. Summit Professional Education
Summit Professional Education is a long-standing and trusted name in the realm of professional education. To enhance the skills of healthcare providers, Summit offers a variety of continuing education options tailored explicitly for pediatric therapists. Its structured approach to learning ensures that therapists receive relevant, high-quality training to promote their practice and improve patient care.
Key Features
- Flexible purchasing: You have the option to purchase individual courses or subscribe to the “All-Access” plan, offering flexibility in meeting your learning needs.
- A variety of topics: Summit boasts a broad catalog covering essential topics, from school-based therapy to sensory processing and autism, ensuring comprehensive professional development.
- In-person option: The organization also offers a range of in-person seminars nationwide, allowing for interactive learning and networking opportunities.
- Expert instructors: High-quality instruction from experienced professionals means Summit courses expose you to the latest practices in pediatric therapy.
4. PPT4ed
PPT4ed is a nonprofit provider dedicated to empowering pediatric therapists through education and strong community engagement. With a strong focus on enhancing therapy skills, PPT4ed aims to improve the quality of care for children and their families. Its mission-driven approach ensures that the education it offers is both relevant and supportive of the diverse needs of pediatric clients.
Key Features
- Mission-driven: As a nonprofit organization, PPT4ed prioritizes community and family empowerment, ensuring it equips you to make a lasting and meaningful impact.
- Neurodiversity-affirming: Its progressive curriculum includes courses focusing on neurodiversity-affirming practices, fostering inclusive and effective therapy approaches.
- Accessible learning: PPT4ed offers a combination of on-demand and live courses, often at affordable prices, thereby enhancing accessibility to quality education for all therapists.
- Collaborative resources: PPT4ed encourages collaboration among therapists, providing resources and support to create a rich learning environment.
5. ZERO TO THREE
ZERO TO THREE is an influential organization dedicated to promoting the healthy development of infants and toddlers. With almost 50 years of experience, it provides valuable resources for families and professionals, including pediatric therapists. The provider specifically designs its training programs to enhance the skills of those working directly with young children, ensuring they receive comprehensive, evidence-based support.
Key Features
- Early childhood development: Its core mission centers around the critical growth and development milestones in early childhood.
- Research-based resources: It provides a wealth of research-backed materials, including parenting tips, to help you support young patients and their families effectively.
- Community-building events: The organization hosts workshops and events that encourage supportive community collaboration and networking among professionals.
- Evidence-based approaches: Training empowers you with the best therapy practices to utilize for child-rearing benefits and developmental strategies for families.
Feature Comparison Table of Pediatric Therapy CEU Providers
In the important and rapidly evolving field of pediatric therapy, choosing a suitable continuing education provider is critical for your professional growth. The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of the list’s included providers — focusing on their offerings, models and specialties — to help you choose the best option for development in your field.
| Provider | Primary Model | Formats Offered | Key Disciplines | Best For |
| Education Resources, Inc. | Per course | In-person, on-demand, live webinars and CEU certification | PT, OT and SLP | Flexible learning of practical techniques and real-world application |
| Medbridge | Yearly subscription | On-demand, webinars and certificate programs | PT, OT and SLP | Comprehensive training packages for busy clinicians |
| Summit | Per course or annual subscription | In-person, on-demand and live courses | PT, OT and SLP | Specialty courses for continuing education |
| PPT4ed | Per course | In-person, on-demand and live webinars | PT, nervous system regulation and developmental therapy | Community engagement and mentorship for advanced development |
| ZERO TO THREE | Annual membership with free resources | Online courses, live webinars and in-person workshops | Early child development and learning | Practical tools and resources for parents and early childhood professionals |
Methodology for Selecting Top Providers
Selecting top continuing education providers for pediatric therapy requires a carefully grounded and unbiased review process. Accreditation is a primary concern — only those providers approved or accredited by major professional bodies, such as ASHA and AOTA, qualify.
Instructor expertise is also critical, with a focus on platforms that feature courses taught by reputable experts in pediatric therapy. Another key consideration is format flexibility, including platforms with a mix of on-demand, live webinars and in-person options to cater to different learning preferences. Finally, emphasis on the depth of pediatric content ensures an extensive catalog tailored specifically for pediatric therapists.
How to Select the Right CEU Provider for Your Career
Choosing the right CEU provider can make all the difference required to advance your career in pediatric therapy to the next level. Here are some actionable tips to assist in making an informed decision:
- Consider your learning style: Reflect on whether you thrive in in-person, interactive environments or prefer the flexibility of self-paced, on-demand courses.
- Evaluate your budget: Assess your financial situation to determine whether paying a single annual subscription is more cost-effective or if paying per course aligns better with your needs and budget constraints.
- Align with your career goals: Seek providers that offer strong course categories in the specific pediatric niches you wish to specialize in, ensuring the necessary skill development you require.
- Check state requirements: Always verify that the approved courses meet your specific state licensing board’s requirements to avoid any later compliance issues.
These considerations will help you find a CEU provider that meets your professional needs and also equips you for ongoing success in the field of pediatric therapy.
Continuing Education Matters in Crafting Your Future
Continuing education is essential for pediatric therapists who seek to refine their skills and stay updated with evolving best practices. These educational platforms offer a diverse range of resources and formats that cater to various learning styles, ensuring accessibility regardless of your preferred study approach. By investing in your education, you enhance your professional capabilities and also significantly influence the well-being and development of the children and families you serve. Ultimately, you’ll pave the way for a more impactful career in pediatric therapy.
