Crafting a physical therapist resume that effectively highlights your expertise can be a game changer in landing your dream job.

Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced PT, your application should showcase your clinical skills, patient care experience, and certifications in a way that sets you apart.

In this guide, we'll walk you through key elements of a standout physical therapy resume, from structuring your work experience to emphasizing your specialized training.

Physical therapist resume examples

Orthopedic physical therapist resume sample

Orthopedic physical therapist resume template

Orthopedic physical therapist resume template
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Resume for physical therapy | Plain text

Name: Dr. Daniel Turner
Address: Denver, CO
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: daniel.turner@email.com

Objective

Dedicated and compassionate orthopedic physical therapist with over 6 years of experience in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal injuries. Passionate about helping patients achieve optimal recovery and functional independence.

Professional Experience

Orthopedic Physical Therapist

Advanced Physical Therapy, Denver, CO

June 2018 – Present

  • Conduct initial evaluations and develop personalized treatment plans for patients with orthopedic conditions, including post-operative rehabilitation.
  • Utilize manual therapy techniques and therapeutic exercises, improving patient outcomes by an average of 30%.
  • Educate patients on injury prevention and home exercise programs to enhance recovery.

Physical Therapy Intern

Denver Sports Medicine, CO

January 2018 – April 2018

  • Assisted in patient evaluations and treatment planning under the supervision of licensed therapists.
  • Gained hands-on experience in a variety of orthopedic techniques and modalities.

Education

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

University of Colorado, Denver, CO

Graduated: May 2018

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology

University of Denver, CO

Graduated: May 2016

Certifications

  • Licensed Physical Therapist, Colorado Board of Physical Therapy (June 2018 – Present)
  • Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) (June 2021 – Present)

Skills

  • Manual therapy
  • Therapeutic exercise
  • Patient education
  • Electronic medical records (EMR) proficiency

Strong sides of this physical therapist resume:

  • Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), emphasizing expertise in treating musculoskeletal injuries and post-operative rehabilitation.
  • Over 5 years of hands-on experience in a clinical setting, with a proven track record of improving patient outcomes.
  • Improved patient outcomes by 30%, highlighting effectiveness in treatment methods.
How to properly format a resume for a physical therapist?
  • Stick to professional, simple fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
  • Use a font size of 11 or 12 points for the main body text, and 14 to 16 for headers to help distinguish the different sections.
  • For a physical therapist with several years of experience, a two-page resume is acceptable
  • For those with less experience or just starting in the field, a one-page document is ideal.
  • Avoid cramming information; leave plenty of white space to maintain a clean look.
  • Add standard 1-inch margins on all sides of the page.
  • When listing experiences or skills, use bullet points to make the content more digestible.
  • Employ bold or a slightly larger font size for section titles to help organize the document.
  • When submitting electronically, save the file in PDF format to ensure the layout stays intact across different devices.

To guarantee consistent and professional formatting, consider using an online resume builder.

Resume Trick offers easy-to-use resume templates designed specifically for healthcare specialists like physical therapists, ensuring that your application looks polished and is free from issues.

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Neurological physical therapy resume example

Sample neurological physical therapist resume

Name: Dr. Ethan Clarke

Address: Seattle, WA

Phone: (555) 987-6543

Email: ethan.clarke@email.com

Objective

Compassionate neurological physical therapist with a strong background in treating patients with neurological disorders. Committed to improving patient mobility and quality of life through evidence-based practice.

Professional Experience

Neurological Physical Therapist

Northwest Rehabilitation Hospital, Seattle, WA

June 2020 – Present

  • Develop individualized treatment plans for patients with stroke, Parkinson's disease, and traumatic brain injuries.
  • Implement innovative therapeutic techniques that resulted in a 25% improvement in patient functional mobility scores.
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for patients.

Physical Therapy Intern

Seattle Neurorehabilitation Center, WA

January 2020 – April 2020

  • Assisted with patient assessments and treatment sessions for individuals having neurological conditions.
  • Gained experience in utilizing assistive technology for patient mobility enhancement.

Education

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Graduated: May 2020

Bachelor of Science in Health Science

Seattle University, WA

Graduated: May 2017

Certifications

  • Licensed Physical Therapist, Washington State Department of Health (June 2020 – Present)
  • Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) Certification (October 2021 – Present)

Skills

  • Gait training
  • Functional mobility assessment
  • Patient and caregiver education
  • EMR documentation

Here are a few reasons why this example of PT resume will impress recruiters:

  • Extensive experience working in interdisciplinary teams to provide holistic patient care, crucial for complex neurological cases.
  • Implementation of innovative techniques that have shown measurable improvements in patient mobility, emphasizing evidence-based practice.
  • Gained specialized experience in neurorehabilitation during internships, providing a solid foundation for neurological physical therapy.
Should I choose a physical therapist resume objective or summary?

