resume objective examples for physical therapist

Top 17 Physical Therapist Resume Objective Examples

Updated July 22, 2023 14 min read

A resume objective is a statement at the beginning of your resume that outlines your professional goals and highlights your skills and experience. When writing a resume objective for a physical therapist position, you should focus on demonstrating both your knowledge of the profession and your commitment to helping patients improve their physical health. To create an effective resume objective, start by identifying the qualifications you possess that are most relevant to the job description. For example, if you have experience working with diverse patient populations, emphasize this in your statement. Additionally, make sure to mention any specialized training or certifications you may have in physical therapy. Finally, make sure to focus on how you can contribute to the organization’s success rather than what you want from them. Examples of strong resume objectives for physical therapists include: “Seeking a position as a physical therapist where I can utilize my experience working with diverse patient populations and specialized training in manual therapy techniques”; or “Eager to apply my knowledge of rehabilitative protocols as a physical therapist within an established organization committed to quality patient care.”

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Top 17 Physical Therapist Resume Objective Samples

• To obtain a position as a Physical Therapist that will enable me to utilize my knowledge and experience in providing quality care to patients.
• To secure a position as a Physical Therapist where I can use my expertise in patient assessment, treatment planning and implementation of therapeutic interventions.
• To work as a Physical Therapist in an environment that allows me to use my knowledge and skills to improve the lives of patients.
• Seeking an opportunity to work as a Physical Therapist, utilizing my experience in providing evidence-based treatments for various musculoskeletal conditions.
• Looking for an opportunity to join a team of physical therapists and contribute with my expertise in patient evaluation, treatment planning, and implementation of therapeutic interventions.
• To be part of an organization that values excellence and provides the opportunity to develop professionally while helping people achieve their physical therapy goals.
• Seeking a position as a Physical Therapist where I can apply my skills in developing individualized treatment plans for patients with musculoskeletal conditions.
• To work as a Physical Therapist with the aim of improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practice.
• Eager to join an organization that values quality care, patient safety, and professional development opportunities for its physical therapists.
• Looking for an opportunity to utilize my knowledge and experience in providing comprehensive physical therapy services for various orthopedic conditions.
• To join an organization that offers challenging opportunities for professional growth while delivering high-quality care to patients with musculoskeletal disorders.
• Achieving success by using my skillset as a Physical Therapist with the aim of improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practice.
• Seeking employment as a Physical Therapist where I can use my experience in evaluating patients’ needs, developing appropriate treatment plans, and implementing therapeutic interventions effectively.
• Utilizing my expertise in providing comprehensive physical therapy services to help improve the quality of life of individuals suffering from musculoskeletal disorders or injuries.
• Aiming to provide exceptional patient care by leveraging my extensive knowledge and experience in physical therapy assessments, treatments, and rehabilitation plans.
• Applying effective communication skills along with clinical expertise as a Physical Therapist while working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals towards achieving positive patient outcomes.
• Seeking an opportunity to work as a Physical Therapist utilizing current best practices while helping people reach their maximum potential through personalized treatments tailored specifically towards their individual needs

How to Write a Physical Therapist Resume Objective

Writing a physical therapist resume objective is an important step in creating a successful resume. A good objective statement should be concise, accurate, and tailored to the job you are applying for. It should highlight your skills and qualifications that make you the ideal candidate for the position.

When writing a physical therapist resume objective, start by stating your name and profession. This will give employers an immediate understanding of who you are and what you do. Next, list any relevant qualifications or certifications that you have acquired such as a degree in Physical Therapy or certification from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Be sure to include any specialties or experience that makes you stand out from other applicants. Be sure to include any specific knowledge or skills related to the job that could benefit the employer.

Once you have listed your qualifications, it’s time to explain why you are the best candidate for the job. Describe how your experience has prepared you for this role and how it can help improve patient care outcomes. You may also want to mention any awards or recognition you have received in previous positions as well as any volunteer work or professional development courses that demonstrate your commitment to excellence in physical therapy care.

Finally, end your physical therapist resume objective with an expression of enthusiasm for the position. This will show employers that you are eager to take on new challenges and eager to contribute to their team of professionals. By following these tips, your resume objective should give employers a clear picture of why they should consider hiring you as their next physical therapist!

Related : What does a Physical Therapist do?

Key Skills to Highlight in Your Physical Therapist Resume Objective

In the competitive field of physical therapy, having a well-crafted resume can set you apart from other candidates. One crucial part of your resume is the objective statement, where you get a chance to highlight your most relevant skills. This section titled 'Key Skills to Highlight in Your Physical Therapist Resume Objective' will guide you on how to effectively showcase your abilities and expertise in physical therapy. We will discuss what potential employers look for and how best to present these skills in your resume objective, increasing your chances of landing that coveted job interview.

