Resume Examples for Physical Therapist Assistants

The resume or CV for a physical therapist assistant varies greatly depending on experience, from entry-level to seasoned practitioners. Discover the best practices for each stage and take advantage of our Resume Builder to craft your own tailored document.

Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Resume

Ideal for recent graduates and those changing careers into the physical therapy field, this template provides guidance on creating a resume with no experience to showcase relevant skills and strengths.

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Why this resume works:

This resume showcases thoughtful font selection, ensuring both professionalism and readability. Options like Calibri, Arial, and Times New Roman are among the best fonts for a resume, aligning with what hiring managers typically prefer for clear communication.

Mid-Career Physical Therapist Assistant Resume

A smart choice for physical therapist assistants ready to advance, this template effectively showcases experience and prepares job seekers for specialized roles or leadership opportunities in the field.

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Why this resume works:

Strong action verbs like “assisted,” “managed,” and “conducted” highlight a proactive approach to patient care. Metrics such as “improved patient mobility by 30%” and “coordinated treatment for over 25 patients weekly” are presented in clear, concise bullet points that improve readability.

Experienced Physical Therapist Assistant Resume

An ideal choice for physical therapist assistants with over 10 years of experience, this template supports professionals pursuing advanced roles in rehabilitation and patient care management.

physical-therapist-assistant-experienced-resume
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Why this resume works:

This resume illustrates a journey of advancement, showcasing key skills like patient rehabilitation and careful documentation that reflect significant contributions to patient outcomes. Experience as a certified physical therapist assistant, along with the First Aid and CPR certifications, highlights readiness for advanced roles in therapeutic settings.

Physical Therapist Assistant Resume Template (Text)

Use this customizable text format for a physical therapist assistant resume to copy, edit, and personalize directly in your document.

Sophia Chen

Maplewood, NJ 07045

Professional Summary

Dedicated Physical Therapist Assistant with 8 years’ experience in orthopedic rehabilitation. Proven ability to enhance patient recovery by 30% through tailored therapeutic plans. Skilled in patient care and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Work Experience

June 2023 – April 2026

Horizon Health Solutions – Maplewood, NJ

Physical Therapist Assistant

  • Assisted in 90% of patient sessions.
  • Developed therapeutic plans boosting recovery by 30%.
  • Educated 100+ patients on home care protocols.

March 2018 – May 2023

Wellness Rehabilitation Center – Maplewood, NJ

Rehabilitative Aide

  • Facilitated recovery process for 50+ patients.
  • Managed therapy schedules, reducing delays by 15%.
  • Recorded patient progress, increasing data accuracy by 20%.

April 2016 – February 2018

Vitality Wellness Center – Maplewood, NJ

Therapy Services Coordinator

  • Coordinated therapy sessions for over 200 clients.
  • Streamlined patient intake process, cutting time by 25%.
  • Conducted client assessments, improving satisfaction by 10%.

Education

June 2015
University of Washington Seattle, WA
Master of Science Physical Therapy

June 2013
Washington State University Pullman, WA
Bachelor of Science Kinesiology

Certifications

  • Certified Physical Therapist Assistant – National Board for Certification
  • Advanced Orthopedic Specialist – American Physical Therapy Association

Skills

  • Therapeutic Exercise
  • Patient Care
  • Rehabilitation Techniques
  • Treatment Planning
  • Collaborative Healthcare
  • Clinical Documentation
  • Communication Skills
  • Adaptive Care Strategies

How to Write a Physical Therapist Assistant Resume

As a physical therapist assistant, showcasing your relevant skills and experiences is essential. Understanding how to write a resume involves presenting this information in a clear format that makes you stand out. Use the guidance below to emphasize your strengths and tailor your resume for the specific positions you’re targeting.

1. Contact Info

Your contact information should be prominently displayed at the top of your resume, ensuring clarity and professionalism.

Be sure to include:

  • Full name
  • Phone number
  • Professional email address
  • City and state (ZIP code is optional)
  • LinkedIn profile or relevant portfolio (if applicable)
TipPRO TIP

Avoid including sensitive personal details like your Social Security number, birthdate, or photos on your resume unless explicitly requested by the employer.

