How To Write a Physical Therapist Resume
As a physical therapist, your resume is vital in making a positive first impression on health care employers, demonstrating your qualifications, experiences, and dedication to patient care. Whether you’re an experienced practitioner or a recent graduate, a well-crafted resume can build a bridge to exciting career opportunities.
You possess unique skills and expertise that are invaluable in the health care industry, and a good physical therapist resume will help you present your qualifications in the best possible light. Learn strategies to highlight your clinical knowledge, patient-centered approach, and proficiency in various treatment techniques. And see real physical therapist resume examples with guidance for creating a document that reflects your passion for improving lives.
1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your qualifications
When crafting your resume profile, focus on your specialized skills, patient-centered approach, and proven track record in providing effective rehabilitation services. Keep your profile concise, using two to three sentences to deliver a powerful introduction that captures the attention of hiring managers.
Establish credibility by mentioning the number of years you’ve practiced in the field and any special certifications you may hold. To engage readers, include an impressive stat or achievement showcasing your work’s impact. This is your opportunity to stand out as a top candidate, so make a strong first impression and entice readers to explore your resume further.
Senior-Level Profile Example
A licensed physical therapist with over 10 years of clinical experience, specializing in providing innovative physical treatment to patients suffering from chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). Adept at performing comprehensive patient evaluations to determine an accurate diagnosis and develop optimal treatment plans to achieve patient goals.
Entry-Level Profile Example
A licensed physical therapist with entry-level experience specializing in orthopedic outpatient care, rehabilitation, and patient-centered care. Adept at coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver empathetic care and improve the quality of life for patients.
2. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section
Display your unique skills and expertise, but instead of listing all your duties and responsibilities, start by quantifying your experience wherever possible. Showcase the number of patients treated, a percentage increase in patient satisfaction scores, or improvements achieved during therapy. Include relevant clinical data if your efforts increased positive patient outcomes or recovery timelines. Incorporating numbers and metrics will help you tell your unique story within the health care space and make a lasting impression on prospective employers.
Additionally, start each bullet point with an action verb to infuse a dynamic element into your writing, highlighting your proactive approach and engaging employers with compelling language. With this strategy, you can distinguish yourself as a results-oriented professional who makes a positive difference in the lives of their patients.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example:
Physical Therapist
West Light Physical Therapy, San Francisco, CA | May 2016 – present
- Deliver physical therapy outpatient treatment to clients suffering from chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS), evaluate symptoms related to bladder control, pain, and sexual function, and conduct treatment planning to relieve pain and improve quality of life
- Administer treatment to patients according to pain levels, revise treatment plans and clinical approaches based on progress, and improve positive patient outcomes by 15%
- Coordinate with interdisciplinary teams and chiropractors to guide treatment plans and employ a wide range of physical therapy modalities to drive patient recovery
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example:
Physical Therapist
Penn Medicine Physical Therapy, Radnor, PA | May 2021 – present
- Deliver outpatient physical therapy treatment to 25 active patients, identify rehabilitation needs and treatment plans based on long-term goals, and adjust treatment regimen based on pain levels and patient progress
- Educate patients on strength-building exercises, physical therapy equipment, and at-home care and improve recovery timelines by 10% on average
- Interface with interdisciplinary teams to develop appropriate treatment plans and enhance the quality of care across the facility
3. Include relevant education and certifications
Establish your qualifications and expertise in the field with an education section. Employers want to see you have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide high-quality patient care. You must show you’ve completed the required coursework and passed relevant exams to become a licensed physical therapist. Starting with your highest level of education, list the degree name, institution, location, and graduation date.
Specific certifications in areas like orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, or geriatrics can highlight your knowledge in specialized fields, making you a valuable asset to the organization. Physical therapists must meet specific educational and licensing requirements to practice legally, so including this information ensures compliance with regulations and provides confidence to employers. Create a separate certifications section and list each certificate name, issuing organization, and date received.
