As a physical therapist, you have a wide range of important skills.
From patient care to anatomical knowledge, you have to juggle active hands-on work with patients alongside significant administrative tasks and record-keeping.
Clearly outlining this diverse skillset on a physical therapist's resume can be a daunting task.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- How to highlight professional achievements so that recruiters take notice
- How to organize your experience section to showcase your commitment to physical therapy
- How to strike the right balance of soft skills and hard skills to demonstrate expertise in the field
- How to present relevant certifications to increase your employability
If a physical therapist resume isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, browse our guides for similar roles:
- Physical therapist assistant resume
- Physical therapy student resume
- Massage therapist resume
- Therapist resume
- Occupational therapist resume
- Physical therapist cover letter
Physical therapist resume example
Here's what this applicant does well in their resume:
- Highlighting professional achievements: Demonstrates impact through specific outcomes, such as increasing treatment accuracy and leading successful projects.
- Emphasizing relevant experience: Focuses on roles and responsibilities directly related to physical therapy, showcasing a clear career trajectory in the field.
- Showcasing certifications: Includes relevant certifications like Advanced Orthopedic Rehabilitation and Sports Injury Management, which are highly pertinent to the physical therapy field.
- Detailing educational background: Clearly outlines educational qualifications, including a Master's in Physical Therapy and a Bachelor's in Kinesiology, which are foundational for the role.
How to format a physical therapist resume
physical therapists need to clearly demonstrate job-specific skills and educational qualifications.
Send a clear message of your expertise with an organized and professional resume format. It’s the first thing hiring managers notice and your first opportunity to make a good impression.
Here are a few areas to focus on for a physical therapist resume format that recruiters look for:
- Reverse chronological layout - As the name suggests, a reverse chronological layout focuses on work experience in reverse chronological order. Patient success stories are key for a physical therapist. Show your commitment to your patients with a strong work history.
- Professional header - Include a header at the top of your resume that clearly states your title and professional contact information. Physical therapists can have credentials in specialized areas. Show your qualifications right away by introducing yourself with a header.
- Single page - Potential employers will have tons of applications to sort through. Save them time by keeping every section of your resume short, concise, and relevant to your physical therapy achievements.
- ATS optimized - Select fonts, keywords, and file formats that are optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems. Use ATS-friendly fonts like Rubik and Montserrat and a PDF file format in Enhancv’s resume builder to give your physical therapist's resume the best chance of making it to a human recruiter.
Different regions expect different formats – Canadian resumes, for example, may look unique.
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The top sections on a physical therapist resume:
- Contact information: Essential so that recruiters can reach out for interviews or further clarification.
- Objective statement: This section gives the recruiter insight into your career goals and how they align with the physical therapy profession.
- License and certification: Especially important for physical therapists as it showcases your qualifications and legal standing in practice.
- Education and training: Recruiters need to know your educational background and any additional training relevant to physical therapy.
- Clinical experience: This section highlights your practical experience in the field, showing recruiters your competence and familiarity with the role.
What recruiters want to see on your resume:
- Clinical experience: Recruiters prioritize this as it demonstrates the candidate's practical skills and familiarity with patients' needs within the context of physical therapy.
- Certification and licensing: This is critical as it reassures the recruiter of the candidate's competency and legal status to practice physical therapy.
- Specialization areas: Recruiters look for candidates who have specialized in certain areas of physical therapy, such as geriatrics or sports, to fulfill specific demands of the role.
- Communication skills: physical therapists need to have excellent communication skills as they consistently interact with patients, other health professionals, and possibly the patients' family members. Recruiters prioritize this to ensure smooth operation within their teams.
- Continuing education: Recruiters prioritize candidates who show a commitment to furthering their knowledge and skills. It illustrates their commitment to their profession and their dedication to providing the best care possible.
How to write your physical therapist resume experience
The experience section of your resume lists your work history along with 3-4 bullets highlighting your top accomplishments in the role. Show potential employers what you’ve achieved as a physical therapist so they can see how you’ll impact success at their organization.