2. Resume Profile

A resume profile is a brief introduction (two to four sentences) that highlights your key qualifications and sets the tone for your candidacy. It serves as an enticing pitch to hiring managers, prompting them to delve deeper into your resume and learn more about what you offer.

Typically placed at the top of your resume, this profile can take the form of either a summary or an objective. Each option has its unique intent, offering different insights into your career goals and skills:

  • A resume summary highlights critical skills, relevant experience, and significant achievements in rehabilitative care. This approach is especially helpful for individuals with prior employment or transferable skills aiming to emphasize their impact as a compassionate physical therapist assistant.
  • A resume objective highlights your aspirations and outlines the career path you aim to pursue. It’s particularly beneficial for recent graduates, individuals shifting careers, or those with limited experience, such as new physical therapist assistant graduates or professionals transitioning into healthcare roles.

Let’s examine the differences between a resume summary and a resume objective through the following examples:

Physical therapist assistant resume summary example:

Dedicated physical therapist assistant with over 6 years of experience in rehabilitation centers and outpatient clinics. Proficient in therapeutic exercises, patient mobility assistance, and treatment plan implementation. Acknowledged for improving patient recovery processes and delivering exceptional support that fosters independence and improves overall well-being.

Physical therapist assistant resume objective example:

Recent graduate with an associate degree in physical therapy assisting, eager to launch a career in a collaborative healthcare setting. Committed to promoting patient mobility and rehabilitation while contributing strong teamwork abilities and a proactive attitude to outpatient clinics or rehabilitation facilities.

3. Work Experience

The work experience on your resume serves as an important foundation for your candidacy. Employers analyze your history not only for job titles but also to gauge the real impact you’ve made in previous roles. This highlights how your unique skills and achievements as a physical therapist assistant position you well for future opportunities.

The work experience section should contain:

  • Job title
  • Employer name and location
  • Dates of employment (month/year)
  • 3–5 bullet points detailing your therapeutic practices and patient rehabilitation successes

To create strong work experience bullet points, tailor your content to the specific job by using terminology relevant to physical therapy (such as “Assisted,” “Evaluated,” “Collaborated”). Start each statement with a strong action verb that resonates with your field.

Incorporate quantifiable data whenever possible. Specific metrics or achievements, like improving patient mobility by 30%, can highlight your contributions and set you apart from other applicants.

In general, consider following the format of:

[action verb] + [responsibility] = [result/achievement]

For example:

Assist in the rehabilitation of 15+ patients daily by implementing individualized therapy plans, achieving a 95% improvement rate in patient mobility within six weeks.

Note that you can also flip the result/achievement with the responsibility:

Improved patient recovery times by 20% through effective collaboration and communication with interdisciplinary team members.

Discover more work experience examples for physical therapist assistants further down this page.

4. Skills

The skills section gives a concise overview of what you can do as a physical therapist assistant. It boosts compatibility with ATS-friendly resume systems, enabling recruiters to evaluate your qualifications promptly.

Skills can be sorted into three key areas:

  • Soft skills are personal qualities that influence how well physical therapist assistants interact with clients and colleagues. Essential soft skills include communication, empathy, patience, and teamwork.
  • Hard skills are specific, quantifiable abilities acquired through education, training, or experience. For a physical therapist assistant, examples include assisting with therapeutic exercises, monitoring patient progress, and maintaining equipment cleanliness.
  • Technical skills refer to the specific competencies required to operate specialized equipment and software. In physical therapy, this includes using modalities like ultrasound machines, exercise equipment, and electronic documentation systems.

In general, including a diverse set of skills that match the job requirements improves your resume’s impact. For more targeted skill examples specific to physical therapist assistants, explore the skills suggested further down the page.

TipPRO TIP

If you’re a newer physical therapist assistant, consider placing your skills section higher on your resume, right after your summary. If you have more experience, it’s better to position this section lower and weave your skills into the descriptions of your work history.

5. Education

Understanding how to list education on your resume is important for making a strong impression. Start with your most recent or relevant degree, clearly stating the degree type and institution name.

