- The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 16.9% growth in physical therapist employment between 2021 and 2031.
- There should be an expected 40,400 vacancies for this job throughout that time.
Following this guide, you will be on your way to writing a solid resume that showcases your qualifications, broadens your visibility, and establishes you as a top applicant in the competitive field of physical therapy if you follow the tips in this guide.
Tips To Write A Great Physical Therapist Resume
You can create a compelling resume that effectively highlights your skills, experience, and qualifications, increasing your chances of securing the desired job with these tips.
- Customize your resume for each position you apply to by carefully reviewing the job description and incorporating relevant keywords and skills.
- Begin your resume with a concise and strong objective or summary statement that captures the attention of hiring managers.
- Showcase your experience, including internships, externships, or prior job roles in physical therapy.
- Include your educational qualifications. Additionally, be sure to highlight any honors or accolades you have won.
- Demonstrate your expertise in key physical therapy skills such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, patient assessment, and treatment planning.
- Include any certificates and licenses that apply to the job for which you are seeking.
- Describe your ability to achieve positive outcomes by including specific examples of successful treatments or patient testimonials.
- Whenever possible, use quantifiable metrics to showcase the impact of your work.
- Use a clean and professional format, with specific headings and bullet points to make it easy to read.
Best Resume Format For Physical Therapists
The format of your physical therapist resume should prioritize clarity, professionalism, and ease of reading. Use a layout that best presents your information and highlights your qualifications and experience.
- RA reverse chronological format is commonly used and allows hiring managers to see your career growth and recent accomplishments first.
- Divide your resume into clear sections to enhance readability.
- Whenever possible, use numbers and metrics to quantify your accomplishments.
- Consider adding a brief objective or summary statement at the beginning of your resume.
- Keep the design of your resume simple and professional.
Physical Therapist Resume Examples
Entry-Level Physical Therapist Resume Sample
Clara Jones
Objective
Education
Skills
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities
Responsibilities:
Professional Affiliations
456-963-8745
clarajones@example.comwww.linkedin.com/Clara Jones
Objective
Motivated and compassionate entry-level physical therapist seeking an opportunity to apply my education, clinical experience, and passion for patient care. Dedicated to providing evidence-based treatments and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to deliver exceptional rehabilitation services.
Education
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Florida State University, MI
Graduated – May 2021
BSc in Kinesiology
Florida State University, MI
Graduated – Dec 2018
Skills
- Musculoskeletal assessment
- Gait training and balance exercises
- Modalities
- Patient Education
- Documentation and record keeping
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Proficient in EMR systems
Advent Rehabilitation Center
Physical Therapy Intern,
Florida, MI
Jun 2022 - Present
Responsibilities:
- Assisted licensed physical therapists in evaluating patients, collecting data, and documenting findings.
- Provided therapeutic interventions under supervision, including modalities.
- Observed and assisted with treatment planning for patients with multiple conditions.
- Conducted patient education sessions on home exercise programs and proper body mechanics.
D&C Sports Clinic
Physical Therapy Aide
Florida, MI
Jul 2021 – Jan 2021
Responsibilities
- Assisted physical therapists with patient setup, equipment preparation, and therapeutic exercises.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of treatment areas.
City Hospital
Volunteer Physical Therapy Assistant
Florida, MI
May 2020 – Jul 2020
Responsibilities:
- Assist physical therapy team with patient setup, equipment maintenance, and documentation.
- Provide emotional support to patients during their rehabilitation journey.
Licensed Physical Therapist. 2020
CPR and First Aid Certification 2019
Professional Affiliations
Student Member, American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
How To Write Physical Therapy Resume Objective or Summary?
Here's how to write a strong physical therapy resume summary:
- Begin your summary with a powerful statement that highlights your expertise and sets you apart from other candidates.
- Mention your areas of expertise, certifications, and any specialized training that makes you stand out. Focus on skills directly related to the job you're applying for
- Briefly mention notable accomplishments or outcomes you have achieved in your previous roles. Use quantifiable metrics when possible.
