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Table of contents

Physical Therapy Resume Examples
Related resume examples
Choose the right resume format for your physical therapy resume
How to write a physical therapy resume in 5 simple steps
Add a cover letter
Key takeaways for your physical therapy resume
Commonly asked question about resume writing

As a physical therapist, your empathy and skill in rehabilitation are critical to guiding your patients toward recovery and improved quality of life.

Achieving excellence in your profession depends on your ability to connect with patients, accurately assess their needs and implement effective treatment plans. To secure the position you want, you must write a resume that shows how you have the expertise to succeed in your role. We’re here to help you through this journey.

Keep reading to find:

Resume examples for physical therapy applicants, whether you’re newly qualified or highly experienced.
Important features that differentiate a standout physical therapy resume.
Tips and strategies for writing an effective resume as a physical therapist.
Crucial information to include in every section of your physical therapy resume.
How to choose the best resume template and format that aligns with the physical therapy field.

Need a professional resume in a hurry? Consider using our AI Resume Builder, which offers detailed guidance in crafting each section of your resume with ready-to-use skills and phrases. This way, you can complete your application and be ready to apply today.

Physical Therapy Resume Examples

Entry-level physical therapy resume example

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What makes this a great physical therapy resume sample?

Simple layout
A neat and simple design allows this candidate’s skills to shine without distractions.
Emphasizes soft skills
Interpersonal skills and traits like empathy and communication are vital to a physical therapy role. This resume emphasizes both technical and soft skills.
Focuses on goals
Because this candidate is entry-level, her resume features an objective that describes the candidate’s desire to gain hands-on experience and develop as a professional.

Experienced physical therapy resume example

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What makes this a great physical therapy resume sample?

Structured around experience
This resume focuses on the candidate’s impressive track record of providing quality care as a physical therapist.
Includes certifications
Certifications are vital to the health care field, so including a certifications section helps make this resume stronger.
Uses action words
Active verbs like “assessed” and “communicated” help convey this candidate’s energetic approach and hard-working attitude.

Choose the right resume format for your physical therapy resume

To land the physical therapy position you’ve set your sights on, it’s crucial to convey the right information to hiring managers. Wondering how to make your resume stand out? The secret is in selecting the most fitting resume format based on your career stage.

For experienced physical therapists, opt for a chronological resume format to highlight your rich work history and professional growth in the field. This format suits you if you have a long work history to display.
If you’re new to physical therapy, perhaps a recent graduate with little to no direct experience, a functional resume format will serve you best. This style emphasizes your skills and potential, focusing on your clinical competencies and internships instead of an extensive work history.
For those in the midlevel stage, with three to five years of experience, or professionals transitioning into physical therapy from another field, a combination resume format can be ideal. It allows for a balanced showcasing of both your practical skills in patient care and your relevant work experiences, providing a comprehensive picture of your qualifications.

For more advice on organizing your resume effectively, our guide on resume formatting offers additional tips to strengthen your application.

Choose a physical therapy resume template

Create your resume

All resumes typically include standard sections, such as a professional summary or objective, skills list, work experience and educational background. However, the resume template you choose can significantly influence how your information is received.

In creative fields, selecting an equally creative template can express your personality. But, for physical therapists, it’s best to choose a straightforward modern template. This choice mirrors the professional and methodical nature of your work, ensuring your resume is both attractive and suited to a career in physical therapy.

If you’re unsure where to begin with your resume, starting with a simple template is a reliable choice that keeps you focused on the essentials.

How to write a physical therapy resume in 5 simple steps

Writing an impressive resume is a key step toward landing your next position as a physical therapist. To grab attention and set yourself apart from others, it’s important to tailor your resume specifically to the physical therapy sector and the particular role you’re eyeing.

Step 1

Analyze the physical therapist job description

Crafting a resume that hits the mark for the job you’re applying for not only makes your application stronger but also helps it pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) effectively.

Incorporating specific keywords related to physical therapy into your resume is crucial for making it past ATS filters, which scan resumes for candidates whose skills and experiences match the job requirements closely.

Keywords might encompass particular therapeutic techniques, rehabilitation software proficiencies and relevant certifications in the physical therapy field. By integrating these keywords throughout your resume, you boost your chances of being noticed by the ATS, moving you forward in the hiring process.

Step 2

Create a professional summary or resume objective

Kick off your resume with a strong introduction, using either a professional summary or a resume objective, based on your level of experience. This section serves as your resume profile.

For those newer to physical therapy, a resume objective can highlight your transferable skills and professional goals. More seasoned therapists should opt for a professional summary, summarizing their achievements, work history and key career highlights.

Physical therapist professional summary example:

Experienced physical therapist with over 10 years of experience in delivering patient-centered rehabilitation services. Skilled in developing personalized treatment plans, patient education and employing a wide range of therapeutic techniques. Recognized for dedication to providing comprehensive care, leading to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction. Committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practice.

Physical therapist resume objective example:

Newly licensed physical therapist eager to apply knowledge in therapeutic exercise, patient assessment and rehabilitation techniques gained through academic training and clinical internships. Passionate about contributing to patient recovery and mobility, with a focus on attentive care and personalized treatment plans. Aspiring to enhance professional skills while making a meaningful impact in patients’ lives.