If you’re a recent graduate, consider including the graduation year, GPA (if it’s 3.5 or higher), any honors received, and relevant coursework to highlight your academic achievements.

Physical therapist assistant resume education section example:

Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy Assistance
Community College of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
Graduated: 2023 | Graduated with Distinction

TipPRO TIP

When listing your degrees on a resume, always arrange them in reverse-chronological order, starting with the highest degree first, such as Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy (BSPT), followed by Associate Degree in Physical Therapist Assisting (ADPTA).

6. Certifications

Certifications highlight your expertise and ensure you’re informed about the latest practices in physical therapy. While not always included in a standard resume, this section is essential for many professionals, especially as healthcare employers often seek specific certifications for specialized roles such as pediatrics or geriatrics. Having recognized credentials can set you apart in competitive job markets.

Make sure to display relevant certifications that bolster your application. Keeping these credentials current and well-organized will improve your professional image and appeal to potential employers.

Physical therapist assistant certification examples:

  • Physical Therapist Assistant License, New Jersey | New Jersey | Expires: 12/2028
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) | American Heart Association | Expires: 11/2027
  • CPR and First Aid Certification | Red Cross | Expires: 03/2028
  • Therapeutic Exercise Certification | APTA | Expires: 09/2027

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Tailor Your Work History to Beat the ATS

Your work experience is a powerful narrative that goes beyond mere job titles. It provides a platform to highlight your tangible contributions to patient care and rehabilitation outcomes, showcasing your role in improving patients’ quality of life. This detailed approach also ensures that your resume aligns with applicant tracking systems (ATS), making it more likely to be noticed by potential employers.

To create an effective work history section, focus on customizing it for the specific position you’re targeting. Begin by carefully examining the job description for essential skills and qualifications. Identify any recurring themes or requirements and incorporate those keywords into your experience descriptions for maximum impact.

These examples are pulled from our most-used entries in the resume builder—based on what hiring managers respond to most.

  • Assisted in the rehabilitation of over 30 patients weekly, achieving a 20% improvement in mobility outcomes within three months.
  • Collaborated with physical therapists to develop personalized treatment plans, improving patient engagement and retention by 15%.
  • Monitored patient progress and adjusted therapy techniques, resulting in a 25% increase in functional independence scores.
  • Used advanced therapeutic equipment and modalities to optimize recovery processes for diverse patient populations.
  • Mentored new staff on best practices in patient care and safety protocols, fostering a supportive learning environment.

Example of Skills for Physical Therapist Assistants

Including the right skills for your resume shows employers and ATS that you have the abilities essential for a physical therapist assistant. Resumes are often scanned quickly, so focus on keeping your skills relevant and aligned with the job description.

The skills listed below reflect what is currently valued in the physical therapy field. They frequently appear in successful resumes for this profession and resonate well with hiring managers seeking qualified applicants.

5 Soft Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Empathetic communication
  • Team-oriented support
  • Patient motivation techniques
  • Time management skills
  • Active listening

5 Hard Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Patient mobility assessment
  • Therapeutic exercise techniques
  • Manual therapy methods
  • Gait training and rehabilitation
  • Assistive device instruction

What’s a Fair Physical Therapist Assistant Salary?

Researching salary information is essential for evaluating job offers, negotiating compensation, and planning your career path. The data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) highlights the latest nationwide averages for physical therapist assistants.

Several factors can significantly impact your actual salary, including geographical location, years of experience, certifications, and areas of specialization. For instance, physical therapist assistants employed in skilled nursing facilities or outpatient clinics may earn more than those working in home healthcare settings or rehabilitation centers.

