A well-crafted student physical therapist resume can make all the difference when looking for internships, clinical rotations, or your first job in the field.

As a student, you may have limited professional experience, but highlighting your education, clinical training, and relevant skills can help you stand out.

This guide will walk you through the essential elements of an effective resume writing, from formatting to key sections, ensuring you present yourself as a strong candidate.

Student physical therapist resume examples

Physical therapy student resume sample

Student physical therapist resume template

Physical Therapy Student Resume
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Resume for student physical therapist | Plain text

Carolyn Barrett

New York, NY | Phone: (555) 123-4567 | Email: carolyn.barrett@email.com

Objective

Dedicated and compassionate physical therapy student with hands-on experience in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, patient assessment, and treatment planning. Seeking an opportunity to apply clinical knowledge in a professional setting and continue developing therapeutic skills.

Education

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

New York University (NYU) – New York, NY

Graduation Date: May 2026

Relevant Coursework:
- Musculoskeletal Dysfunction & Rehabilitation
- Neurological Rehabilitation
- Clinical Research & Evidence-Based Practice

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology

University of California, Berkeley, CA

Graduation Date: May 2022

Experience

Physical Therapy Intern

NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital – New York, NY

May 2025 – Present

  • Assist physical therapists with patient evaluations, treatment plans, and rehabilitation exercises for various musculoskeletal injuries.
  • Conduct range of motion (ROM) assessments and assisted in manual therapy techniques to reduce pain and improve mobility.
  • Work with patients post-surgery to support recovery, including helping them regain function through targeted therapeutic activities.
  • Document patient progress and treatment outcomes in SOAP notes for clinical review, ensuring clear communication between therapists and the healthcare team.

Volunteer Physical Therapy Assistant

Beth Israel Medical Center – New York, NY

August 2023 – May 2024

  • Supported physical therapists in managing patient records, preparing treatment rooms, and sterilizing equipment before patient sessions.
  • Assisted in physical activity instruction by guiding patients through basic exercises aimed at improving strength and flexibility.
  • Monitored patient progress during rehabilitation sessions and provided encouragement to patients.
  • Engaged in patient education, explaining home exercise programs and the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle to prevent injury.

Skills

  • Patient assessment
  • Manual therapy techniques
  • Neuromuscular re-education
  • Gait training
  • Medical documentation (SOAP notes)
  • Team collaboration
  • Clinical reasoning
  • Therapeutic exercise prescription
  • Patient motivation
  • Electronic Medical Records (EMR)

Certifications

  • CPR and First Aid Certified, American Heart Association (2025)
  • Basic Life Support (BLS), American Red Cross (2024)

Professional Development

  • Attended the 2024 New York Physical Therapy Conference on Musculoskeletal Injuries
  • Participated in an online workshop on Neurological Rehabilitation Techniques

Strong sides of this physical therapy student resume example:

  • Clear organization: Easy to navigate with well-defined sections.
  • Relevant coursework and certifications: Highlights education and professional development.
  • Experience-focused: Emphasizes practical clinical exposure in real-world settings.
How to properly format a resume for a physical therapy student?
  • Choose a classic font – Stick to Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 10–12 pt size.
  • Keep it to one page – Unless you have extensive relevant experience, avoid exceeding a single sheet.
  • Use standard margins – Maintain 1-inch spacing on all sides for a clean appearance.
  • Set appropriate line spacing – Opt for 1.0 or 1.15 to enhance readability while keeping content compact.
  • Organize sections – Employ bold or slightly larger text for categories like "Education" or "Experience."
  • Rely on bullet points – Rather than lengthy paragraphs, concise points improve readability.
  • Maintain uniform formatting – Ensure dates, section alignments, and bullet styles remain consistent.
  • Refrain from graphics – Many applicant tracking systems (ATS) struggle to process visual elements.
  • Save as PDF file – This preserves layout and prevents unintended shifts in structure.

To streamline the writing process and prevent formatting issues, consider trying a quick resume builder.