1. Manual therapy

Manual therapy is a specialized skill in the field of physical therapy that involves hands-on techniques to manipulate muscles and joints. This skill is needed for a resume objective because it demonstrates the ability to provide personalized, direct care to patients. It also indicates a high level of expertise and training, as manual therapy techniques often require additional certifications. Including this skill in a resume objective can help set an applicant apart in the competitive field of physical therapy.

2. Kinesiology

Kinesiology, the study of body movement, is a crucial skill for a physical therapist as it forms the basis of their work in diagnosing and treating patients with mobility issues. It aids in understanding how muscles work and interact, which is essential to develop effective treatment plans. Including this skill in a resume objective demonstrates a strong foundation in core knowledge required for the job and shows potential employers that the candidate has the necessary expertise to help patients improve their physical abilities.

3. Neurodynamics

Neurodynamics is a key skill for a Physical Therapist as it involves understanding the mobility and function of the nervous system, which is critical in diagnosing and treating patients with various neurological conditions. This skill demonstrates a therapist's ability to apply advanced techniques to improve nerve movement and reduce pain. Including this on a resume objective shows potential employers that the candidate has specialized knowledge in managing complex neurological issues, enhancing their value to healthcare institutions or clinics dealing with such cases.

4. Gait analysis

Gait analysis is an essential skill for a physical therapist as it allows them to assess, plan and treat individuals who have difficulty moving. This skill is crucial for a resume objective because it demonstrates the ability to evaluate the efficiency of patients' movements, identify any abnormalities or changes in their usual gait, and develop appropriate treatment plans. It shows that the candidate has a deep understanding of human locomotion and can provide high-quality care to improve patients' mobility and quality of life.

5. Orthopedic assessment

A Physical Therapist needs the skill of orthopedic assessment because it is crucial in diagnosing and treating a range of conditions related to the musculoskeletal system. This includes injuries or disorders affecting the muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments. Proficiency in this skill shows potential employers that the candidate has the necessary expertise to evaluate patients' physical conditions accurately, develop effective treatment plans, and help them recover their mobility and strength. Therefore, mentioning this skill in a resume objective can make a candidate more appealing to employers looking for competent physical therapists.

6. Electrotherapy (e.g., TENS)

A Physical Therapist needs the skill of Electrotherapy, such as TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), to effectively manage and treat patients with various musculoskeletal conditions. This skill is crucial for a resume objective as it demonstrates the candidate's ability to utilize diverse therapeutic techniques for pain management and muscle stimulation, thus enhancing their patient care capabilities. It also indicates that the candidate is knowledgeable about modern rehabilitation methods and can apply them appropriately to improve patient outcomes.

7. Ultrasound therapy

Ultrasound therapy is a specialized skill in the field of physical therapy that involves using sound waves to treat various musculoskeletal problems, such as inflammation from injuries or chronic illnesses. Having this skill on a resume objective shows potential employers that the candidate has advanced knowledge and experience in a specific therapeutic technique, making them more qualified and versatile as a physical therapist. This can increase their chances of being hired, especially in settings where ultrasound therapy is frequently used.

8. Aquatic therapy

Aquatic therapy is a specialized skill in the field of physical therapy that involves using water-based exercises to help improve a patient's physical function. Including this skill in a resume objective shows potential employers that the candidate has specific expertise in this area, which can be particularly useful for roles in rehabilitation centers, sports medicine facilities, or any setting where aquatic therapy might be used as part of a patient's treatment plan. This skill also demonstrates the candidate's ability to work with diverse patient populations and adapt their therapeutic approach based on individual needs.

9. Myofascial release

Myofascial release is a specialized physical therapy treatment that targets the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles and organs. This skill is crucial for a physical therapist as it demonstrates their ability to alleviate pain and restore motion by applying gentle, sustained pressure into the myofascial connective tissue. Including this skill in a resume objective shows potential employers that the candidate has specific knowledge and expertise in this therapeutic technique, which can be particularly beneficial in treating patients with chronic pain or mobility issues.

10. Therapeutic exercise

Therapeutic exercise is a core skill for a physical therapist as it involves designing and implementing exercise programs to improve patients' strength, balance, flexibility, or overall fitness. These exercises play a crucial role in recovery from injuries or surgeries, managing chronic illnesses, and improving physical abilities. Including this skill in a resume objective can demonstrate the candidate's capability to provide effective patient care and rehabilitation services. It also shows their knowledge of techniques necessary for aiding recovery and maintaining patients' physical health.

In conclusion, effectively highlighting your key skills in your physical therapist resume objective is crucial to standing out among other candidates. It's not just about listing skills, but demonstrating how these abilities have been utilized in practical scenarios to bring about positive outcomes. Remember, your objective should be a brief yet powerful statement that reflects your professional expertise and career goals. Tailoring it to match the specific requirements of the job you're applying for can significantly increase your chances of landing the interview.