A resume summary is a brief statement (2-4 sentences) highlighting your most significant qualifications and professional accomplishments.

  • This is ideal for physical therapists with years of experience, as it allows you to focus on your skills and notable achievements.
  • The summary helps to convey your career trajectory and how it aligns with the job you're applying for.

Physical therapist resume summary sample:

Experienced physical therapist with 6+ years of practice in orthopedic and geriatric care. Proven track record in improving patient mobility and reducing pain through targeted therapy plans. Passionate about providing exceptional patient care and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.

On the other hand, a resume objective is a 1-2 sentence statement about your career goals and why you are applying for the position.

  • This is a better choice for recent graduates or those transitioning into a physical therapy career.
  • While objectives are less common, they can still be useful if you lack extensive work experience but want to show enthusiasm for the role.

Physical therapist resume objective example:

Recent Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate seeking an entry-level position at Rehabilitation Center to leverage hands-on clinical experience and passion for improving patient outcomes.

Pediatric physical therapist resume sample

Pediatric physical therapy resume template

Pediatric physical therapy resume template
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Resume for pediatric physical therapist | Text version

Name: Dr. Maya Patel
Address: Austin, TX
Phone: (555) 321-7890
Email: maya.patel@email.com

Objective

Enthusiastic pediatric physical therapist with extensive experience working with children with developmental delays and physical disabilities. Dedicated to fostering a supportive environment for children and their families.

Professional Experience

Pediatric Physical Therapist

Children's Therapy Center, Austin, TX

July 2019 – Present

  • Conduct evaluations and created individualized therapy plans for children with various diagnoses, including cerebral palsy and Down syndrome.
  • Implement play-based therapy techniques, achieving significant improvements in gross motor skills among 90% of clients.
  • Collaborate with families and educators to integrate therapy goals into daily activities.

Physical Therapy Intern

Austin Pediatric Clinic, TX

January 2019 – April 2019

  • Assisted licensed therapists in providing care for children with physical and developmental challenges.
  • Participated in assessments and supported therapy sessions through engaging activities.

Education

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Texas State University, San Marcos, TX

Graduated: May 2019

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

University of Texas, Austin, TX

Graduated: May 2016

Certifications

  • Licensed Physical Therapist, Texas State Board of Therapy (July 2019 – Present)
  • Certified Pediatric Physical Therapist (CPT) (December 2021 – Present)

Skills

  • Pediatric assessment techniques
  • Play-based therapy
  • Family-centered care
  • Documentation and reporting

This sample physical therapy resume is effective for several reasons:

  • Certified Pediatric Physical Therapist (CPT) with experience in developmental delays and disabilities, showcasing a strong focus on child care.
  • Proficiency in using play-based techniques, which are highly effective in physical therapy.
  • Significant improvements in gross motor skills for 90% of pediatric clients, highlighting a high success rate.
How to showcase your physical therapist resume skills?

The skills section is a critical part of your application because it provides a quick snapshot of your abilities. Employers often scan this part to determine if you possess the necessary qualifications for the job.

  • Hard skills are technical knowledge that you gain through education or experience, such as specific therapeutic techniques or the ability to operate certain medical equipment.
  • Soft skills are interpersonal or cognitive capabilities that help you interact effectively with patients and colleagues, such as communication and empathy.

Physical therapist hard skills:

  • Manual therapy
  • Orthopedic rehabilitation
  • Therapeutic exercise
  • Gait training
  • Neurological rehabilitation
  • Sports injury rehabilitation
  • Post-surgical care
  • Balance and vestibular therapy
  • Pain management techniques
  • Functional movement screening

Soft skills for a physical therapist:

  • Empathy
  • Active listening
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Patience
  • Adaptability
  • Time management
  • Team collaboration
  • Attention to detail
  • Conflict resolution

Entry-level physical therapist resume example

Sample student physical therapist resume

Name: James Rodriguez
Address: Chicago, IL
Phone: (555) 654-3210
Email: james.rodriguez@email.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/james-rodriguez

Objective

Motivated Doctor of Physical Therapy student eager to apply academic knowledge in a clinical setting. Committed to learning from experienced professionals and contributing to patient care.