Hiring managers don’t just want to see a list of roles and responsibilities. Highlight patient success stories and industry achievements to show what makes you the right candidate.
Let’s look at an example of a physical therapist's resume experience section.
02/2021 - 11/2022 
- •Assessed and treated patients
- •Built strong relationships with clients
- •Proficient in electronic health records software
What doesn’t work in this example:
- No quantifiable results - “Assessed and treated patients” is an example of job duties, but makes no mention of whether the candidate was successful. Quantify achievements on your physical therapist resume with measurable results.
- No evidence to claims - Saying “Built strong relationships with clients” is expecting recruiters to just take your word for it. Demonstrate strong use of skills with clear examples and achievements.
- No industry keywords - Claiming proficiency in “electronic health records software” misses an opportunity to use job-specific keywords and industry skills.
Let’s make a few improvements and take another look.
02/2021 - 11/2022 - •Assessed and treated 150 patients, resulting in a 95% recovery rate
- •Received Client Favorite Award in 2021 for customer service and patient success
- •Managed 200 patients in WebPT and Therabill
What works in this example:
- Quantifies success - Using real numbers and metrics in your resume like “Assessed and treated 150 patients, resulting in a 95% recovery rate” shows potential employers how you will achieve success in your role.
- Highlights industry achievements - Industry awards like the “Client Favorite Award” can be a great way to show accomplishments and expertise in the field.
- Uses industry keywords - Mentioning keywords like WebPT and Therabill shows knowledge of physical therapy software tools and optimizes your resume for ATS filters.
How to quantify the impact on your physical therapist's resume
Don’t expect potential employers to just take your word for it when claiming success. Quantify the impact on your physical therapist resume with measurable results.
For a physical therapist, the best measure of success is the progress and well-being of their patients.
However, quantifying this progress for a resume can be challenging, especially considering privacy laws like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) that limit what information can be shared.
Here is a list of areas to consider when using real numbers and data on your physical therapist resume to emphasize your impact:
- Include the number of patients you treat on a daily or weekly basis: This shows the recruiter your ability to manage your workload effectively.
- Mention the types and volumes of conditions you handle: This provides recruiters with a clear view of your expertise and diversity of skills.
- Specify the number of rehabilitation programs you've designed or led: This reflects your leadership skills and clinical knowledge.
- Highlight the number of team projects or initiatives you've been involved in: This underlines your teamwork skills and collaboration capabilities.
- State the percentage of patients who reported improvement under your care: This highlights your effectiveness as a physical therapist.
- List the number of continuing education or professional development classes you've taken: This demonstrates your commitment to staying updated in your field.
- Indicate the amount of equipment or budget you were responsible for: This shows your ability to handle resources efficiently, which is a critical business skill.
- Report any rating scores received from patient reviews: This shows the recruiter your ability to meet and exceed patient expectations, which is directly linked to business success.
How do I write a physical therapist resume with no experience
Applying for a physical therapist position without experience can be intimidating. You’ve got to show hiring managers that you have the skills, even if you don’t have the work history.
If you’re making a career change or new to the industry, create a functional resume that focuses on transferable skills rather than experience.
Follow these steps to writing an effective physical therapist resume with no experience:
- Choose a functional resume layout
- Focus on transferable skills
- Present education and credentials clearly
- Use additional sections to highlight skill development and specialty knowledge
- Tailor every section to fit your target job
It’s important to show potential employers the other ways that you’ve learned relevant skills and tools like treatment modalities and electronic health records systems.
Don’t pad your experience section with irrelevant jobs just to fill space. Only include roles that are relevant to your target position and focus on transferable skills.
Similar jobs like a massage therapist or occupational therapist are a great way to show transferable skills. Even roles in customer service or healthcare can be a way to develop relevant skills.
How to list your hard skills and soft skills on your resume
Being a physical therapist requires a wide range of skills, from compassion for working with patients to technical proficiency in record-keeping software.
Your skill section has two major categories. Hard skills are the technical knowledge and abilities needed to perform job duties, whereas soft skills are the interpersonal and communication skills needed to interact with others.
