Resume Examples for Physical Therapys

A physical therapy resume or CV for a new graduate differs significantly from one for an experienced therapist. Explore what to highlight at each career stage and use our Resume Builder to create your own.

Entry-Level Physical Therapy Resume

Ideal for recent graduates who need help writing a resume with no experience, this template is also beneficial for those transitioning from other fields into physical therapy.

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Why this resume works:

This resume showcases excellent font selection with a clear, professional typeface that improves readability. Options like Calibri, Helvetica, and Tahoma are among the best fonts for a resume, as they provide the polished appearance that hiring managers appreciate in a healthcare setting.

Mid-Career Physical Therapy Resume

A good fit for physical therapy professionals with some experience, this template highlights recent achievements and facilitates progression into specialized or leadership roles.

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Why this resume works:

Action verbs such as “achieved,” “implemented,” and “managed” highlight hands-on patient care and leadership skills. Metrics like “20% increase in client mobility” and “25 patients weekly” illustrate compelling results in a concise, scannable format.

Experienced Physical Therapy Resume

An ideal choice for seasoned physical therapists with over 10 years of experience, this template supports job seekers pursuing leadership roles or advanced clinical opportunities in the field.

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Why this resume works:

This resume illustrates a robust career in physical therapy, showcasing adaptability, strategic thinking, and a significant impact on patient mobility and recovery. Leadership roles as a rehabilitation specialist and advanced certifications (e.g., ACLS, Orthopedic Physical Therapy Certification) highlight the applicant’s readiness for senior-level positions.

Physical Therapy Resume Template (Text)

Use this customizable text format of a physical therapy resume to copy, edit, and personalize directly in your document or file. You can also explore our resume templates for more professional, ready-to-use designs.

Yuki Rodriguez

Maplewood, NJ 07048

Professional Summary

Dedicated physical therapist with 7 years of experience. Proven results in enhancing patient outcomes and improving clinic efficiency. Expertise in manual therapy, injury prevention, and rehabilitation.

Work Experience

July 2023 – May 2026

Wellness Rehabilitation Center – Maplewood, NJ

Physical Therapist

  • Enhanced patient outcomes by 20%
  • Designed 5+ innovative rehab programs
  • Achieved 95% patient satisfaction rate

March 2020 – June 2023

Active Recovery Clinic – Maplewood, NJ

Rehabilitation Specialist

  • Improved recovery speed by 15%
  • Trained 10+ junior therapists
  • Developed a customized exercise plan

February 2019 – February 2020

VitalCare Health Services – Maplewood, NJ

Therapy Assistant

  • Boosted clinic appointments by 30%
  • Assisted in 100+ therapy sessions
  • Reduced patient wait times by 10%

Education

May 2017
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL
Master of Physical Therapy Physical Therapy

May 2015
Illinois State University Normal, IL
Bachelor of Science Exercise Science

Certifications

  • Certified Physical Therapist – American Physical Therapy Association
  • Orthopedic Physical Therapy Certification – Board of Certification in Physical Therapy

Skills

  • Manual Therapy
  • Rehabilitation Exercises
  • Patient Assessment
  • Therapeutic Techniques
  • Injury Prevention
  • Clinical Documentation
  • Pain Management
  • Exercise Prescription

How to Write a Physical Therapy Resume

For physical therapists, understanding how to write a resume involves showcasing your clinical skills and relevant experience in a format that stands out. Use the guidance below to highlight your strengths and tailor your resume to the specific positions you’re pursuing.

1. Contact Info

Your contact information should be clear, professional, and easy to find at the top of your resume.

Make sure to include:

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

Avoid including sensitive personal information such as your Social Security number, religious affiliation, or age on your resume unless explicitly requested by the employer.

2. Resume Profile

A resume profile is a concise introduction (two to four sentences) that highlights your key qualifications and sets the stage for potential employers. It serves as a compelling pitch designed to catch the attention of hiring managers, motivating them to dive deeper into your resume and learn more about your experiences.

Typically located at the top of your resume, it can take the form of either a summary or an objective. Each format has its own distinct purpose in showcasing your skills and career goals:

  • A resume summary highlights relevant experience, clinical skills, and achievements in a way that aligns with the demands of the healthcare industry. This format is particularly beneficial for individuals with prior roles or transferrable skills aiming to demonstrate their contributions as a physical therapist.
  • A resume objective is a statement that highlights your career aspirations and what you aim to accomplish. It’s particularly useful for recent graduates, those shifting careers, or individuals entering fields like physical therapy or rehabilitation with limited prior experience.

