A well-crafted physical therapist assistant resume is essential for anyone looking to stand out in a competitive job market.

As healthcare providers who play a critical role in patient recovery, PTAs must showcase their clinical skills, certifications, and passion for patient care. Whether you’re an entry-level candidate or an experienced professional, having a strong document can make all the difference in landing your next job.

This article provides tailored resume examples and resume writing guide to help you highlight your unique strengths to prospective employers.

Physical therapist assistant resume examples

Entry-level physical therapist assistant resume

Entry-level physical therapist assistant resume template

Physical Therapist Assistant Resume
Use template Download PDF

Entry-level physical therapist assistant resume sample | Plain text

Olivia Martinez

Chicago, IL
Email: olivia.martinez@gmail.com
Phone: (555) 123-4567

Objective

Compassionate and motivated recent graduate with hands-on clinical training as a Physical Therapist Assistant. Eager to apply knowledge of rehabilitation techniques and patient care to contribute to a skilled and compassionate therapy team.

Education

Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant

Northwestern Community College, Chicago, IL

  • Graduated: May 2024
  • GPA 3,6
  • Relevant Coursework: Anatomy and Physiology, Kinesiology, Therapeutic Modalities
  • Honors: Dean’s List (2022-2024)

Certifications

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (LPTA)

State of Illinois, License #: 12345, Expiration Date: May 2026

CPR and First Aid Certified

American Heart Association, Certification Date: April 2024

Clinical Experience

Physical Therapy Intern

Sunnybrook Rehab Center, Chicago, IL

January – April 2024

  • Assisted in providing physical therapy services under the supervision of licensed therapists to patients recovering from orthopedic injuries.
  • Administered therapeutic exercises and assisted in the use of modalities such as heat, cold, and electrical stimulation.
  • Documented patient progress and communicated findings with supervising therapists to adjust treatment plans.
  • Ensured the comfort and safety of patients during treatment sessions.

Skills

  • Therapeutic exercise techniques
  • Patient education and instruction
  • Effective communication with patients and healthcare teams
  • Knowledge of rehabilitation equipment and modalities
  • Time management and patient scheduling

Why this physical therapist assistant resume for new grad is effective?

  • Highlights clinical experience gained through an internship, showing practical application of education.
  • Emphasizes relevant certifications (e.g., LPTA and CPR), which are crucial for a PTA role.
  • The opening statement demonstrates enthusiasm and a commitment to patient care, appealing to employers seeking fresh talent.
How to format a PTA resume?
  • Choose easy-to-read fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. These fonts are widely accepted.
  • Use a font size of 10–12 pt for the main text and 14–16 for your name and section headers.
  • Standard margins are 1 inch on all sides. Ensure adequate space between parts.
  • Utilize bullet points to list responsibilities and accomplishments for clarity and easy skimming.
  • For most assistants, the resume should be one page. This is especially important for those with limited experience.
  • Add action verbs to describe your duties and achievements.
  • Tailor your application to each occupation by including keywords and phrases directly from the job posting.
  • Verify your draft is easy to skim. Use clear, concise language and avoid long paragraphs.
  • Do not incorporate personal information like age, marital status, religion, or social security number.
  • Always proofread your resume for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors.

If you're short on time, create online resume for free to quickly create a professional and polished document.

Resume Trick offers a variety of pre-designed great resume templates that cater to different industries and job roles, making it easier to choose a layout that best suits your needs.

Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE

Build My Resume
How to list education on a resume for physical therapist assistant?
  • Start with the diploma you earned.
  • Include the field of study or major.
  • Write the official name of the university.
  • Provide the city and state where the school is located.
  • Mention the month and year you graduated.
  • If you finished with honors or have a notable GPA (typically 3.5 or above), you can place them in a separate line.

Pediatric physical therapist assistant resume

Pediatric physical therapist assistant resume example

Maria Gonzalez

San Antonio, TX
Email: maria.gonzalez@gmail.com
Phone: (555) 234-5678

Resume Summary

Patient and compassionate Physical Therapist Assistant with 5 years of experience in pediatric rehabilitation. Expertise in assisting children with physical disabilities, developmental delays, and post-surgical recovery. Passionate about creating a supportive and engaging environment to help young patients thrive.

Experience

Pediatric Physical Therapist Assistant

Children’s Rehab Center, San Antonio, TX

July 2020 – Present

  • Assist pediatric physical therapists in developing and implementing individualized treatment plans for children with a variety of conditions, including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and post-surgical recovery.
  • Guide children through therapeutic exercises and activities to improve motor skills, strength, and mobility.
  • Educate parents and caregivers on home exercises and strategies to promote continued progress outside of therapy sessions.
  • Collaborate with physicians, occupational therapists, and speech therapists to provide holistic care for pediatric patients.

Physical Therapist Assistant Intern

San Antonio Pediatric Clinic, San Antonio, TX

January – May 2020

  • Assisted in providing physical therapy services to children with neurological and musculoskeletal conditions under the supervision of licensed therapists.
  • Supported therapy sessions, documenting patient progress and adjusting treatment as directed.

Education

Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant

San Antonio College, TX

Graduated: May 2020

Certifications

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (LPTA)

State of Texas, License #: 67890, Expiration Date: May 2026

CPR and First Aid Certified

American Heart Association, Certification Date: February 2024

Skills

  • Pediatric rehabilitation techniques
  • Patient and family communication
  • Knowledge of child development
  • Experience with adaptive equipment and mobility aids
  • Ability to create engaging therapy sessions for children

Languages

  • English: Fluent
  • Spanish: Fluent

Hobbies

  • Arts and Crafts for Children
  • Fitness

Why this physical therapy assistant resume example is compelling?