Hard skills can be added to your physical therapist resume in list form. Technical skills like software and technologies tend to be straightforward and don’t require an explanation.
Here is an example of hard skills on a physical therapist's resume.
Be sure to only include hard skills that are relevant to your target job and that you’re confident in. If you’re listing it on your resume, hiring managers will assume you’re proficient.
Here are a few more hard skills to consider for your physical therapist resume.
Best hard skills for your physical therapist resume
- Manual Therapy techniques
- Patient Assessment
- Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
- Neurological Rehabilitation
- Geriatric Physical Therapy
- Pediatric Physical Therapy
- Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Disabled Patient Assistance
- Medical software (like TherapyNotes)
- Electronic Health Records (EHR) software
- Body Mechanics Knowledge
- Sports Physical Therapy
- Mobility Aid Fitting
- Orthopedic Physical Therapy
- Post-surgery recovery techniques
- Aquatic Therapy
- Therapeutic exercise knowledge
- Workplace ergonomics
- Physiotherapy equipment (like TENS)
- Pain Management Techniques
Soft skills can be open to interpretation and therefore require some explanation. You don’t want hiring managers to make their assumptions.
The best way to do this is by highlighting your top soft skills with a specific example.
Here is an example of a physical therapist's soft skills section.
Highlighting accomplishments that showcase your soft skills is a great way to present your soft skills to potential employers. Show how you will impact success at their company with clear examples.
Here are a few more soft skills to consider for your physical therapist resume.
Best soft skills for your physical therapist resume
- Excellent Communication
- Patience
- Flexibility
- Time Management
- Empathy
- Active Listening
- Motivational Skills
- Adaptability
- Attention to Detail
- Problem-Solving Ability
- Interpersonal Skills
- Emotional Resilience
- Decision-Making Skills
- Cultural Competence
- Professionalism
- Collaboration
- Creativity
- Positive Attitude
- Respectfulness
- Advocacy Skills
How to list your certifications and education on your resume
Many physical therapy job postings require specific certifications, each of which has a slightly different focus, such as those issued by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
Being a physical therapist also requires a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, often preceded by a bachelor’s in biology, kinesiology, or related areas.
Including all this in a resume without cluttering it or making it overly lengthy can be challenging.
Let’s look at an example of an education section on a physical therapist's resume.
02/2017 - 11/2020 02/2014 - 11/2016 02/2009 - 11/2013 Your education section should include:
- Name of institution
- Name of degree
- Years attended
Your certification section will also be short. Your physical therapist certification section only needs to include the name of the certificate and the issuing institution.
Here is an example of a certification section on a physical therapist's resume.
Physical therapists need to constantly update their knowledge and skills due to ever-evolving techniques, treatment modalities, and equipment.
Continuing your education and earning new certifications is a great way to keep your resume up-to-date and increase your employability.
Here are a few more certifications to consider for your physical therapist resume.
Best certifications for your physical therapist resume
How to write your physical therapist resume summary or objective
A summary or objective is an opportunity to introduce yourself and your value in the industry as a physical therapist. It captures your career history and top accomplishments in 3-4 sentences.
Though the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between a summary and an objective.
A summary is a brief introduction that summarizes your career and top achievements. An objective looks to the future and captures what you are hoping to achieve in your new position.
A summary is more suitable for candidates with experience in the field. Entry-level candidates are more likely to focus on an objective.
If you have at least some physical therapy experience, combine them by writing an introduction, a career highlight, and a goal you share with your target employer.
Let’s take a look at an example of a physical therapist resume summary.
What doesn’t work in this example:
- Generic buzzwords - A title like “Skilled and knowledgeable physical therapist” doesn’t provide any real information about the candidate or their credentials. Back up your claims with clear details and specific examples.
- No industry keywords - This candidate mentions they are trained in “specialized techniques” without saying which ones. Tailor your resume to your target job and optimize it for ATS filters by using keywords from the job description.
