Pediatric Occupational Therapy Fellowship

The Atrium Health Occupational Therapy Fellowship Program provides a world-class, post-professional clinical education experience in pediatrics. This hands-on program is connected with a Level 1 trauma center and gives fellows expert training in pediatric occupational therapy, setting graduates up for successful careers in the field.

About the Program

Fellows in the full-time, one-year program will provide patient care for 32 hours per week and work 40 hours per week. The remaining 8 hours will include didactic learning, research, and multidisciplinary team shadowing experiences. Fellows are employed by Atrium Health and will receive a program-adjusted salary with a full benefits package. The fellowship runs from August to July each year.

The curriculum is based on the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Fellowship requirements.

Advanced training is provided in:

• Evaluation and education
• Clinical decision-making
• Critical thinking
• Evidence-based practice and research
• Patient management
• Training in a variety of pediatric settings
• Pediatric treatment skills

Our comprehensive program includes many types of education and training including didactic learning, practical sessions, mentorship experience, multidisciplinary team shadowing, individual study, presentations, research, volunteer/community service hours, and assignment/project completion.

This program will prepare you for:

• Advanced pediatric occupational therapy practice
• AOTA Board Certification in Pediatrics Certification examinations
• Efficient and effective patient management
• Evidence-based practices in patient care

Admission Requirements

Occupational Therapists interested in pediatric occupational therapy can apply to the program. At least one year of clinical experience in occupational therapy is required; however, pediatric clinical experience is preferred.

The application requirements include:

• Being a graduate of an occupational therapy program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
• Having your current, active North Carolina Occupational Therapy license, or being eligible to do so
• Having your current CPR certification
• Minimum of 1 year of clinical experience in Occupational Therapy
• Meet all requirements for employment at Atrium Health
• Completion of a Level II fieldwork or a position as an OT in a pediatric setting

If you are an occupational therapist trained outside of the United States, you must have a visa credential verification certificate from the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy. Non-U.S. citizens must have H-1B visas.

Application Portal

For more information about the program or to apply, please email  Chelsea.Reeves@atriumhealth.org

Applications must be submitted by February 29 each year, with in person interviews planned for April/May. A decision will be made in June each year.

Curriculum Overview

The Atrium Health Fellows will rotate through pediatric settings throughout the year, including Outpatient and Acute Care, with exposure to Inpatient Rehab and ICUs. Level of exposure may vary depending on fellow’s experience. Weekly didactic education is also provided to enhance hands-on learning. Examples of the didactic education topics include Standard Assessments, Autism and Behavior Management, Pediatric Oncology, Pediatric Cardiopulmonary, NICU, Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Orthopedics, Pediatric Burns, Feeding, Sensory Processing, Post-Concussion and Vision, Equipment/DME, Adapted Sports, Torticollis/Plagiocephaly, Hippotherapy, EI/School OT.

Learn More

For more information, contact Chelsea Reeves, OTR/L at 704-304-0635 or Chelsea.Reeves@AtriumHealth.org.