  • Focuses on specialized pediatric experience, which is crucial for employers seeking PTAs for kid's care settings.
  • Maria’s fluency in both English and Spanish is a significant asset, particularly in diverse communities.
  • Including hobbies provides a more humanizing touch and reveals genuine interest in activities that align with the professional focus.
How to choose between resume summary and objective?

Physical therapist assistant resume summary:

  • A brief statement that highlights your qualifications.
  • Best for candidates with experience in their field.
  • Ideal for those who can showcase why they are a strong fit.

Example:

Compassionate Physical Therapist Assistant with 4 years of experience in neurological rehabilitation, including working with patients suffering from strokes, spinal cord injuries, and neurological disorders. Skilled in delivering targeted rehabilitation programs aimed at improving motor function, coordination, and overall mobility.

Physical therapist assistant resume objective:

  • Outlines your career goals, why you are applying for the position, and how you want to grow.
  • Suitable for applicants who are either new to the field or changing careers.

Example:

Sports-oriented Physical Therapist Assistant seeking to leverage my expertise in injury rehabilitation to assist athletes in their recovery process. Eager to contribute to a sports clinic dedicated to preventing future injuries.

Geriatric physical therapist assistant resume

Geriatric physical therapist assistant resume template

Geriatric Physical Therapist Assistant Resume
Use template Download PDF

Geriatric physical therapist assistant resume sample | Plain text

Thomas Walker

Miami, FL
Email: thomas.walker@gmail.com
Phone: (555) 876-5432

Resume Summary

Empathetic Physical Therapist Assistant specializing in geriatric care. With over 6 years of experience, dedicated to helping older adults improve mobility, strength, and overall quality of life through personalized therapy and rehabilitation programs.

Experience

Geriatric Physical Therapist Assistant

Miami Senior Care Center, FL

August 2021 – Present

  • Provide rehabilitation services for elderly patients recovering from hip replacements, strokes, and other age-related conditions.
  • Develop individualized exercise programs focusing on strength, balance, and flexibility to enhance independence and mobility.
  • Educate patients and their families on injury prevention, fall reduction, and proper body mechanics.
  • Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to address the diverse needs of geriatric patients.

Physical Therapist Assistant

Sunrise Rehabilitation Center, Miami, FL

January 2019 – July 2021

  • Assisted in administering physical therapy treatments for a wide range of conditions, including arthritis, cardiovascular issues, and musculoskeletal injuries.
  • Maintained accurate patient records and communicated progress to supervising therapists and doctors.

Volunteer Experience

Physical Therapy Assistant Volunteer

Miami Community Health Clinic, FL

February 2022 – Present

  • Provide free rehabilitation services for elderly community members who are unable to afford private therapy.
  • Offer assistance with mobility exercises, strengthening programs, and balance training.
  • Support clinic staff in managing patient appointments and maintaining patient records.

Education

Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant

Miami Dade College, FL

Graduated: December 2018

Certifications

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (LPTA)

State of Florida, License #: 98765, Expiration Date: December 2025

Skills

  • Geriatric rehabilitation
  • Fall prevention techniques
  • Strong interpersonal skills with elderly patients
  • Manual therapy techniques
  • Patient education and family support

Honors

  • Employee of the Year, Miami Senior Care Center, 2019

Strong sides of this physical therapy assistant resume sample:

  • Directly emphasizes experience working with the elderly, an essential qualification for roles in geriatric rehabilitation settings.
  • The educational background is clearly presented, showing Thomas’s formal preparation for his career.
  • The inclusion of volunteer work adds a layer of commitment to the community and highlights his willingness to help underserved populations.
How to list experience on a PTA resume?
  • Arrange your work history in reverse chronological order.
  • Outline the job title you held.
  • Add the full name of the facility where you worked.
  • Include the city and state where the company is located.
  • Provide the start and end date for each position.
  • Describe duties and responsibilities in bullet points.
  • Quantify your achievements with numbers or percentages.
What skills to put on a physical therapist assistant resume?
  • Hard skills are technical abilities or knowledge required for specific tasks or jobs. They are learned through formal education, training programs, or hands-on practice.
  • Soft skills are personal attributes that help you interact effectively with others and navigate the workplace. They often come from personal experiences and social interactions.

PTA resume hard skills:

  • Therapeutic Exercise Techniques
  • Patient Assessment
  • Modalities Use (e.g., heat, cold, ultrasound, electrical stimulation)
  • Manual Therapy Techniques
  • Patient Documentation and Charting
  • Medical Terminology
  • Rehabilitation Equipment Operation (e.g., resistance bands, weights)
  • Patient Mobility Assistance
  • Range of Motion Techniques
  • Knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology
  • Injury Prevention Strategies
  • CPR and First Aid
  • Knowledge of Healthcare Regulations and Compliance
  • Treatment Plan Development
  • Vital Signs Monitoring
  • Assistive Device Training (e.g., walkers, crutches)

PTA resume soft skills:

  • Empathy
  • Communication (verbal and written)
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Problem-Solving
  • Patience
  • Active Listening
  • Time Management
  • Adaptability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Organizational Skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Stress Management
  • Compassion
  • Motivation and Encouragement
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Interpersonal Skills

Conclusion

In conclusion, a well-crafted physical therapist assistant resume can significantly enhance your chances of standing out to potential employers in this rewarding field.

By highlighting relevant skills, experience, education, and certifications, you can demonstrate your commitment to providing high-quality patient care.

Whether you are a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, taking the time to create a clear, concise, and impactful resume will set you on the path to success in your career.

Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE

Build My Resume