Related : Physical Therapist Aide Skills: Definition and Examples

Common Mistakes When Writing a Physical Therapist Resume Objective

When writing a resume objective for a physical therapist position, there are some common mistakes that should be avoided in order to make the most of your resume. These mistakes can range from not properly outlining your skills and qualifications, to being too vague or unfocused in your message.

The first mistake to avoid when writing a physical therapist resume objective is not properly outlining your qualifications. When applying for any health care position, employers want to see that you have the necessary knowledge and experience to do the job effectively. Therefore, it is important to include any relevant certifications or education that you may have obtained, such as a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) or Master's degree. Additionally, if you have any specializations or unique skills related to physical therapy, be sure to highlight these as well.

Another common mistake when writing a physical therapist resume objective is being too vague or unfocused in your message. Employers often view resumes with objectives that lack clarity and focus as being unprofessional and untrustworthy. Instead of just stating that you are looking for a “position as a physical therapist”, provide more specific details about what you can offer the company and how you plan on utilizing your skillset within their organization. For example, if you specialize in geriatric care, let potential employers know this right away so they can better understand how you plan on helping their organization succeed.

Finally, it is important not to forget about the basics when writing a physical therapist resume objective. Make sure all contact information is included correctly such as name, address, phone number and email address; also double check that spelling and grammar are correct throughout the document before sending it off to potential employers. Additionally, ensure that formatting is consistent throughout the entire document; this will help make it easier for employers to read through quickly and accurately assess your credentials.

By avoiding these common mistakes when writing a physical therapist resume objective employers will be able to get an accurate picture of your qualifications and experience quickly - increasing your chances at landing an interview for the position!

Related : Physical Therapist Resume Examples

A wrong resume objective for a physical therapist could focus on personal career goals, such as advancing to a managerial role, while a right resume objective would focus on providing quality patient care and improving the overall health of those in your care.

Editorial staff

Brenna Goyette

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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9 Physical Therapist Resume Examples Built for 2024

Physical Therapist

Best for senior and mid-level candidates

There’s plenty of room in our elegant resume template to add your professional experience while impressing recruiters with a sleek design.

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Physical Therapist Resume

• Physical Therapist Resumes by Experience
• Physical Therapist Resumes by Role
• Writing Your Physical Therapist Resume

You may be ten years into your physical therapy career or working hard toward your advanced degree. Either way, you’re way too busy changing lives to worry about how you should  build a resume , not to mention whether you should use a cover letter generator !

We scrutinized hundreds of resumes from physical therapists to tease apart what does and what doesn’t work to help get you interviews in 2024.

With the continued aging of the boomer generation, physical therapist job growth is far exceeding the national average. But the competitive salaries and amazing job prospects generate intense competition.  Use these physical therapist resume samples and guide to set yourself apart from the crowd and get more interviews in 2024 . 

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Why this resume works

• As a physical therapist, you can include metrics on patient follow-through, efficient times on your patients per hour, and the number of treatment modalities you provided.
• Proving you can encourage patients to follow through with treatment plans, and reducing the number of sessions they’ll need, is one of the top strengths PT hiring managers seek. 
• Not to mention, they spend little time looking at your physical therapist resume— about six seconds! Numbers will catch their eyes and help them absorb your resume’s information more readily.
• We recommend it if you’ve got 10+ years of field experience under your belt, a specialization or two you’ve honed, and are willing to tailor it to each job you apply for.

Physical Therapist Internship Resume

• Like this physical therapist internship resume, show your impeccable research skills and competencies in data analysis with tools such as Tableau to provide actionable information.

Physical Therapy Student Resume

• Aim for six bullet points per work experience if you’re lacking job history, but resist filling space with fluff.
• Avoid the fluffy filler temptation by providing meaningful, quantified bullet points instead.
• For example, how many pieces of equipment did you master, how often did you attend training events, and how many types of therapeutic modalities did you learn to use?
• While tricky to achieve, you can kick excess white space to the curb with a  resume objective .
• An objective worth it’s salt should: 1. mention the target business by name, 2. list your experience and skills that best match the  job description  keywords, and 3. read as a two-to-three-sentence snapshot of your best self. 

New Grad Physical Therapist Resume

• However, such a good start will not be enough to help your new grad physical therapist resume impress recruiters. Like this example, highlight your achievements during your voluntary work to help with a rehabilitation program to showcase your potential.

Experienced Physical Therapist Resume

• You can easily highlight metrics on your number of patient interactions (surveys or reviews) and efficiency in patient healing and appointment lengths.
• We’ve got just the remedy with ready-to-go  resume templates ; better yet, you might prefer our  Google Docs resume templates  or interactive  Word resume samples .
• Look for a template that’s professional yet stylish, and don’t be afraid to show some personality with a tasteful splash of color.