Let’s take a look at an example of each to see how a resume summary and a resume objective differ:

Physical therapy resume summary example:

Dedicated physical therapist with over 6 years of experience in outpatient clinics and rehabilitation centers. Proficient in manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient assessment. Acknowledged for improving mobility outcomes and fostering positive patient experiences through tailored treatment plans and effective communication.

Physical therapy resume objective example:

Recent Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate ready to launch a career in a dynamic healthcare setting. Dedicated to improving patient mobility and wellness, bringing strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to evidence-based practice to outpatient clinics or rehabilitation centers.

3. Work Experience

The work experience on your resume is an important foundation for your career. Employers assess your job history to understand not only where you’ve practiced but also the positive outcomes you’ve facilitated for patients.

Your clinical experiences illustrate how your background in physical therapy qualifies you for the position, showcasing your ability to improve patient mobility and overall well-being.

The work experience section should contain:

  • Job title
  • Employer name and location
  • Dates of employment (month/year)
  • 3–5 bullet points describing your relevant responsibilities and achievements

Tailor your content to reflect the specific physical therapy role you are pursuing. Start each bullet point with an action verb (like “Assessed,” “Developed,” “Facilitated”) to create a strong impression of your contributions.

Incorporate quantifiable information and metrics whenever possible. Specific numbers, such as patient recovery rates or treatment success percentages, illustrate your impact and help differentiate you from other applicants in the field.

In general, consider following the format of:

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

For example:

Conducted assessments and developed personalized treatment plans for 20+ patients weekly, achieving an average patient recovery rate of 85%.

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

Improved patient mobility by 30% within three months through targeted therapeutic exercises and education.

Explore more examples of work experience for physical therapists further down the page.

4. Skills

The skills section provides a concise overview of professional abilities tailored to physical therapy. This summary allows hiring managers to quickly assess qualifications.

Skills can be categorized into three distinct groups:

  • Soft skills are essential interpersonal abilities that influence how well physical therapists connect with patients and colleagues. Skills such as empathy, communication, patience, and adaptability help create trustful relationships and improve collaborative efforts in a healthcare setting.
  • Hard skills are specific, measurable abilities developed through education, training, or hands-on experience. For physical therapy, examples include assessing patient mobility, developing rehabilitation plans, and using therapeutic modalities to improve recovery.
  • Technical skills refer to the specific knowledge and expertise required to perform tasks in a particular field. In physical therapy, this includes skill in using modalities such as ultrasound machines, therapeutic exercise equipment, and electronic documentation systems.

In general, aim to include a diverse array of relevant skills that correspond with the job requirements to showcase your professional capabilities. Find additional skills examples for physical therapy further down the page.

TipPRO TIP

If you’re a newer physical therapist, consider placing your skills section higher on your resume right after your summary. For those with more experience, it’s better to position this section lower, weaving your skills into the descriptions of your work history for a more integrated approach.

5. Education

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

If you have recently graduated, consider adding your graduation year, GPA (if it’s 3.5 or above), any honors received, and relevant coursework to strengthen your profile.

Physical therapy resume education section example:

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Graduated: 2024 | Graduated with Distinction

TipPRO TIP

If you’re progressing from a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), or have earned another relevant degree, list both in reverse-chronological order.

6. Certifications

Listing certifications on your resume highlights your qualifications and improves your appeal, especially when you have limited hands-on experience. While this section may not be standard for every resume, it holds significant value for many professionals in physical therapy. Employers frequently seek specific credentials for specialized roles, such as sports rehabilitation or pediatric care.

Make sure to include only relevant certifications that align with your career goals and the positions you’re targeting. Keeping these credentials current and clearly formatted will strengthen your application and showcase your commitment to professional development.

Physical therapy certification examples:

  • Licensed Physical Therapist (LPT), New Jersey #789012 | New Jersey | Expires: 12/2028
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) | American Heart Association | Expires: 05/2027
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) | American Heart Association | Expires: 06/2027
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) | National Strength and Conditioning Association | Expires: 11/2027

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Tailor Your Work History to Beat the ATS

Your work experience is more than a list of job titles. It’s an opportunity to show the measurable impact you’ve had on patients, rehabilitation outcomes, and team dynamics. Including this information can lead to a ATS-friendly resume that applicant tracking systems (ATS) can easily scan.

A strong work history should be tailored to the physical therapy position you’re applying for by using relevant keywords and phrases that align with the employer’s needs. Start by carefully analyzing the job description. Identify repeated skills, treatment techniques, or patient demographics mentioned, and then reflect those elements in your experience descriptions where possible.