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New grad physical therapy resume example

Sample new grad physical therapy resume

Joseph Smith

Chicago, IL | Phone: (555) 789-1011 | Email: joseph.smith@email.com

Summary

Recent graduate of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program with hands-on experience in both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation settings. Eager to contribute to a clinical team and help patients achieve optimal mobility through evidence-based practice.

Education

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

University of Illinois at Chicago, IL

Graduation Date: May 2025

Relevant Coursework:
- Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
- Orthopedic Manual Therapy
- Sports Medicine

Bachelor of Science in Biology

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL

Graduation Date: May 2021

Clinical Experience

Physical Therapist Resident

Rush University Medical Center – Chicago, IL

January – December 2024

  • Provided physical therapy for a diverse range of patients with orthopedic, neurological, and cardiopulmonary conditions.
  • Developed individualized treatment plans focusing on rehabilitation, mobility, and pain reduction through a combination of therapeutic modalities and exercise.
  • Monitored patient progress and made necessary adjustments to treatment protocols based on patient feedback and clinical outcomes.
  • Educated patients on exercises, self-care practices, and lifestyle changes to enhance long-term recovery.

Physical Therapy Intern

Northwestern Memorial Hospital – Chicago, IL

June – December 2023

  • Assisted in outpatient physical therapy sessions for patients with musculoskeletal injuries, providing guidance on appropriate exercise techniques.
  • Administered therapeutic exercises, joint mobilizations, and gait training under supervision, ensuring exercises were tailored to patient needs.
  • Contributed to patient education by demonstrating exercises and providing feedback for progress, including modifications for patient comfort.
  • Supported the documentation of patient progress, ensuring proper communication between therapists and other healthcare professionals.

Skills

  • Musculoskeletal rehabilitation
  • Manual therapy
  • Patient education
  • Electronic medical record (EMR) management
  • Multidisciplinary team collaboration
  • Pain management techniques
  • Therapeutic modalities (heat, cold, ultrasound)
  • Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation
  • Gait analysis
  • Post-surgical rehabilitation

Licenses and Certifications

  • Licensed Physical Therapist (Expected October 2025)
  • CPR and First Aid Certified, American Heart Association (2025)

Volunteer Work

  • Volunteer Physical Therapist, Chicago Public Health Department
  • Organizing member of the UIC Physical Therapy Student Society

Here are a few reasons why this example of a physical therapy student resume will impress recruiters:

  • Detailed clinical experience: Demonstrates hands-on practice and responsibilities.
  • Balanced skill set: Combines technical and interpersonal abilities effectively.
  • Volunteer and professional development: Shows commitment beyond academics.
Should I choose a student physical therapist resume objective or summary?

Summary

  • Best for individuals with some hands-on experience (internships, clinical rotations, volunteer work).
  • It should be 2–3 sentences highlighting key skills and achievements.

Student physical therapist resume summary sample:

Dedicated physical therapy student with clinical rotation experience and a strong foundation in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Skilled in patient assessments and treatment planning, eager to contribute knowledge to a professional setting.

Objective

  • Ideal for those with little or no direct exposure to the field.
  • It should briefly outline career aspirations and enthusiasm for physical therapy.

Student physical therapist resume objective example:

Motivated physical therapy student with a passion for improving patient outcomes through evidence-based care. Seeking an opportunity to develop practical skills and gain hands-on exposure in a clinical environment.

How to showcase your physical therapist resume skills?

The skills section allows hiring managers to quickly identify your strengths.