Physical Therapy Aide Resume

• Backing this up with powerful metrics and impactful action words is an added perk to perfect your physical therapy aide resume!

Physical Therapy Technician Resume

• As a hiring manager, scanning through multiple resumes at once, this resume does an exceptional job at grabbing one’s attention towards the USPs first. When drafting your own resume, make sure you’re not presenting cluttered information. Instead, position your resume the right way both concisely and professionally.

Sports Physical Therapist Resume

• Employers are reviewing your sports physical therapist resume for just a few seconds, so wow them by highlighting your most recent and most impressive jobs.
• As a physical therapist, you’ll have completed at least one clinical internship after your advanced degree, but while it’s relevant to add this information on your resume early in your career, it’s unnecessary when you’re years into your professional work history. Just save those extra details for the interview!

Physical Therapist Assistant Resume

• One of the best ways to land that interview is to review the company’s  job description . They’ve pretty much spilled all the test answers for you.
• We also recommend using the job description to write your  resume skills section.
• This section is the second most important on your entire physical therapist assistant resume because it determines if an actual human will ever see your piece before the ATS robot rejects it. 
• That’s right. Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes for specific skills from the job description; applicants who leave out the magic keywords do not pass “go” and go straight to the “no” pile.

Related resume guides

• Physician Assistant
• Personal Trainer
• Medical assistant
• Medical Receptionist

Resume Format for a Physical Therapist

It’s time to move on to your physical therapist cover letter , right?

Not so fast! Having a well-formatted resume makes it easier for hiring managers to pay attention to what really matters—your experience in the field. Make your resume readable, logical, and complete with a smart structure.

Resume format options

There are three resume formats that are the most popular for 2024

• Reverse-chronological  formatting puts your most recent work experience at the top of the page, enabling recruiters to clearly see how you’ve grown in your career. 
• Functional  formatting puts the emphasis on your skills and is helpful if you have employment gaps. 
• Combination/hybrid  formatting uses a reverse-chronological format but places equal emphasis on skills and work experience. 

Resume Writing for a Physical Therapist

Writing an  effective resume  is an art that can be tough to learn. We at BeamJobs have spent countless hours mastering the craft, so don’t be hard on yourself! Take it slow, section by section, and you can avoid a lot of frustration. You could think of it like physical therapy, slow and steady progress is the best! 

But if you don’t have the time or you find the process tedious, an  online resume builder  can do the heavy lifting for you. 

Now, let’s turn to the meat of your resume. The resume sections

• Resume Objectives and Summaries 
• Work Experience

What’s the objective/summary all about? 

Alright, let us be the first to let you know you don’t necessarily  need  a resume  objective or summary  section. But, there are a few times when physical therapists should seriously consider adding one. 

Objectives help you communicate your skills and interests in a specific job, whereas  resume summaries  demonstrate honed specializations and how they’ve quantifiably helped you over the course of your career in physical therapy. Use a resume objective if you’re light on work experience (or going through a substantial career change), and use a summary if you’re a bonafide PT legend with 10+ years of experience. 

Examples often make these statements easier to understand, so here are a few poor examples followed by some customized ones: 

Poor Objective : highly skilled physical therapist, who’s ready to take the next career step. 

Poor Summary : Many years of working experience in PT and PT-related fields. 

Why they’re poor: These are vague and nonspecific, and, let’s face it, these both just take up precious room on your resume. 

Customize your statement like the objective below instead:

Or dazzle the employer with a brief but tailored summary like this one:

Work experience

Your work experience is important, and we get that every job you’ve held is important to you. But, unless you have limited work experience or you’re under 20, we doubt that the job you held when you were 16 is relevant to your PT resume. Stick with choosing the most related, recent two to four work experiences you have for your resume. 

Writing your job description bullet points

If you’re the type of physical therapist who’s constantly obsessing about the grammar on your treatment plan notes, you’ll be thrilled to learn that grammar is critically important on your resume. For the rest of us who would rather forget learning about adverbs in middle school, this topic may fill you with dread.

Rest assured, though, because there are only a few areas where you need to pay special attention

• Use action words like “spearheaded” to start each bullet point.
• Focus on active voice; for example, say “manually manipulated joints,” instead of “the patient’s joints were manually manipulated.”
• Don’t use personal pronouns (like “me,” or “I”).
• Stay consistent with punctuation (you can use periods or not at the end of each bullet point, but be consistent with the one you choose), and use past-tense. 

Here are some strong work experience examples : 

These work because they start with action words, use consistent punctuation (no periods at the end of sentences), avoid personal pronouns, are written in the past tense, and are informative and interesting to read. 