- Doesn’t measure success - Hiring managers won’t take your word for it when you claim to have “high patient success rates”. Support your claims by using real data and outcomes.
Let’s make a few changes and take another look.
What works in this example:
- Uses real numbers - “10 years of experience” and “95% patient recovery rate” shows potential employers what you have achieved and how you will impact success at their company.
- Includes credentials - Including “Sports Injury Management Certified” in the summary lets hiring managers know this candidate’s specialized credentials right away.
- Shares common goal - “Seeking an opportunity to leverage sports injury expertise as physical therapist at RehabHealth” shows the target company what this candidate will bring to the role.
Optimize your resume summary and objective for ATS
Drop your resume here or choose a file.
PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.
Additional sections for a physical therapist resume
There are different ways to develop physical therapy skills, and not all of them may fit in the standard resume sections.
Additional sections on your resume can be a great way to show how you’ve developed physical therapist skills in unique ways.
Here are a few sections to consider adding to your physical therapist resume:
- Publications - Has any of your academic research been published in scientific journals? That can be a great way to stand out from other candidates and highlight specialized knowledge in your field.
- Continuing education - physical therapists need to constantly update their knowledge and skills due to ever-evolving techniques, treatment modalities, and equipment. Updating your physical therapy resume with continuing education shows dedication to your career and increases your employability.
- Volunteer work - Volunteering is a great way to develop soft skills necessary for physical therapists like problem-solving, communication, and empathy.
Key takeaways for writing a great physical therapist resume
You’re almost ready to send off that amazing physical therapist resume! As we wrap up this guide, let’s review a few key takeaways.
- Format your physical therapist resume to highlight your career accomplishments and use industry keywords that get through ATS filters.
- Quantify the impact on your resume by showing specific examples of success and measurable results with real numbers and data.
- Include a combination of soft skills and hard skills to show you have the interpersonal and technical knowledge necessary to do the job.
- Add sections to your physical therapist resume to show how you have developed industry skills outside of work history.
Physical Therapist resume examples
By Experience
Physical Therapy Student
- Impactful end statements and forward-looking engagement – A standout physical therapy student resume concludes with strong, purposeful language that not only expresses enthusiasm for future contributions but also encourages follow-up. An effective closing frames the candidate as proactive, inviting the reader to connect for further discussion, and reaffirms their genuine interest in advancing within the physical therapy field.
- Authentic integration of clinical and technical language – Inserting industry-relevant terms, such as “therapeutic exercise prescription,” “musculoskeletal assessment,” or “evidence-based interventions,” demonstrates both familiarity with and commitment to the profession. Carefully chosen terminology woven into accomplishments and skills reassures employers that the applicant is prepared for the specialized demands unique to physical therapy roles.
- Unified professional narrative across platforms – Consistently presenting one’s professional attributes, achievements, and aspirations on both the resume and LinkedIn profile reinforces credibility. When details such as educational pursuits, hands-on clinical experiences, and career objectives are aligned across these mediums, it highlights a candidate’s intentional personal brand and dedication to the physical therapy field.
Experienced Physical Therapist
- Organized information enhances readability – A resume that uses clear section headings, concise language, and logical sequencing allows busy recruiters to quickly pinpoint key skills, credentials, and achievements. By consistently formatting work experience, education, and certification details, the candidate makes it easy to assess their qualifications at a glance.
- Demonstrated experience directly supports the position – The candidate highlights roles that mirror the scope and responsibilities of the job sought, detailing specific populations treated, therapy methodologies used, and measurable outcomes achieved. This careful alignment signals immediate job readiness and reduces doubt about their suitability for the open position.
- Distinctive strengths distinguish the therapist’s candidacy – By emphasizing areas such as advanced specialty certifications, successful program leadership, or innovative patient engagement strategies, the applicant showcases assets beyond standard qualifications. This approach not only illustrates their expertise but also positions them as someone who brings added value to the employer’s team.
