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Neonatal Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tenet Health

Physical Therapist II (PT) - NICU

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$1.5K - $1.9K/wk

FULL-TIME DAYS - North Central Baptist Hospital The NICU Therapist is responsible for the system wide administration, interpretation and evaluation of tests and measurements in the NICU. Plans and ...

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$63.9K

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How much do neonatal therapist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for neonatal therapist in the United States is $63,943.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $69,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a neonatal therapist collaborate with other members of the NICU team to support infant development?

Neonatal therapists work closely with neonatologists, nurses, lactation consultants, and social workers to create individualized care plans for infants in the NICU. They participate in interdisciplinary rounds, share observations on developmental progress, and provide recommendations for positioning, handling, and sensory interventions. This collaborative approach ensures holistic care, supports family involvement, and helps address both medical and developmental needs of premature and medically complex infants.

How to become a neonatal therapist?

To become a neonatal therapist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in a related health field such as nursing, respiratory therapy, or occupational therapy. Many neonatal therapists also obtain specialized certification, like the Neonatal Therapy Certification (NBC), and gain experience working with infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

What is the difference between Neonatal Therapist vs Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist?

AspectNeonatal TherapistPediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
CredentialsMaster's degree in speech-language pathology or related field, state licensure, ASHA certificationMaster's degree in speech-language pathology, state licensure, ASHA certification
Work EnvironmentNeonatal intensive care units, hospitals, neonatal unitsSchools, clinics, hospitals, outpatient settings
Employer & IndustryHospitals, neonatal care centersEducational institutions, healthcare facilities

Neonatal Therapists and Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologists both require similar credentials and often work in healthcare settings. However, Neonatal Therapists specialize in early intervention for newborns in neonatal intensive care units, while Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologists focus on children in schools and outpatient clinics. Their roles overlap in communication and feeding therapy but differ mainly in patient age and work environment.

What are neonatal therapists?

Neonatal therapists are specialized healthcare professionals—typically occupational therapists, physical therapists, or speech-language pathologists—who work with premature and medically fragile infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Their primary role is to support the developmental needs of these infants, promote optimal sensory, motor, and feeding abilities, and educate and empower families. Neonatal therapists collaborate closely with the medical team to create individualized care plans, helping infants achieve healthy growth and development during their early critical stages.

What does a neonatal therapist do?

A neonatal therapist specializes in providing therapy to newborns in neonatal intensive care units, focusing on improving their feeding, motor skills, and developmental progress. They work closely with medical teams, use specialized assessment tools, and often require certification in neonatal or pediatric therapy. Their goal is to support the health and development of premature or ill infants.

What is the highest paying job in OT?

In occupational therapy, specialized roles such as occupational therapy managers, clinical directors, or therapists working in high-demand settings like hand therapy or neurorehabilitation tend to have the highest salaries. Advanced certifications, extensive experience, and working in private practice or specialized clinics can also increase earning potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Neonatal Therapist, and why are they important?

To succeed as a Neonatal Therapist, you need expertise in neonatal or pediatric occupational, physical, or speech therapy, usually supported by a relevant degree and state licensure. Familiarity with specialized neonatal assessment tools, feeding and sensory integration equipment, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is essential. Compassion, strong communication, and collaborative teamwork with families and NICU staff are vital soft skills. These qualifications and abilities ensure effective developmental care, family support, and improved outcomes for medically fragile infants.

Can an RN be a neonatal nurse?

A registered nurse (RN) can become a neonatal nurse by obtaining specialized training and certification in neonatal care, such as Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) experience. Neonatal nursing typically requires an RN license, along with additional education or certification focused on newborn and infant care. This role involves working in NICUs, providing critical care to premature and ill newborns, and often requires strong skills in patient assessment and family support.
More about Neonatal Therapist jobs
What states have the most Neonatal Therapist jobs? States with the most job openings for Neonatal Therapist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Neonatal Therapist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Neonatal Therapist jobs are:
Neonatal Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Neonatal Therapist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 5% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $63,943 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

Physical Therapist - NICU

Oregon Health & Science University

Portland, OR • On-site

$1.7K - $2.2K/wk

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

154th of 614 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department Overview
This position is open to a Physical Therapist. The purpose of this job/position is to function as a member of the Rehabilitation Services patient care team by providing developmental therapy evaluation and treatment for our neonatal population. Treatment includes therapy services such as neonatal/infant massage and manual therapy, NDT, non-pharmacological pain management, family/caregiver education, and various other physical modalities to promote gross and fine motor development, improve breathing mechanics, and assist patients in improving strength, endurance, mobility and flexibility. The neonatal therapist in this position would be expected to serve clients in multiple areas of Doernbecher Children's Hospital, including the Doernbecher Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Pediatric ICU, Pediatric Medical/Surgical wards, and outpatient follow-up services.
Therapists evaluate each patient referred, establish treatment goals/objectives, develop a treatment plan and implement the plan. Therapists are expected to supervise therapy interns and students, assist with other educational research activities conducted by the department or the hospital and meet hospital standards regarding documentation and productivity. This position may include weekend shifts.
Function/Duties of Position
PROVIDES A SAFE THERAPEUTIC ENVIRONMENT
  • Ensures the safety and welfare of patients and fellow employees
  • Utilizes proper posture, sound body mechanics and principles for safe patient handling
  • Considers the needs of patients, employees, medical staff, volunteers, vendors and members of the community in an informative, courteous and compassionate manner
  • Maintains general good physical and mental health and self-care in order not to jeopardize the health and safety of self and others in the hospital / clinical setting.

SERVICE
  • Demonstrates excellent customer service and communication skills in all interactions with patients and family, including both telephone and face-to- face situations
  • Uses I CARE for introduction and closing
  • Demonstrates active listening skills and supportive, professional/behavior at all times, to patients, families and staff
  • Addresses, complaints and problems promptly and courteously, involving management when indicated
  • Communicates with patients/families, other health care team members, in a time and cost efficient, courteous manner.

PROVIDES SKILLED REHABILITATION TREATMENT
  • Prioritize care needs given medical necessity, discharge plan, medical stability and appropriateness to participate in rehabilitation
  • Performs and documents skilled patient care activities, including direct treatment and caregiver/patient/family education
  • Monitors and adjusts treatment plan specific to patient progress.
  • Facilitates routine patient activity plans with nursing and other caregivers
  • Updates recommendations to team regarding continuing rehabilitation needs and plan as patient's condition and situation warrant
  • Directs, supports and provides supervision as required for COTA's, Aides and volunteers
  • Develops and enhances patient care program and patient outcomes in specialty area
  • Documents treatment and other patient contacts in patient's medical record in compliance with DNV, OHSU, OAR's and third-party payer criteria

Required Qualifications
  • A license with the Oregon Physical Therapist Licensing Board as a Physical Therapist; OR
  • Completed an accredited physical therapy educational program and be eligible to obtain an Oregon Physical Therapy license or temporary permit.
  • At the time of appointment must have at least a temporary permit
  • Positions with in person patient care: BLS certificate within 30 days of hire or prior to independent practice, whichever comes first

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in Level IV NICU, Pediatric Acute Rehab, and Pediatric Outpatient
  • Experience with patient/clients aged 0-15 years. NICU, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit coursework or rotation
  • NICU Specialty Certificate

Additional Details
Routine inpatient hospital environment

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About Oregon Health & Science University

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Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887

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