Education
Template:
[Degree Name]
[School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] – [Graduation Month and Year]
Example:
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
University of Syracuse, Syracuse, NY – May 2016
Certifications
Template:
[Certification Name], [Awarding Organization] – [Completion Year]
Example:
Licensed Physical Therapist, State of Pennsylvania – 2020, License #12345
4. List pertinent key skills
Including a key skills section demonstrates your capacity to deliver high-quality health care services and excel as a physical therapist. When listing skills, it’s essential to focus on those in direct alignment with the specific requirements of the job and the health care organization. Use a combination of hard skills (e.g., therapeutic techniques) and soft skills (e.g., communication and empathy) to present a well-rounded and versatile profile. Check out our list of examples below:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Aerobics | Dry needling |
| Empathetic care | Health care |
| Hydrotherapy | Injury prevention |
| Interdisciplinary rehabilitation | Kinesiology |
| Manual muscle testing (MMT) | Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) |
| Orthopedic rehabilitation | Outpatient treatment |
| Patient assessment | Patient-centered care |
| Patient education | Patient management |
| Pain management | Physical therapy |
| Rehabilitation plans | Sports injury |
| Sports medicine | Strength training |
| Treatment planning | |
How To Pick the Best Physical Therapist Resume Template
A template sets the stage for presenting your professional resume effectively. The best resume template for a physical therapist is clean and orderly, allowing hiring managers to quickly navigate your skills, experiences, and qualifications. Consider a professional design that complements the health care industry, but avoid overly elaborate or distracting layouts.
Simplicity and clarity are essential, so opt for a template that facilitates easy reading and highlights the most important aspects of your experience. The goal is to present your qualifications in the most compelling way possible, making it easy for employers to recognize your value as a physical therapist.
Physical Therapist Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
Years of Experience
- Entry-level
- Mid-career
- Senior-level
Marcia Johnson
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, Philadelphia, PA 12345
Profile
A licensed physical therapist with entry-level experience specializing in orthopedic outpatient care, rehabilitation, and patient-centered care. Adept at coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver empathetic care and improve the quality of life for patients.
Professional Experience
Physical Therapist, Penn Medicine Physical Therapy, Radnor, PA
May 2021 – Present
- Deliver outpatient physical therapy treatment to 25 active patients, identify rehabilitation needs and treatment plans based on long-term goals, and adjust treatment regimen based on pain levels and patient progress
- Educate patients on strength-building exercises, physical therapy equipment, and at-home care and improve recovery timelines by 10% on average
- Interface with interdisciplinary teams to develop appropriate treatment plans and enhance the quality of care across the facility
Residency, Penn Medicine Physical Therapy, Radnor, PA
May 2020 – May 2021
- Administered physical therapy treatment to patients in coordination with licensed physical therapists, performed patient evaluations, and developed treatment plans to reduce pain, improve function, and increase positive patient outcomes
- Utilized various physical therapy modalities to treat patients, including aerobics, joint mobilization, hydrotherapy, and massages
Education
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA September 2015 – May 2020
Master of Science (M.S.) Physical Therapy
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA May 2013 – May 2015
Key Skills
- Orthopedic Rehabilitation
- Strength Training
- Treatment Plans
- Empathetic Care
- Outpatient Care
Certifications
- Licensed Physical Therapist, State of Pennsylvania, License #12345, 2020
- Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association, 2020
Associations
- American Physical Therapy Association, (APTA), Member, 2020
Jason Lin
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, New York, NY 12345
Profile
A dynamic physical therapist with five years of experience specializing in sports medicine, orthopedics, treatment planning, and strength training. A proven track record of delivering rehabilitative treatment and physical therapy services to diverse patient populations.
Professional Experience
Physical Therapist, Syracuse Physical Therapy Center, Syracuse, PA
May 2018 – Present
- Administer physical therapy treatment to 30+ adolescent and adult patients suffering from sports-related injuries and disabilities
- Deliver education to patients and families on treatment plans, long-term outlooks, and recovery timelines and provide training on at-home care regimen
- Provide training to five new physical therapists on hospital procedures and coordinate with interdisciplinary teams to standardize the clinical approach to patient treatment, resulting in a 20% increase in positive patient outcomes
Physical Therapist, Brooklyn Physical Therapy Medical, New York, NY
May 2016 – May 2018
- Conducted patient assessments to evaluate the range of motion, performed manual muscle testing (MMT) and identified appropriate treatment plans based on long-term goals
- Delivered outpatient treatment for post-surgical care, ankle sprains, arthritis, fractures, and herniated discs
Education
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
University of Syracuse, Syracuse, NY September 2011 – May 2016
Master of Science (M.S.) Physical Therapy
University of Syracuse, New York, NY May 2009 – May 2011
Key Skills
- Sports Medicine
- Physical Therapy
- Manual Muscle Testing (MMT)
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Patient-Centered Care
Certifications
- Licensed Physical Therapist, State of New York, License #12345, 2016
- Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association, 2016
Associations
- American Physical Therapy Association, (APTA), Member, 2016
Kelly Morrison
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, San Francisco, CA 12345
Profile
A licensed Physical Therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience, specializing in providing innovative physical treatment to patients suffering from chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). Adept at performing comprehensive patient evaluations to determine an accurate diagnosis and develop optimal treatment plans to achieve patient goals.