Senior Physical Therapist
- Clean layout elevates clarity and visual flow – Generous use of white space, consistent font sizes, and concise section headings make a Senior Physical Therapist resume instantly accessible. Carefully separated achievements and responsibilities use bullet points and short paragraphs, enabling hiring managers to quickly scan and identify core strengths and expertise areas without wading through dense blocks of text.
- Demonstrated adaptability across patient demographics and settings – Highlighting a track record of successful physical therapy interventions with a broad spectrum of patients—from pediatric to geriatric—in various environments such as outpatient clinics, inpatient rehabilitation, and home care showcases versatility. Including specific scenarios where techniques or communication styles were modified to suit unique needs proves flexibility and wide-ranging competence in the field.
- Authentic yet polished expression fosters connection – A Senior Physical Therapist’s resume that combines enthusiastic language about improving patient outcomes with a composed and professional tone strikes the perfect chord. This blend conveys genuine passion for rehabilitation while respecting the seriousness of the role, ensuring the candidate comes across as both approachable and deeply committed to excellence.
By Role
Sports Physical Therapist
- Connecting previous roles to sports rehabilitation demands – Demonstrating hands-on experience in athletic injury management, post-surgical care, or on-field crisis response clearly emphasizes readiness for the fast-paced and unique challenges found within sports physical therapy. Detailing collaborations with sports teams or high-performance athletes further illustrates the candidate’s seamless transition into this specialized arena.
- Immediate resonance with required competencies and team culture – A compelling resume immediately showcases a harmonious blend of technical expertise, passion for sports, and ability to empower clients. Including quantifiable outcomes—such as improved recovery times or injury prevention statistics—signals both practical skill and a commitment to evidence-based approaches, making the applicant an ideal match for a dynamic clinical team.
- Unified professional presence across digital platforms – When the narrative style, core competencies, and values on the resume align with the candidate’s LinkedIn or portfolio, it reinforces authenticity and intentional personal branding. This uniformity assures employers that the applicant is thoughtful about their professional journey and highlights consistency in mission—championing athlete wellbeing—as a defining trait.
Physical Therapist Assistant
- Immediate visual impression and clarity of purpose – A standout Physical Therapist Assistant resume impresses at first glance with an organized, modern layout, concise sections, and easy-to-read formatting. The thoughtful composition signals professionalism and attention to detail, both crucial in healthcare settings, while the clear labeling and strategic use of bold or color guide recruiters effortlessly to the most pertinent details, reinforcing the candidate’s suitability for the demanding, hands-on responsibilities of this clinical support role.
- Compelling introduction demonstrating direct value – An effective opening sentence does more than state credentials; it quickly establishes what sets the candidate apart. By highlighting key qualifications such as patient rapport, adaptability in fast-paced environments, or specialized techniques relevant to physical therapy, the introductory lines immediately convey a strong fit and inspire the recruiter to read further with the confidence that the applicant understands and can exceed role requirements.
- Professional experience that clearly echoes job needs – A truly memorable resume draws clear, direct links between previous experience and the requirements of a Physical Therapist Assistant. Candidates who demonstrate hands-on involvement in patient mobility plans, documentation, or therapeutic exercise instruction—with specific examples and measurable outcomes—offer proof of their readiness to thrive in this role and contribute to patient recovery goals from day one.
Physical Therapist Director
- Immediate impact through a compelling introduction – A standout Physical Therapist Director resume grabs attention right away with a strong, authoritative opening, concisely presenting years of leadership in clinical settings, proven facility management skills, and innovative therapy program development, immediately establishing the applicant’s expertise and suitability for senior roles.
- Unified blend of experience and vision – The best resumes for this position impress by seamlessly combining extensive clinical knowledge with demonstrated success in staff leadership and departmental growth, illustrating that the candidate not only meets but exceeds the multifaceted demands of directing a physical therapy department.
- Purpose-driven application rationale – A resume truly stands out when it clearly conveys the candidate’s genuine enthusiasm for advancing patient outcomes, leading interdisciplinary teams, and fostering a culture of professional development, leaving no doubt as to the applicant’s dedication to both organizational progress and community impact.