Step 3

Highlight your most relevant physical therapy skills

No matter your career stage, it’s vital that hiring managers can quickly see what you offer. Your skills section should showcase a mix of hard skills that reflect your expertise in physical therapy and soft skills that illustrate your ability to connect with patients and work effectively in health care settings.

A well-rounded resume features a balanced representation of both hard and soft skills, providing a complete view of your capabilities.

Hard and soft skills for a physical therapy resume:

Hard Skills

Knowledge of therapeutic exercises and techniques
Patient assessment and diagnosis
Development of personalized treatment plans
Utilization of rehabilitation equipment and technology
Understanding of insurance and billing processes

Soft Skills

Empathy and compassion
Effective communication
Team collaboration
Problem-solving
Time management

Example of a strong physical therapist skills section:

Proficient in a variety of therapeutic techniques for diverse patient needs.
Experienced in designing and implementing targeted treatment plans.
Skilled at collaborating with health care teams to ensure comprehensive care.
Demonstrated ability to build rapport with patients, enhancing treatment engagement and effectiveness.

Pro tip

While technical skills are essential for a physical therapist, never overlook the importance of transferable skills. Employers highly value candidates who can blend technical proficiency with the ability to empathize with patients, work well with health care teams and communicate effectively with patients and their families.

Step 4

Write a strong physical therapy work experience section

Your work experience section is your chance to highlight your skills and expertise as a physical therapist, demonstrating the value you can bring to a new role. It should detail your roles in reverse-chronological order, along with a brief summary of your key accomplishments and responsibilities.

Here’s an example of a strong work experience section for a physical therapist:

Physical Therapist, Revive Physical Therapy
Portland, OR
March 2018 – April 2024

Led rehabilitation programs for patients recovering from injuries and surgeries, focusing on restoring mobility, reducing pain and improving overall quality of life.
Utilized advanced therapy techniques and equipment to enhance patient recovery and achieve therapeutic goals, effectively surpassing the expected success rate by 18%.
Collaborated with medical teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs.
Conducted thorough assessments to track patient progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
Educated patients and their families on injury prevention, home exercises and self-care techniques to support long-term recovery.

Pro tip

Use action verbs, quantitative data and specific outcomes to highlight your achievements. This approach provides concrete evidence of your impact and demonstrates your ability to assess your own performance effectively.

Step 5

Highlight your education and training

For a physical therapist, demonstrating a strong educational background and ongoing professional development is essential. List your degrees in the education section of your resume to show that you have the necessary qualifications.

Education

Doctor of Physical Therapy
University of Oregon, Eugene, OR

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

Certifications

Licensed Physical Therapist (LPT)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)

Pro tip

Certifications are crucial in the physical therapy field as they validate your expertise and commitment to professional standards. Include them prominently on your resume to stand out.

Optional sections for your physical therapist resume

Awards and honors

Listing awards can help differentiate you as a candidate because they offer evidence that your abilities have been recognized by your superiors and that you have demonstrated an ability to go above and beyond your duties.

How to list awards on your physical therapy resume

Physical Therapy Excellence Award – 2020
Outstanding Patient Care Award – 2019

Languages

Including languages on your resume shows both your general communication skills and your ability to connect with patients from a variety of backgrounds. If you’re multilingual, this is a valuable asset and you should showcase your language proficiencies.

How to list languages on your physical therapy resume

Fluent in English and Spanish
Conversational in French

Interests and hobbies

From general fitness to volunteer work, hobbies can be a great way to inject some personality into your resume and showcase your passion. So long as your hobbies are relevant to the physical therapy role, include them to demonstrate how your interests and career align and contribute to your dedication to patient care.

How to list hobbies on your physical therapy resume

Volunteer at local health clinics
Member of a running club focused on promoting active lifestyles

Add a cover letter

Create your cover letter

Every great resume needs a great cover letter to match. Your cover letter is your chance to add context to your resume and highlight the specific reasons why you’re the best fit for this particular role.

While writing a cover letter may seem intimidating, it doesn’t have to be difficult. Explore our cover letter examples to learn how to write and format your cover letter for success.

If you need a cover letter right away, give our Cover Letter Generator a try. This tool offers professional text suggestions for each section of your cover letter that you can use or customize to suit your needs.

Key takeaways for your physical therapy resume

Follow our guide to build a resume that stands out
Write your professional summary, skills, work experience and education to match the job you’re applying for. Use language from the job advertisement to show you’re a perfect fit.
Choose the right format
Highlight what matters most in your career, whether it’s your skills, work history or a mix of both. Pick a resume template that highlights your strengths effectively.
Customize for the job
Use specific details from the job posting instead of generic content. A tailored resume shows you’ve read the job description and understand what the employer is looking for.
Include both hard and soft skills
Being a successful physical therapist requires technical expertise and interpersonal skills. Make sure your resume includes a mix of both.
Highlight your work experience
Use action verbs and include data and metrics to quantify your achievements. This shows the impact you’ve made in your previous roles.
Choose a suitable template
If you’re unsure, a simple template is often best. It creates a professional-looking resume that effectively showcases your qualifications.
Consider a cover letter
Adding a well-written physical therapy cover letter can significantly improve your chances of getting an interview. It’s a chance to personalize your application and explain why you’re the perfect fit for the job.