  • Hard skills are technical abilities developed through coursework, internships, and hands-on training.
  • Soft skills refer to personal attributes that impact communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Physical therapist resume hard skills:

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

Soft skills for physical therapist resume:

  • Patient assessment
  • Therapeutic exercise prescription
  • Gait training
  • Manual therapy techniques
  • Range of motion (ROM) evaluation
  • Orthopedic rehabilitation
  • Electrotherapy application
  • Medical documentation (SOAP notes)
  • Neuromuscular re-education
  • Anatomy and physiology knowledge

Student physical therapist internship resume template

Physical therapy intern resume sample

Physical Therapy Intern Resume
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Resume for student physical therapist | Text version

Emma White

Los Angeles, CA | Phone: (555) 321-7654 | Email: emma.white@email.com

Objective

Motivated physical therapy student intern with experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Eager to develop hands-on clinical skills while assisting in patient care and rehabilitation treatments.

Education

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

University of Southern California (USC) – Los Angeles, CA

Graduation Date: June 2026

Relevant Coursework:
- Foundations of Physical Therapy
- Pediatric Physical Therapy
- Rehabilitation Psychology

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology

University of California, Los Angeles, CA

Graduation Date: May 2023

Internship Experience

Physical Therapy Intern

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center – Los Angeles, CA

July – August 2024

  • Observed and assisted licensed physical therapists during outpatient rehabilitation sessions for a variety of patients with orthopedic and neurological conditions.
  • Conducted mobility and strength assessments, documented findings, and assisted with designing individualized treatment plans under supervision.
  • Helped administer therapeutic exercises for patients with joint and muscular conditions, focusing on functional mobility and strength building.
  • Provided patient education on home exercises, injury prevention strategies, and the importance of adhering to prescribed rehabilitation protocols.

Physical Therapy Volunteer

UCLA Health – Los Angeles, CA

September 2023 – March 2024

  • Assisted in setting up equipment and preparing treatment areas for patient sessions, ensuring cleanliness and organization.
  • Supported therapists in applying modalities, conducting stretches, and guiding patients through physical therapy routines.
  • Managed patient files and assisted with tracking patient outcomes in the EMR system, ensuring accurate record-keeping.
  • Supported the physical therapy team in coordinating patient schedules, reducing wait times, and improving workflow efficiency.

Skills

  • Patient assessments
  • Exercise prescription
  • Modalities and therapeutic techniques
  • Patient education and support
  • Communication and team collaboration
  • Strength and conditioning
  • Injury prevention
  • Neuro-rehabilitation
  • Electrotherapy application
  • Manual therapy techniques

Honors and Awards

  • Dean’s List, University of Southern California (2025)
  • USC PT Student Excellence Award (2024)

Research Experience

  • Research Assistant, USC Department of Physical Therapy
  • Assisted in conducting a study on the effects of physical therapy in post-surgical knee rehabilitation, contributing to data collection and analysis.

This sample student physical therapist resume is effective for several reasons:

  • Patient interaction focus: Highlights direct involvement in patient care.
  • Research and academic achievements: Showcases dedication to further learning.
  • Diverse experience: Reflects adaptability with both internships and volunteer work.
What educational credentials should I add to my physical therapy student resume?

Academic background plays a significant role in this profession. Include:

  • Degree name (e.g., "Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)")
  • Institution name
  • Expected graduation date or completion year
  • Relevant coursework (optional)
  • Clinical rotations or internships (optional)
  • Honors or achievements (optional)
How to organize the experience section in a physical therapy student resume?
  • List positions in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
  • Add job title, organization name, location, and dates.
  • Use bullet points to describe responsibilities and contributions.
  • Highlight measurable accomplishments (e.g., "Assisted in rehabilitating 15+ post-operative patients weekly").
  • Emphasize duties related to patient care, assessments, and treatment support.
  • Incorporate transferable abilities such as teamwork, communication, and adaptability.

If lacking direct clinical exposure, include related experience (e.g., personal trainer, physical therapy aide).

Conclusion

Your physical therapy student resume should reflect your dedication, education, and any hands-on experience in the field.

By focusing on relevant coursework, clinical rotations, and key skills, you can create a compelling document that sets you apart.

Tailor it to each opportunity, keep it well-organized, and highlight what makes you a great candidate. With a strong application in hand, you'll be well on your way to launching a successful career in physical therapy.

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