Alabama$61,360
Alaska$72,840
Arizona$65,540
Arkansas$64,020
California$83,190
Connecticut$70,470
Delaware$64,580
District of Columbia$61,880
Florida$68,460
Georgia$69,900
Hawaii$62,440
Idaho$58,310
Illinois$68,300
Indiana$65,420
Iowa$61,490
Kansas$63,460
Kentucky$59,230
Louisiana$56,010
Maine$60,760
Maryland$67,640
Massachusetts$75,360
Michigan$58,320
Minnesota$65,400
Mississippi$60,570
Missouri$62,610
Montana$62,960
Nebraska$60,850
Nevada$68,400
New Hampshire$69,590
New Jersey$71,620
New Mexico$59,330
New York$64,220
North Carolina$66,830
North Dakota$57,180
Ohio$64,590
Oklahoma$61,000
Oregon$67,660
Pennsylvania$61,880
Rhode Island$66,610
South Carolina$68,270
South Dakota$51,900
Tennessee$63,180
Texas$71,460
Utah$60,770
Vermont$68,040
Virginia$72,570
Washington$68,260
West Virginia$62,280
Wisconsin$62,580
Wyoming$63,930
Puerto Rico$26,500

Key Takeaways

  • Tailor your resume to the job description. Use specific terminology from the posting to resonate with both ATS and hiring managers.
  • Highlight quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your contributions. Include metrics like patient progress rates or therapy session outcomes (e.g., improved mobility by X%).
  • Select the appropriate format based on your career stage. New graduates might opt for a functional style, while seasoned professionals often use a reverse-chronological format.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Last Update:

What resume format should I use for my physical therapist assistant resume?

There are three primary resume formats to consider when applying for a physical therapist assistant position. Your choice should reflect your experience level and highlight the skills or achievements you wish to emphasize:

  • Chronological: The chronological resume is the most widely used format, focusing on work experience through detailed descriptions of responsibilities and achievements. This structure benefits job seekers with a relevant job history that reinforces their qualifications and adds credibility to their application.
  • Functional: The functional resume, often called a skills-based resume, highlights qualifications and an extensive skills section while minimizing emphasis on work history. This format is beneficial for individuals lacking direct experience in their field or those with gaps in employment, as it allows them to showcase what they can bring to the table.
  • Combination: The combination resume format mixes chronological and functional elements, showcasing both skills and work history. This approach benefits professionals by emphasizing their relevant abilities while also illustrating career progression, making it ideal for those transitioning to new fields or advancing in their careers.
Should I include a cover letter with my resume?

Yes, you should include a cover letter with your application for a physical therapist assistant position. A well-crafted cover letter allows you to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organization, while also highlighting specific skills and experiences that may not be fully conveyed in your resume. This personal touch demonstrates to employers that you’ve invested time in tailoring your application, which can distinguish you from other applicants who opt out of this essential component.

If you’re hesitant about writing a cover letter, there are ample resources available to assist you. You can find guides on how to write a cover letter specifically for physical therapy roles, as well as examples that illustrate various effective approaches. Exploring different formats will help you identify one that best showcases your qualifications and aligns with your professional experience.

To make the writing process easier, consider using a cover letter generator, which can provide structured templates and tailored suggestions based on the job you’re applying for.

How long should a physical therapist assistant resume be?

For physical therapist assistants with less than 10 years of experience, a one-page resume is typically sufficient to highlight relevant skills and clinical experiences. Focus on showcasing essential certifications, such as CPR or First Aid, along with specific techniques and patient care competencies that align with the job.

Conversely, those in senior roles or specialized positions may use a two-page resume if it presents targeted information clearly. Emphasize advanced training and leadership experiences while ensuring each detail directly supports your qualifications for the role.

What keywords should I include to pass applicant tracking systems (ATS)?

To ensure your resume passes ATS screening, focus on incorporating keywords and phrases from the job posting. For a physical therapist assistant role, include terms like “patient care,” “rehabilitation techniques,” and “mobility training.” These specific phrases will help highlight your qualifications.

Don’t forget to list any relevant certifications, such as BLS or CPR, and mention technical tools you’re familiar with, like EMR systems. This not only demonstrates your skills but also aligns perfectly with what employers are seeking in job seekers. Tailoring your resume this way can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview.

Is it important to list volunteer work or internships on my resume?

Yes, including volunteer work or internships is important, particularly if you’re new to the field. These experiences demonstrate your commitment and hands-on exposure to patient care, which can set you apart when applying for positions as a physical therapist assistant.

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Toni Frana Career Advice Expert

Toni Frana is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches, and career expert who empowers job seekers to take control of their career paths using Monster’s comprehensive job search and resume tools.

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