- Mention your ability to build strong patient relationships and your dedication to improving their quality of life.
- Here's how to write a compelling physical therapy resume objective:
- Clearly state your career aspirations and what you hope to achieve in the position.
- Mention any relevant coursework, clinical experiences, or internships that demonstrate your capabilities.
- Call attention to your desire to grow professionally and your interest in using evidence-based practices in the practice of physical therapy.
- Focus on your ability to provide compassionate care and your understanding of the need for broad teamwork in achieving the greatest patient results.
Resume Summary Example
Example 1
“Physical therapist with more than seven years of expertise in orthopedic rehabilitation with a focus on postoperative treatment and sports injuries. Proficient in manual therapy techniques, including Maitland and Mulligan, and experienced in developing tailored treatment plans based on patient needs. Achieved a 30% increase in patient satisfaction scores through effective treatment planning and implementation of evidence-based interventions.”
Example 2
“Physical therapist who is results-driven and has a strong educational background in kinesiology. Passionate about helping patients regain their motor skills and independence. knowledgeable in anatomy, physiology, and rehabilitation concepts, as well as skilled in musculoskeletal evaluation, therapeutic exercises, and modalities. Demonstrated ability to develop customized treatment plans that achieve positive patient outcomes. Dedicated to delivering patient-centered care and staying abreast of the latest advancements in the field.”
Resume Objective Example
Example 1
“Goal-oriented physical therapist with excellent educational background. Seeking an opportunity to utilize my passion for helping patients regain their mobility and independence. Capable to assess the musculoskeletal system effectively, using therapeutic exercises and modalities, and have a firm grasp of the fundamentals of anatomy and physiology, and rehabilitation. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team and provide compassionate care that improves patients' quality of life. Committed to ongoing professional development and staying updated with evidence-based practices.”
Example 2
“Entry-level therapist with a degree of Doctor of Physical Therapy. Skilled in musculoskeletal evaluation, therapeutic exercises, and patient education. Seeking an entry-level position that offers opportunities for growth, mentorship, and the chance to apply my knowledge and passion to help patients achieve their rehabilitation goals. Dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized care while collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary teams.”
How To Quantify Physical Therapy Experience?
Quantifying your physical therapy experience involves using measurable data and specific metrics to showcase the impact and outcomes of your work. Here are some strategies for quantifying your physical therapy experience:
- Mention the number of patients you have treated or managed within a specific time frame.
- Highlight the percentage of improvement achieved by your patients under your care.
- Discuss specific treatment outcomes or goals attained by your patients.
- Specify the average time it took for your patients to recover or reach certain milestones.
- Highlight any patient satisfaction scores or feedback you received.
- Describe the size of your caseload or the number of patients you managed simultaneously.
Job Description Sample
Sample 1
Penn Physical Therapy Clinic
Responsibilities:
Physical Therapist
Pennsylvania, PA
Jan 2021 - Present
Responsibilities:
- Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans based on patient goals and specific conditions, utilizing therapeutic exercises, manual therapy techniques, and modalities.
- Monitored patient progress through objective measurements and regular reassessments, resulting in an average improvement of 40% in pain levels and functional outcomes.
- Worked with a diverse team of healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care and ensure optimal treatment outcomes.
- Documented treatment sessions, progress notes, and discharge summaries in compliance with regulatory requirements and clinic policies.
Sample 2
Rockford Medical Facility
Responsibilities:
Physical Therapy Intern
Pennsylvania, PA
March 2019 – Dec 2022
Responsibilities:
- Assisted licensed physical therapists in evaluating and treating a diverse patient population, including post-surgical, neurological, and orthopedic cases.
- Implemented therapeutic exercises, gait training, and balance activities under supervision, contributing to patients' improvement in mobility and functional abilities.