Education

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Rush University, Chicago, IL

Expected Graduation: May 2025

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

University of Illinois, Chicago, IL

Graduated: May 2022

Professional Experience

Physical Therapy Student Intern

Chicago Rehabilitation Institute, IL

August 2023 – Present

  • Participate in patient evaluations and developed treatment plans under the guidance of licensed therapists.
  • Assist in implementing therapeutic exercises for orthopedic and neurological patients.

Physical Therapy Student Intern

Children’s Hospital of Chicago, IL

January 2023 – April 2023

  • Supported pediatric physical therapy sessions, focusing on developmental milestones and motor skills.
  • Engaged in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient progress and care plans.

Certifications

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certified (April 2021 – Present)
  • CPR Certification (April 2021 – Present)

Skills

  • Patient communication
  • Exercise program design
  • EMR software proficiency
  • Team collaboration

Why is this physical therapy resume effective?

  • Shows a strong desire to gain experience, with relevant internships that demonstrate initiative and exposure to both orthopedic and pediatric physical therapy.
  • Gained clinical experience in both rehabilitation institutes and children's hospitals, indicating versatility and adaptability.
  • A solid academic foundation with a focus on Exercise Science, positioning the student well for clinical practice upon graduation.
What educational credentials should I add to my physical therapist resume?

Physical therapy is a regulated profession, so employers need to know that you have completed the necessary education and certifications to practice legally and effectively.

  • Start with your most recent diploma (usually a Doctor of Physical Therapy, or DPT) and include the institution, degree earned, and the year of graduation.
  • Include your physical therapy license (with the state of issuance) and any additional certifications relevant to the job (such as CPR certification or specialized therapy techniques).

If you're a recent graduate with limited professional experience, you can write coursework or clinical rotations.

Experienced physical therapy resume sample

Experienced physical therapist resume template

Experienced physical therapist resume template
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Resume for physical therapist | Sample text

Name: Dr. Laura Mitchell
Address: San Diego, CA
Phone: (555) 777-8901
Email: laura.mitchell@email.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laura-mitchell

Objective

Results-driven and experienced physical therapist with over 12 years of practice in various clinical settings. Expertise in orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation, with a passion for mentoring emerging therapists.

Professional Experience

Senior Physical Therapist

Pacific Coast Therapy Group, San Diego, CA

March 2014 – Present

  • Lead a team of therapists in providing high-quality patient care, focusing on evidence-based practice and innovative treatment approaches.
  • Develop and implement a successful mentorship program for new graduates, enhancing clinical skills and professional development.
  • Manage a diverse caseload, achieving a 95% patient satisfaction rating and positive outcomes across various conditions.

Physical Therapist

Rehabilitation Hospital of San Diego, CA

June 2012 – February 2014

  • Delivered comprehensive physical therapy services to patients with traumatic injuries and post-surgical rehabilitation.
  • Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare professionals to optimize patient recovery plans.

Education

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Graduated: May 2012

Bachelor of Science in Health Studies

San Diego State University, CA

Graduated: May 2009

Certifications

  • Licensed Physical Therapist, California Board of Therapy (June 2012 – Present)
  • Certified Manual Therapist (CMT) (October 2015 – Present)

Skills

  • Leadership and team management
  • Evidence-based practice
  • Patient assessment and treatment planning
  • EMR documentation

Professional Affiliations

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) (June 2012 – Present)
  • California Physical Therapy Association (August 2012 – Present)

This example of physical therapy resume is strong for several reasons:

  • Proven ability to lead teams and mentor new graduates, highlighting leadership skills and a commitment to the professional growth of others.
  • Expertise in both orthopedic and neurological physical therapy, making the candidate a well-rounded and versatile practitioner.
  • Long-standing membership in APTA and the California Physical Therapy Association, showcasing dedication to staying current in the field.
How to organize the experience section in a PT resume?

List your professional experience in reverse chronological order. This allows employers to see your current or most recent role and assess how your experience applies to the sphere.

  • For each position, include your job title, the name of the employer, the location, and the dates you worked there.
  • Use bullet points to detail your key responsibilities and accomplishments for each role.
  • Focus on quantifiable achievements where possible (e.g., "Increased patient mobility by 20% through tailored rehabilitation programs").

Conclusion

Your physical therapy resume is your opportunity to make a strong first impression.

Remember, attention to detail and clarity are essential, and don't forget to keep your application updated as your career progresses.

A well-written resume can help open the door to rewarding opportunities in the competitive field of physical therapy.

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