Professional Experience
Physical Therapist, West Light Physical Therapy, San Francisco, CA
May 2016 – Present
- Deliver physical therapy outpatient treatment to clients suffering from chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS), evaluate symptoms related to bladder control, pain, and sexual function, and conduct treatment planning to relieve pain and improve quality of life
- Administer treatment to patients according to pain levels, revise treatment plans and clinical approaches based on progress, and improve positive patient outcomes by 15%
- Coordinate with interdisciplinary teams and chiropractors to guide treatment plans and employ a wide range of physical therapy modalities to drive patient recovery
Physical Therapist, San Francisco Medical, San Francisco, CA
May 2011 – May 2016
- Identified root cause of CPPS across a diverse patient population, delivered massages, and determined appropriate exercises to improve strength and functioning of pelvic floor
- Educated patients on pelvic floor function, physical therapy exercises, dietary restrictions, and at-home treatment to treat chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS)
Education
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA September 2007 – May 2011
Master of Science (M.S.) Physical Therapy
University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA May 2005 – May 2007
Key Skills
- Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)
- Orthopedic Rehabilitation
- Treatment Planning
- Patient Assessment
- Outpatient Care
Certifications
- Licensed Physical Therapist, State of California, License #12345, 2011
- Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association, 2011
Associations
- American Physical Therapy Association, (APTA), Member, 2011
Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for physical therapist resumes?+
Describing your accomplishments and finding the right words is often tricky, so we've curated a list of action verbs to help you accurately communicate your professional experience in physical therapy. Action verbs add a dynamic element to your writing, making it more engaging for readers. Create a vivid picture of your contributions as a physical therapist with these powerful words:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Administered | Assessed |
| Communicated | Coordinated |
| Created | Delivered |
| Designed | Developed |
| Educated | Evaluated |
| Implemented | Improved |
| Managed | Optimized |
| Planned | Prescribed |
| Rehabilitated | Strengthened |
| Supported | Treated |
How do you align your resume with a physical therapist job description?+
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for physical therapists is projected to increase by 17% between 2021 and 2031, much faster than average. Although the physical therapy field has high growth potential, you'll still face competition in the open market due to the lucrative nature of these positions. Tailoring your resume to the job you're applying for is essential in creating a standout resume.
Especially when applying for a specific physical therapist job opening, aligning your resume with the job description is a solid way to present yourself as the ideal candidate. To do this effectively, thoroughly review the job description and identify the key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities listed there. Feature your relevant experiences, certifications, and specialized training that align with the position. Use the organization's language and keywords to demonstrate your familiarity with their terminology and needs.
What is the best physical therapist resume format?+
The reverse chronological resume format is generally the most effective for physical therapists. This format focuses on your work history, emphasizing your career trajectory and professional dedication. It's a standard choice for physical therapists with a solid employment background.
However, the combination format might be more suitable if you're a new practitioner transitioning into physical therapy from a different field or if you have employment gaps. It lets you present your relevant skills and accomplishments before your work history. Ultimately, select a format based on your current professional circumstance and career goals.
Expert Advice: Include a cover letter with your resume
A powerful cover letter significantly boosts your chances of securing an interview while job hunting. The key to crafting a compelling cover letter is customization, tailoring it to the specific organization you’re applying to. Check out our cover letter guide to discover how to create your persuasive letter. Explore our physical therapist assistant and occupational therapist cover letter guides for more examples of related occupations.