Quantify your physical therapist impact

You might want to pull out your old patient records because it’s time to figure out how many sessions you’ve treated patients for (on average) before they graduated from PT. Informative metrics like this are valuable to the hiring team because, while anyone certified can  say  they’re a great physical therapist, numbers  prove  you can get the job done when it counts. 

Aim for including metrics on 50 percent or more of your bullet points, and if that seems like a difficult number to achieve, focus on leveraging metrics from things like:

• The follow-through of at-home exercises given to patients 
• The number of PT modalities you specialize in

Top physical therapist skills to list

The skills section is one of the most important, yet underused of resumes in 2024. But, why is it so important? 

First off, the skills section gives you a chance to use keywords that the Applicant Tracking Systems software is looking for. Use six to ten skills with a combination of hard and soft (with extra emphasis on hard skills) to up the chances that your abilities match the desired keywords. 

Second, the skills section lets the hiring team know if you’re a good match for that specific job. It’ll help highlight if you’re more skilled in acute sports injury, geriatric injury, or paralysis rehabilitation, for example. Employers will seriously appreciate you making their job easier! 

Here are some skills you might want to consider adding to your resume:

• Goal Setting 
• Patient Evaluation
• Mobility Training
• Adaptive Equipment Use
• Mono and Diplegia Rehab Techniques 

Why these work: These  resume skills  are specific to the field, emphasizing hard (like “acute care”) over soft skills (such as “organized”), and they let employers know what your specific skill set really is. 

Starting the next chapter of your professional career is no joke. We know it can be overwhelming even at the best of times, but you should give yourself a pat on the back! You’ve taken the first step to making your resume the best possible representation of your career and ambitions. 

If you’ve been following along this guide with your resume open in another tab, making edits as you read, then go ahead and run your work through our  resume checker  to get AI-powered tips and a “resume score” that will help you further refine it. Or, if you’ve just realized that your resume needs a total re-do, our  resume builder  can help you create a properly-formatted resume from the ground up, helping you avoid mistakes and frustration from the start.

• Physical therapy
• Physical therapist objectives and summaries

Physical therapist Objectives & summaries

9 Physical therapist objectives and summaries found

A well-written objective or summary on your resume can be the difference between getting rejected, or getting invited for an interview. Copy any of these Physical therapist objective or summary examples, and use it as inspiration for your own resume. All examples are written by certified resume experts, and free for personal use.

Learn more about: objective vs. summary

Physical therapist resume summaries

Highly skilled and compassionate Physiotherapist with 10 years of experience in restoring patients’ routine activities through massage techniques, heat treatments, therapeutic exercise programs, and other noninvasive techniques. Expertise in working with all age groups with a variety of conditions. Continually promote prevention, acute care, rehabilitation, disability while maintaining optimal functional independence and physical performance. Fosters teamwork, team member engagement, and community involvement.

Highly skilled health care professional with extensive experience in delivering safe, quality, and patient-centric physiotherapy services through a commitment to service availability, accessibility, and excellence. Adept at working with patients and helping them to achieve their functional goals. Designs services to achieve optimal health outcomes and utilize resources efficiently and safely. Provide excellent health services from wellness, health promotion and prevention, acute care, and rehabilitation, to disability and disease management. Leverages holistic approach incorporating a broad range of physical and physiological therapeutic interventions and aids. Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and judgment in the best interests of the client.

Registered physiotherapist who provides relief to patients by devising basic therapy plans to aid healing and help them regain normal life functions. Excellent interpersonal relationships and comfortable within high-pressure environments, both in medical and home settings. Desirous to take on additional responsibilities in the evaluation and management of patients, as well as in the creation of appropriate treatment plans to best address their needs.

Highly capable physical therapist with 3+ years of experience assessing patients’ rehabilitative needs and conducting physician-prescribed PT programs in specialized acute-care hospitals. Commended training new PT assistants in rehabilitation and therapy treatments within a short timeframe and while handling large patient caseloads. Able to build informal communications with patients and make them feel at ease during each session.

Healthcare business strategist with 14 years of experience in diverse leadership roles, honing deep expertise in standardizing, improving, and developing systems, processes, and policies. Collaborative leader and a go-to person with a history of supporting and guiding board of directors and executive teams in tackling obstacles and achieving ambitious, long-range goals. Inspirational leader boosting performance through mentoring and people-focused Physical therapy need delivering top-notch patient care ensuring patient satisfaction is at an all-time high. Known for capitalizing on opportunities that maximize operational efficiency, financial performance, and brand prestige. Anticipated to complete Masters in Business Development(MBA) in June 2021.

Physical therapist resume objectives

An energetic PT with a deep interest in managing rehabilitation programs for individuals with disabilities and acute physical injuries. Looking to apply my skills in functional strength training to administer active and passive manual exercises to ensure the well-being of patients.

