Physical Therapist Resume Sample

By Jamie Thork, Monster contributor

Does your physical therapist resume seem strong enough for a job search, or does it have some pain points that need to be addressed? View the sample resume for a physical therapist that resume expert Kim Isaacs created below and download the physical therapist resume template in Word.

Jobs for physical therapists are projected to grow by 21% (or 49,100 jobs) in the next decade, which is much faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). You'll find a big level of employment for this job in the following metropolitan areas:

The median salary for a physical therapist is $37 an hour, and can reach upwards of $45. Find out what you could earn by checking the Monster Salary Tool.

Take Stock

Before you create or revamp your resume, research advertised PT positions on Monster. This effort will give you insights into the skills, experience, credentials, and traits employers are seeking. Do job ads repeatedly mention requirements like graduation from a CAPTE-approved degree program, acute-care experience, or a background in pediatrics/geriatrics?

Take note of both hard skills (e.g., "experience assessing active and passive range of motion") and soft skills (e.g., "energetic team player" and "excellent interpersonal skills"). Once you know what employers want, use this information as a blueprint to develop your resume. Feature your matching qualifications prominently in your career summary; don't assume employers will know these details just from looking at your job title, degree, or place of employment. Here's an example of a physical therapist resume professional summary:

Licensed physical therapist with five years of experience providing inpatient and outpatient rehabilitative services for infants, children, adults, and geriatric patients. Honors graduate of CAPTE-approved Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MSPT) program. Additional credentials include BLS and CPR certifications. Team player with a reputation for excellent patient-communication skills and proven strengths managing high-volume caseloads in acute-care settings.

Work History

When you write your resume, try to think like an employer would—this holds true whether you're writing an entry-level physical therapist resume or a senior physical therapist resume. Hiring managers want to know not only what you have done, but also how well you have performed. Your achievements are much more effective than a random list of physical therapist resume skills.

As you write your work history section, emphasize your responsibilities and key contributions so employers can quickly grasp the depth and breadth of your experience. Include details such as:

  • Patient success stories
  • Work setting (e.g., acute care, small medical group, outpatient)
  • Caseloads you managed
  • Types of rehabilitative treatments/modalities you administered
  • Technology/equipment you used
  • Contributions you made toward PT program improvement
  • Recognition you received for outstanding work performance

Show Your Dedication

Membership in professional associations such as the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), industry leadership roles, and volunteer activities help demonstrate that you are committed to the field. Be sure to detail all of your industry activities in an Affiliations section.

Include Keywords

Keywords are search terms employers use to weed through resume databases. Your resume should include physical therapy-related keywords to ensure it is found in an electronic applicant search. Examples of keywords include job titles, degrees, certifications, professional organizations, and skills/areas of specialty (e.g., patient assessment, muscle re-education, geriatrics). If a keyword has a widely used acronym, include both the abbreviated and spelled-out forms somewhere in your resume, since an employer may use either during a search.

See all physical therapist jobs on Monster.

Physical Therapist Resume Sample

Jesse Sussman, DPT, PT
Sometown, NJ 19000 | 609-555-5555 | js@somedomain.com | LinkedIn URL

Physical Therapist (PT) offering exceptional patient-service skills and a demonstrated history of clinical excellence. Credentials include dual-state licensure (NY and NJ); BLS, lymphedema and CPR certifications; and a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE- accredited program. Experience working with pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.

Professional Experience

Physical Therapist, 5/20xx to Present | ABC Hospital, Sometown, NJ

Provide physical therapy services for a 100-bed, specialized acute-care hospital. Assess patients’ rehabilitative needs, develop patient plans and treatment goals and conduct physician-prescribed PT programs. Train PT assistants in physical-rehabilitation-therapy treatments.

Selected Contributions:

  • Promoted a positive, professional and solutions-oriented approach with colleagues and ancillary staff. Elevated the hospital’s public image, garnering 20 new 5-star ratings on MediEval website.
  • Restored function for patients following disease or profound injury (including loss of limb, traumatic brain injury, stroke, lymphoma and paralysis).
  • Provided treatments, modalities and therapeutic exercise programs encompassing active and passive ranges of motion, muscle reeducation, massage and heat/water/ice/electrical/light stimulation.
  • Instructed patients in the safe and effective use of pulleys, weights, inclined surfaces and other equipment. Participated in wound-care treatment and helped patients adapt to the use of wheelchairs, braces, canes, crutches and prosthetic/orthotic devices.
  • Earned commendations from supervisor and patients for providing high-quality, compassionate care. Helped patients maximize their successes and live within the limits of their physical capabilities.

Clinical Residency, 5/20xx to 5/20xx | DEF Medical Center, Sometown, NJ

Under the supervision of a licensed PT, provided physical therapy treatments and modalities in accordance with hospital policies and procedures.

Selected Contributions:

  • Delivered premium patient care and earned “excellent” ratings on all performance reviews.
  • Documented patients’ progress and completed discharge summaries, home-program treatment plans and other documentation. Ensured paperwork was timely, accurate and complete.
  • Supervised technicians and equipped them with information necessary to provide quality care.

Education & Credentials

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) | XYZ University, Sometown, NY

Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Services | GHI College, Sometown, NY
Credentials: Licensed Physical Therapist, NY and NJ | BLS, Lymphedema and CPR Certified
Member: American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Give Your Physical Therapist Resume a Boost

If your resume doesn't look strong enough to be discharged and submitted to job applications, it's time to seek treatment. Could you use some help with that? Get a free resume evaluation today from Monster. We will show you how you can improve your resume—and your chances of landing a new job.