- Assisted with the application of modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and heat/cold therapy to aid in pain management and tissue healing.
- Provided education to patients and their families on home exercise programs, proper body mechanics, and strategies for improving overall well-being.
- Collaborated with the healthcare team to contribute to comprehensive discharge planning, ensuring continuity of care and appropriate post-discharge recommendations.
How To Describe Your Education As A Physical Therapist?
When describing your education as a physical therapist on your resume, it's important to highlight the relevant details and showcase the depth of your training and qualifications. Here are ideas for how to describe your education:
- Mentioning your degree and the institution's name where you received it should be your first two sentences.
- Highlight key coursework or specialized training that is directly related to physical therapy.
- Mention the healthcare settings or clinics where you completed these rotations and provide a brief overview of the patient populations you worked with and the types of treatments you provided.
- If applicable, mention any research or capstone projects you completed during your education that are relevant to the field of physical therapy.
- If you received any academic honors, scholarships, or awards during your education, mention them to showcase your academic excellence and dedication to your studies.
Education Example For Physical Therapist Resume
Example 1
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Relevant Coursework:
Evaluation of the musculoskeletal system, therapeutic exercise methods, and orthopedic rehabilitation
Florida State University, MI
Graduated – May 2021
BSc in Kinesiology
Relevant Coursework:
Evaluation of the musculoskeletal system, therapeutic exercise methods, and orthopedic rehabilitation
Example 2
Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy
Relevant Coursework:
Neurological Interventions, Anatomy, Physiology, Clinical Kinesiology.
Certifications and Licenses
MGH Institute of Health, MA
Graduated – May 2016
Relevant Coursework:
Neurological Interventions, Anatomy, Physiology, Clinical Kinesiology.
Certifications and Licenses
Licensed Physical Therapist, 2017
CPR and First Aid Certification, 2016
How To Display Physical Therapy License?
When displaying your physical therapy license on your resume, you want to make it easily noticeable and accessible to potential employers. Here are a few ways you can effectively display your physical therapy license:
Licensing Section: Create a dedicated section on your resume specifically for licenses and certifications. List your physical therapy license under this section, along with any other relevant licenses or certifications you hold.Professional Summary/Objective: Include your physical therapy license within your professional summary or objective statement at the beginning of your resume. This ensures that it is prominently displayed and immediately catches the attention of the reader.
Education Section: If your physical therapy license is tied to your educational qualifications, you can incorporate it within your education section. Mention your license along with your degree and the institution from which you earned it.
Header/Footer: Another option is to include your physical therapy license in the header or footer of your resume, alongside your contact information. This ensures that it is consistently visible on every page of your resume.
How To Write Skills Section On A Physical Therapist Resume?
Here are some tips for effectively presenting your skills on a physical therapist resume:
- Customize your skills section to align with the job requirements, highlighting the most relevant skills to the position.
- Include a mix of technical skills related to assessment, treatment techniques, and modalities, as well as soft skills that demonstrate your ability to communicate, collaborate, and provide compassionate care.
- Use concise phrases or keywords to describe your skills. Avoid vague or generic statements.
- Group related skills together to create a logical structure
- Place the most relevant and essential skills at the beginning of each section.
Common Key Skills
Clinical Assessment and Evaluation: Proficiency in conducting comprehensive assessments, performing musculoskeletal evaluations, and using standardized tests to analyze patients' physical conditions.Manual Therapy Techniques: Competence in applying manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilizations, soft tissue mobilizations, and manual stretching to address musculoskeletal dysfunctions.
Modalities and Pain Management: Knowledge of and experience in using modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat/cold therapy, and traction to manage pain and enhance tissue healing.
Gait Training and Balance Enhancement: Proficiency in assessing and improving gait patterns, balance, and coordination through targeted interventions and exercises.
Patient Education and Motivation: Ability to effectively educate and empower patients about their conditions, treatment plans, and home exercise programs, promoting compliance and self-management.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Skill in working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive and coordinated patient care.