Goal-oriented physical therapist with extensive knowledge about managing pain, enhancing range of motion, and assisting patients during physical rehabilitation. Seeking to employ proven PT and evaluation abilities to help pinpoint the source of trauma and provide safe, efficient physical therapy plans for patients.

A passionate physical therapist with a track record of utilizing the latest technologies to successfully manage patients’ rehabilitation programs. Looking to apply my physiotherapy expertise to work with clients on a case-by-case basis, providing post-injury solutions and recommending home-based exercises to accelerate their recovery time.

Patient-centered Physical Therapist with 6 years of experience in creating individualized care plans and treating patients through all phases of physical therapy. Delivers high-quality care through comprehensive, thorough, evidence-based practices to restore patients to full functionality. Seeking PT role to provide 5-star customer experience to the patients every day.

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How to write a physical therapy resume?

[ Click here to directly go to the complete physical resume sample ]

"Your speed does not matter, forward is forward"

Your physical therapist resume should catch the eyes of the recruiter at the very first glance, and for that, you need expert guidance.

Take a look at at our physical therapist resume sample to get an insight on how an ideal physical therapist resume is curated:

• Wound-Care Treatment
• Diagnostic Equipment
• Aquatic Therapy
• Orthotic Devices
• Medical Charts
• Department Records
• Care Service
• Non-manual Exercise
• Supportive Devices
• Certified ' Physical Therapy Specialist ' from Sunshine Internship Therapy Center Mar '13
• Certified ' Aquatic Therapist ' from Oasis Health Center Aug '12
• Operated medical diagnostic equipment for heat/ice/water/electrical/ light stimulation, ultrasound, & aquatic therapy
• Participated in wound-care treatment & assisted usage of wheelchairs & prosthetic/orthotic devices of the patients
• Conducted therapeutic exercise programs encompassing active & passive ranges of dexterity
• Created plan of care  for regular clients with 5-star ratings on daily basis for Health grade status of the center
• Mobilized patients recovering from injuries to restore & improve their physical capabilities for daily activities
• Augmented 85% success in rendering patients' satisfaction for their rehabilitation oriented goals
• Monitored 40 patients on a daily basis to enable 30% increase in mobility & improvement in patients' muscle reeducation
• Recommended by supervisor & patients for providing compassionate care to restore function & normal routine
• Promoted a positive professional solution-oriented approach at all times with colleagues & ancillary staff
• Interceded and coordinated with colleagues for extra shifts & duties whenever commended by management
• Elevated the public image of the center on the official website by garnering 20+ new 5-star ratings
• Supervised a batch of 60+ interns in a course of 3 years imparting the utmost skills & training of highest quality
• Facilitated the daily living activities of individual patients based on their therapeutic treatment program
• Scheduled & organised special therapy sessions for patients with special needs & profound physical injuries
• Rendered therapies only after initial interviews to accumulate details of the patient for processing suitable therapy
• Administered non-manual exercises with use of machines as well as ambulatory functional activities
• Documented care services in individual medical charts for every patient to maintain department records
• Demonstrated & monitored patients with the usage of supportive devices such as canes, crutches & prostheses
• Expedited recovery of 100+ patients with traumatic injuries by conducting intensive treatment plan
• Top 10 percentile of class
• Languages : English, Spanish, French

A perfect resume will not only get you noticed by the recruiter, but it will also help you get more interviews.

Read further to learn how to write a flawless physical therapist resume.

Here is a quick summary of our physical therapist assistant resume 2022 Guide:

• Ensure that your latest and most relevant job experience is noticeable by the recruiter by using the reverse-chronological format
• The objective or summary of your resume should consist of only 3-4 lines
• Document your roles & responsibilities in one-liner points in the professional experience section of your physical therapist resume & highlight the key achievements within each point to increase its effectiveness
• Mention your awards and recognition (if any) under the key achievements section of your professional experience section.

The job of a Physical Therapist is not meant to be easy on people, but to make them better. The whole course of treatment may take time but the result is for the long term.

By the end of this blog, you will learn the following topics to create your physical therapy resume:

• How to write in your physical therapist resume?
• How to convey your skills and achievements in your physical therapy resume?
• How to write the professional experience in physical therapist assistant resume?
• How to write the certifications in the physical therapy resume?
• How to write a professional summary in the physical therapy resume?

Here at Hiration Online Resume Builder , you will find all the necessary guidance and physical therapist assistant resume examples to frame your perfect physical therapist resume.

Read on to find the physical therapy assistant resume samples to help you write a professional therapist resume.

