Physical Therapist Resume Examples and Templates

A well-crafted physical therapist resume is the foundation of a successful career in the field of physical therapy. Whether you are a licensed physical therapist, a physical therapist assistant, or a student completing your doctor of physical therapy degree, your resume must clearly highlight your physical therapy skills, treatment plans, and ability to improve patients’ mobility and quality of life.

Potential employers, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private clinics, look for resumes that demonstrate not just qualifications, but also compassion, technical expertise, and hands-on experience in physical therapy. In this guide, we’ll walk you through physical therapist resume examples and templates, resume writing tips, and strategies to make your application stand out.

Why a Strong Physical Therapist Resume is Essential

In today’s competitive job market, your physical therapist’s resume needs to do more than list degrees and certifications. It should:

• Showcase your years of experience in treating patients with diverse needs.

• Highlight treatment plans, rehabilitation techniques, and specialized areas such as sports physical therapy, pediatric physical therapy, or outpatient physical therapy.

• Demonstrate membership in professional associations such as the American Physical Therapy Association.

• Use a clean resume layout and an ATS-friendly resume format to ensure your resume gets noticed.

A great physical therapist resume positions you as a dedicated, skilled, and patient-focused professional ready to take on a challenging physical therapist role.

Physical Therapist Resume Examples

Here are some clear examples of what to include on your physical therapy resume

1. Experienced Physical Therapist Resume Example

   • 10+ years of experience in outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation.

   • Developed treatment plans tailored to patients with orthopedic and neurological conditions.

   • Member of the American Physical Therapy Association.

2. Physical Therapist Assistant Resume Example

   • Assisted lead therapists in delivering physical therapy treatment.

   • Monitored patient progress and maintained accurate records.

   • Skilled in physical therapy techniques and patient education.

3. Sports Physical Therapist Resume Example

   • Specialized in athletic injury recovery and advanced physical therapy techniques.

   • Designed rehabilitation plans to help athletes return to competition.

   • Proficient in advanced photo editing software for biomechanics analysis (if relevant to your clinic).

4. Pediatric Physical Therapist Resume Example

   • Focused on improving motor skills and coordination in children.

   • Created individualized plans for children with developmental delays.

   • Collaborated with parents and teachers for effective therapy.

5. Senior Physical Therapist Resume Example

   • Managed a team of therapists in a busy physical therapy department.

   • Developed training programs for new hires and students.

   • Recognized as the best physical therapist in the clinic based on patient feedback.

(You can expand this list into 11 physical therapist resume examples by including physiotherapist roles, student resumes, and specialized settings such as geriatrics, neurology, and occupational therapy support.)

Key Resume Sections for a Physical Therapist

When writing your resume, make sure to include these resume sections:

• Contact Information – At the top of your resume, include name, phone, email, and LinkedIn. \

• Resume Summary or Objective – Write a compelling resume summary that highlights your experience in physical therapy and career goals. Example: “Dedicated licensed physical therapist with over 7 years of experience creating customized treatment plans, specializing in orthopedic and pediatric physical therapy.”

• Skills Section – Include both technical and interpersonal skills. Example:

  • Physical therapy techniques
  • Patient-centered treatment plans
  • Physical therapy equipment
  • Rehabilitation program design
  • Strong communication and empathy

• Work Experience – Use a reverse chronological resume format with bullet points describing responsibilities and accomplishments. For example:

  • “Developed and implemented rehabilitation programs for patients recovering from orthopedic surgeries, resulting in 40% faster recovery rates.”

• Education – List your Doctor of Physical Therapy degree or other degrees in physical therapy.

• Certifications – Include credentials such as Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT) or relevant state licensure.

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Tips for Crafting Your Physical Therapy Resume

1. Tailor your resume – Customize it for each physical therapist position by analyzing the physical therapist job descriptions.

2. Highlight measurable achievements – Instead of just saying you “developed treatment plans,” explain how they improved patient outcomes.

3. Use a resume builder – A resume builder offers ATS-friendly resume templates to help you create a professional resume.

4. Keep your resume concise – Aim for a two-page resume if you have extensive experience, but students or entry-level applicants should use a single page.

5. Showcase physical therapy projects – Mention specific rehabilitation cases, research contributions, or physical therapy programs you helped develop.

6. Make your resume stand out – Use action verbs like “implemented,” “coordinated,” and “achieved” throughout your resume highlights.

Physical Therapist Resume Templates

Using a resume template designed for healthcare roles can save time and ensure professional formatting. Look for templates that:

• Emphasize skills and experience relevant to physical therapy jobs.

• Offer clean designs with space for resume summary, resume objective, and education.

• Follow a chronological resume format or reverse chronological resume format for easy readability.

Free downloadable and customizable resume templates can also help streamline the process if you are unsure how to format your physical therapy resume.

Writing a Physical Therapist Cover Letter

A photographer cover letter might highlight creativity, but for physical therapy roles, your cover letter should focus on compassion, clinical expertise, and dedication.

• Mention your years of experience in physical therapy.

• Explain why you’re passionate about helping patients recover.

• Reference your knowledge of specific physical therapy techniques or patient demographics, such as pediatrics or sports rehabilitation.

Pairing your resume with a strong cover letter creates a compelling resume and application package.

Final Thoughts

Your resume for a physical therapist role should reflect your passion for physical therapy, professional expertise, and dedication to patient care. By following these strategies, using physical therapist resume examples, and selecting the right resume template, you can create a resume that showcases your strengths and appeals to potential employers.

Whether you are a physical therapy student, an experienced physical therapist, or seeking a senior physical therapist role, the right resume will help you take the next step in your career in physical therapy.

Remember: A resume is essential to demonstrate your skills, but combining it with a strong cover letter, relevant certifications, and examples of your work will give you the best chance at landing your desired role in the physical therapy field.