Home Health Physical Therapist
- Demonstrates quantifiable patient progress and specialized therapy outcomes – Showcasing achievements like reducing patient recovery times, improving mobility scores, or handling complex cases highlights a therapist’s capability and direct value to home health agencies. Tailoring these results to emphasize home-based rehabilitation, chronic condition management, or interdisciplinary collaboration makes accomplishments especially relevant to this field.
- Presents information in a concise, easy-to-navigate format – A standout resume carefully separates job roles, education, certifications, and skills using consistent section headings and bullet points. This structure guides recruiters swiftly to vital information, such as licensure status and expertise in home care protocols, eliminating ambiguity and supporting fast, effective evaluation.
- Makes use of open layout and reader-friendly design elements – Strategic use of whitespace, clear font choice, and succinct paragraphing ensures the document is accessible and visually appealing. For a home health physical therapist, this readability signals professionalism and attention to detail—qualities essential for effective patient communication and documentation in home care settings.
Neurologic Physical Therapist
- Demonstrated expertise through hands-on neurologic rehabilitation – Highlighting previous roles where you treated patients with neurological impairments, utilized evidence-based interventions, and collaborated on interdisciplinary teams signals to employers that your background directly matches the demands of a Neurologic Physical Therapist. Detailing outcomes, such as improved patient function or innovative care plans, further illustrates a deep understanding of this specialty.
- Unified professional image across digital platforms – Ensuring your resume mirrors the tone and achievements shared on your LinkedIn profile establishes a clear and focused personal brand. Using similar language, keywords, and even showcasing the same specialized certifications or continuing education efforts builds a coherent narrative that makes you memorable to recruiters and clinics seeking advanced neurologic care expertise.
- Impactful summary with a clear intent to advance patient care – Wrapping up your resume with a forward-thinking statement about your aims within neurologic physical therapy, coupled with a purposeful call to action, leaves a strong final impression. Expressing enthusiasm for joining a team committed to neurological recovery and inviting further discussion demonstrates both initiative and genuine commitment to the field.
Pediatric Physical Therapist
- Crafting a cohesive professional image online and offline – A standout pediatric physical therapist resume aligns seamlessly with one’s LinkedIn profile and other professional platforms, using consistent language, specialized keywords, and a unified tone. This reinforces credibility and enables recruiters to easily connect the candidate’s digital persona to their resume, creating a strong and recognizable presence across channels.
- Leaving a memorable impression in the final remarks – A compelling closing section distinguishes a candidate by succinctly reaffirming their passion for pediatric therapy and readiness to contribute to future employers. When candidates confidently articulate their eagerness for an interview or invite further conversation, it demonstrates initiative and professionalism that can set them apart from equally qualified applicants.
- Highlighting specialized skills and distinctive experiences – What differentiates an exceptional pediatric physical therapist’s resume is the way it showcases unique expertise, such as proficiency in rare pediatric interventions, involvement in interdisciplinary care teams, or a track record of innovative rehabilitation programs. This emphasis on distinct achievements paints a clear picture of how the candidate offers added value beyond standard qualifications.
Physical Therapist Consultant
- Clear structure boosts navigation ease – A standout Physical Therapist Consultant resume employs generous spacing, concise sections, and logical paragraph breaks that draw the eye comfortably from one area to the next. Bullet points and bold headings further organize achievements, making key information easily retrievable for busy hiring managers and ensuring no relevant detail is overlooked.
- Versatile expertise demonstrates flexibility – Highlighting experience across various clinical environments—such as outpatient centers, rehabilitation hospitals, and workplace wellness initiatives—shows adaptability vital for consultative roles. Inclusion of projects spanning injury prevention, ergonomic assessments, and patient education confirms the candidate can tailor their strategies to different populations and needs.
- Immediate relevance cements candidate appeal – Right from the top, impactful statements clearly connect core competencies to consulting requirements, emphasizing both clinical prowess and strategic vision. Licensure, specialized certifications, and evidence of successful collaborations are positioned prominently, signaling an ideal fit and readiness to provide value in a consulting capacity.