This blog will cover the topics given below:

Types of Jobs for a Physical Therapist

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A physical therapist deals with a wide range of treatments. The list below shows some of the top practices of a physical therapist:

• Pediatric therapy
• Orthopedic therapy
• Geriatric therapy
• Neurological therapy
• Cardiopulmonary therapy

Some physical therapist resume titles you can also write are as follows:

• Massage therapist
• Assistant physical therapist
• Physical therapy new grade
• Entry-level physical therapist

You can use Hiration's Online Resume Builder to find 25+ design templates for your physical therapist resume.

You can also get your physical therapist resume reviewed by our experts:

Resume writing is hard, but with our expert guidance, you will be able to write a job-winning resume.

What is a Physical Therapy Resume & why do you need it?

A physical therapist resume describes your experience and skills to the recruiters. It highlights your potential as a physical therapist.

Here are a few examples showing the importance of a physical therapist resume:

• It is the first interaction between you and the recruiters
• It highlights all your skills and achievements
• It creates a chance for you to land more interviews

Taking all the above points into account, we can say that a flawless physical therapist resume is the need of the day if you want the recruiters to notice you.

40% of employers use ATS (Applicant tracking system) to pick the most eligible applicant as it saves them time and helps them filter the most suitable resume. When you rank high in the ATS, you get a better chance to grab the recruiter's attention.

Make sure to highlight the relevant keywords that are related to the requirement for the physical therapy job that you are applying for.

Treat your PTA resume or PT resume like that of doctor resumes. All you have to do is highlight your skills and achievements in your resume.

Keep in mind that your massage therapist resume is a visual representation of your capabilities as a professional. It is a reflection of your professional skills and achievements.

When recruiters see and read your physical therapist resume, they get to know your abilities as a physical therapist.

So it is an important task for you to create a flawless physical therapist resume. You need it to go to the next level of job hunting.

Read our Guide: How to write a resume , if you want to rank high on the ATS and get shortlisted by recruiters.

Physical Therapy Resume Section

Arrange your physical therapist resume in the sections we have mentioned below:

• Personal Information
• Profile Title
• Summary/Objective
• Professional Experience
• Certifications
• Additional Information

Read Hiration's Guide to sections in a resume for more details on the physical therapist resume section.

You can also go to our Online Resume Builder for pre-filled and designed resumes for your perfect physical therapist resume.

How to write a Physical Therapy Resume 2022?

Writing a physical therapy aide resume needs detailed planning to execute each aspect.

There are three stages of drafting a physical therapist resume. You can master in it by following the simple steps given below:

• Master Nursing Student Resume
• First Draft Nursing Student Resume
• Final Nursing Student Resume

Master Physical Therapy Resume

Compiling all the relevant information for your massage therapist resume is very important.

Collect all your pieces of information in one place so that you do not miss any relevant detail. It will help you in building your physical therapist resume.

There are two uses of making a master physical therapist resume:

• Resume writing in the present
• Resume update in the future

Since you have all the relevant career-related information in one place, it makes it easy to pick the points that are relevant for curating your resume in the present.

It also has the added advantage of helping you update your resume in the future. Information that may not be relevant to your target profile today might prove to be a game-changer in the future.

This is why storing your information in one place helps you revolutionize your resume-making process - not just in the present, but in the future too!

First Draft of your Physical Therapy Resume

Always make sure to fill the following sections from the first draft stage of writing your physical therapy resume:

• Certification
• Awards & Recognition

Make sure not to miss any relevant statements or points in any of these sections that can boost your chances of being shortlisted.

The Final Draft of a Physical Therapy Resume

There are three important things that you need to focus on while writing your final stage of physical therapist resume. They are given below:

• Create your key skills section: Scan through your professional experience section for relevant skills and fill your key skill section with them.
• Create your summary/objective section: Write a summary of your physical therapist resume. Your physical therapy summary should highlight your relevant skills from your professional experience section and the key skills section. Pick reference from your certification sections as well.
• Bold and highlight: Scan through your professional experience section and bold all the valid words and numbers that highlight your efficiency. This is to make you stand out among all the other applicants.

The three steps listed above will help you to write a flawless physical therapist resume.

You can use our simplified state-of-the-art Online Resume Builder which can help you write your massage therapist resume.

Physical Therapy Resume: Header

Your resume header is the first thing that a recruiter notices in your resume at a glance. Your name should always be the default resume header of your physical therapy student resume.

Make sure that you use the largest font to compose your resume header ( 16-20 font size ).

In case you have a middle name, you should write it like this:

Example : Emily Tron Heartfill should be written as Emily T. Heartfill

You can directly refer to Hiration Guide to writing the perfect resume header

The sample physical therapy resume that we have attached below shows how your name should reflect in the header section of your physical therapist resume:

Go to our online resume builder as it has a huge library of pre-written, ready-to-use use content templates for different profiles and 100+ content templates for you.