Clinical Documentation and Record Keeping: Knowledge of maintaining accurate and detailed clinical documentation, including progress notes, treatment plans, and discharge summaries, adhering to legal and regulatory requirements.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication abilities to establish rapport with patients, actively listen to their concerns, and provide clear instructions and feedback.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Aptitude in analyzing complex situations, identifying problems, and developing effective solutions to optimize patient outcomes.
Time Management and Organization: Efficiently managing time, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining organized records and schedules in a fast-paced clinical environment.
Professional Development: Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest research, advancements, and evidence-based practices in the field of physical therapy.
Hard Skills
- Musculoskeletal Assessment
- Therapeutic Exercises
- Manual Therapy Techniques
- Modalities
- Gait Training
- Patient Education
- Documentation and Record Keeping
- Functional Capacity Evaluation
- Assistive Device Training
- Anatomy and Physiology
Soft Skills
- Empathy
- Interpersonal Skills
- Communication
- Problem-Solving
- Adaptability
- Patience
- Critical Thinking
- Time Management
- Teamwork
- Professionalism
List of Action Verbs To Enhance Resumes Of Physical Therapists
- Assessed
- Diagnosed
- Developed
- Implemented
- Created
- Designed
- Collaborated
- Coordinated
- Managed
- Planned
- Administered
- Conducted
- Performed
- Monitored
- Evaluated
- Documented
- Updated
- Adapted
- Modified
- Demonstrated
- Instructed
- Educated
- Motivated
- Supported
- Guided
- Trained
- Facilitated
- Improved
- Restored
- Enhanced
- Strengthened
- Mobilized
- Relieved
- Implemented
- Utilized
- Utilized
- Provided
- Communicated
- Advocated
- Counseled
- Collaborated
- Coached
- Empowered
- Researched
- Published
- Presented
- Innovated
- Organized
- Prioritized
Additional Resume Sections To Make An Effective Resume
Certifications and Licenses: Highlight any additional certifications or licenses relevant to physical therapy or state licenses in different jurisdictions.
Professional Memberships: List any memberships in professional associations or organizations related to physical therapy to demonstrate your engagement and commitment to the field.
Clinical Rotations or Internships: If you are an entry-level physical therapist or have recently completed clinical rotations; consider creating a separate section to detail the specific settings.
Continuing Education: Showcase any additional training, workshops, or courses you have completed beyond your formal education.
Publications and Research: If you have contributed to any research projects, published articles, or presented at conferences, include a section highlighting your scholarly activities.
Volunteer Experience: If you have volunteered in healthcare-related or community service roles, include a section to showcase your volunteer work.
Languages: Include a section describing your language skills if you are fluent in any other language except English.
Professional Achievements: Create a section to showcase notable achievements, awards, or recognition you have received in your career.
Tips To Write Compelling Cover Letters
- Give a personal touch by addressing the cover letter to a specific person.
- Start your cover letter with an engaging and attention-grabbing summary.
- Use the body of the letter to emphasize your skills, experiences, and achievements that directly align with the job requirements.
- Describe your love for physical therapy and how this role fits with your career goals.
- Focus on highlighting your most relevant experiences and skills rather than rehashing your entire resume.
- If you have any gaps in employment or other aspects of your background that may raise questions, address them briefly and positively.
- Conclude your cover letter by reiterating your interest in the position and expressing your desire for an interview.
FAQs
How long should a physical therapist's resume be?
A physical therapist's resume should be kept to one or two pages in length. This concise format ensures that the document is easy to read and allows the hiring manager to quickly assess your qualifications.
Keep in mind that hiring managers often scan a large number of resumes, so a focused and organized overview will improve your chances of landing an interview.
Here are some tips to help you keep your physical therapist resume limited to the desired length:
- Focus on relevant information
- Use concise language
- Prioritize recent and important experiences
- Select the educational details carefully.