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

  • Developed individualized treatment plans for 15+ patients weekly, improving recovery outcomes by 20%.
  • Conducted assessments and progress evaluations for diverse patient demographics, improving therapy compliance rates by 25%.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care strategies, ensuring cohesive treatment approaches.
  • Mentored students and new staff in therapeutic techniques and best practices, fostering professional growth within the clinic.
  • Used advanced rehabilitation equipment to facilitate efficient patient exercises and track progress.

Example of Skills for Physical Therapy

Including the right skills for your resume demonstrates to employers and ATS that you possess the essential abilities needed for a career in physical therapy. Resumes are often reviewed quickly, so ensure that your skills section is focused, relevant, and tailored to the job description.

The following skills reflect what is currently valued in the physical therapy field. These capabilities commonly appear in successful resumes and resonate well with hiring managers looking for qualified job seekers.

5 Soft Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Empathy in patient care
  • Effective communication skills
  • Team collaboration
  • Motivational leadership
  • Time management

5 Hard Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Manual therapy techniques
  • Therapeutic exercise prescription
  • Functional movement assessment
  • Patient education and counseling
  • Gait analysis software (Dartfish, Kinovea)

Key Takeaways

  • Tailor your resume to the job description. Use specific terms from the posting to resonate with both ATS and hiring managers.
  • Highlight measurable successes. Rather than listing tasks, showcase achievements (e.g., patient recovery rates, treatment outcomes, program developments) that demonstrate your impact.
  • Select a suitable format for your experience level. New graduates may prefer a functional or combination format, while seasoned therapists often choose reverse-chronological resumes.

More Resume & CV Examples

Frequently Asked Questions

Last Update:

What resume format should I use for my physical therapy resume?

There are three primary resume formats to consider when applying for a physical therapy position. Your choice should reflect your experience level and the aspects of your background you wish to highlight:

  • Chronological: The most popular format, a chronological resume highlights your work experience by detailing your responsibilities and achievements. This format is ideal for applicants with a consistent and relevant job history that reinforces their qualifications and showcases their growth in the field of physical therapy.
  • Functional: Also known as a skills-based resume, the functional resume emphasizes a qualifications summary and an expanded skills section to highlight your relevant abilities. This approach minimizes focus on work history, making it particularly useful for applicants lacking relevant experience or facing employment gaps.
  • Combination: A combination resume integrates chronological and functional formats, emphasizing both skills and work experience. This approach benefits physical therapy professionals by allowing them to showcase their therapeutic abilities alongside their career development, making it suitable for those advancing or specializing in the field.
Should I include a cover letter with my resume?

Yes, you should include a cover letter when applying for a physical therapy position. A well-crafted cover letter allows you to convey your passion for helping patients regain mobility and health while emphasizing specific experiences and skills that might not be highlighted in your resume. This personalized approach shows potential employers that you’re genuinely interested in their practice and can set you apart from other applicants who may overlook this critical component.

If you’re feeling uncertain about how to write a cover letter, don’t worry—there are many resources available to guide you. You can find templates designed specifically for physical therapy roles or explore examples that illustrate various writing styles. Additionally, investigating different formats can help you determine the best way to showcase your qualifications and fit for the position.

To simplify the writing process, consider using a cover letter generator, which can provide structure and tailored suggestions based on your unique background and the job you’re targeting.

How long should a physical therapy resume be?

For professionals with less than 10 years of experience, a one-page resume is typically sufficient. This length allows you to highlight your key skills, relevant work history, and educational background without overwhelming hiring managers. Be sure to focus on your most impressive qualifications that align with the job you’re applying for.

If you have extensive experience or specialized roles, a two-page resume is acceptable as long as the content remains relevant and focused. Use this space to showcase advanced skills, certifications, and significant achievements that demonstrate your expertise in the field.

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

To get your resume past ATS, focus on incorporating keywords directly from the job listing. For physical therapy roles, terms like “manual therapy,” “exercise prescription,” and “patient assessment” are important. Highlighting relevant certifications such as BLS, DPT, or SCS will also strengthen your application.

Don’t forget to mention any technical tools or software you’re familiar with, such as EMR systems or therapy-specific equipment. This shows that you not only have the right skills but also understand the tools you’ll be using in practice. Tailoring your resume this way greatly increases your chances of getting noticed.

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Megan Dawkins Career Industry Editor

Megan Dawkins is a career industry editor who empowers job seekers to take control of their career paths using Monster’s comprehensive job search and resume tools. She specializes in helping job seekers navigate the flexible job market.

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