Physical Therapy Resume: Personal Information

The personal information section comes right below your resume header.

This section is important as it consists of contact details using which a recruiter gets in touch with you. Thus, you should be extra sure that you fill this section accurately.

This section should consist of the following details:

• Mobile number: make sure to provide an available number
• Email ID: share only your official email ID
• Location: provide only the current location

Mobile Number

Make sure that you provide only your functional mobile number on which you are available 24x7. This will see to it that the recruiter can get in touch with you.

Use the correct format for writing your phone number as mentioned below:

• Place your country’s ISD code as a prefix before your phone number
• Put a plus sign (+) before the ISD code
• Eg: +1 13788 11311

Another way for the recruiter to get in touch with you apart from your phone number is your email ID.

Always remember that you should provide only your professional email ID. Anything fancy like [email protected] or [email protected] would be seen as a sign of unprofessionalism.

Create an official email ID if you are missing one as it is very important.

In case your name is Tony Molly, your official email should look something like this:

[email protected] or [email protected]

One final piece of information that you need to provide is your location. Mention your accurate location as it plays an important part while applying for a job.

Giving names of your hometown or previous place of residence can be inconvenient for you as well as the recruiter. Provide the current location to receive calls from recruiters who can provide you with jobs in your area.

If you are looking for jobs in your own country, give your city and state. Else write your city and country if you are looking for a job outside your country.

Make sure to read our Guide: Contact Information on Resume , for more details.

Look at our physical therapy resume template for reference:

Physical therapy Resume: Profile Title

Another important feature of your experienced physical therapist resume is your profile title. It refers to the job position and industry that you are looking for and highlights the industry that you are interested in.

Your profile title should be written in the second-largest text in your resume with a font size of 14-16 points .

The below-mentioned sample physical therapy resume shows how your profile title should look in your physical therapist resume:

Physical Therapy Resume: Professional Experience

The professional experience section of your entry level physical therapist resume is a platform that you can use to provide all your skills and achievements.

If perfectly composed, this section plays an important role in positively influencing a recruiter and making an impact.

Articulating your work experience most effectively is a must. You can do so by following the rules that we have mentioned below:

• STAR format
• Framing points
• Bolding & bucketing

STAR Format

Star format is the method of writing your work experience and giving details about your responsibilities and roles to emphasize your achievements.

With this format, your physical therapist assistant resume will highlight the required information of your previous or relevant job.

Situation : the situation or background of your contributions

Task : the task that you were assigned

Action : the strategy you used to execute the task

Results : the outcome of your actions

By using the STAR format to write your physical therapist assistant resume, you have the opportunity to showcase the effective impact of your skills in your job.

Adding numbers adds value to your entry level physical therapist resume. So, use performance figures to endorse your achievements and contributions wherever possible.

Framing Points

You should remember that your resume is not an essay. Hence, using paragraphs is a big No. All it does is it unnecessarily make your resume more bulky and hard to read.

Resumes that are composed using paragraphs are a big disadvantage because the recruiter is likely to not read it in its entirety.

This is why using one-liner points can help.

Framing one-liner points is a smart way of composing your physical therapy assistant resume as opposed to using bulky paragraphs.

Let us look at the physical therapist resume sample to write your physical therapist resume the right way:

"I have worked for rehabilitation treatment planning and successfully augmented 75% success in rendering satisfaction to the patients for their rehabilitation oriented goals. I have also monitored 40 patients daily and successfully enabled a 30% increase in the improvement of patients' muscle reeducation. I was recommended by my supervisor and the patients for providing compassionate care even when I was assigned for normal routine for the patients. I have maintained interpersonal relationships and coordinated with the staff to promote a positive professional solution-oriented approach at all times with colleagues & ancillary staff. I have interceded and coordinated with my colleagues for extra shifts and duties without hesitation whenever I was commended by management."

Augmented 75% success in rendering satisfaction for patients' rehabilitation oriented goals Monitored 40 patients daily to enable a 30% increase in improvement in patients' muscle reeducation Recommended by supervisor & patients for providing compassionate care in every routine Promoted a positive solution-oriented approach at all times with colleagues & ancillary staff Coordinated with colleagues for extra shifts & duties whenever commended by management

Framing Points: Analysis

Now when we compare the two examples, we can see that example 1 is a bulky paragraph, while example 2 is a well-framed list of crisp and reader-friendly one-liner points.

Both examples are stating the same things, but if you closely observe the above-mentioned examples, you will find that example 2 is better organized and more readable.

So you should always write your roles & responsibilities in the form of points. It makes it easier for your resume to outshine others.

Bolding & Bucketing

After going through the steps mentioned above, its time to highlight your skills and achievements by bolding and bucketing them to enhance your chance of being noticed by the recruiter.

Let us look at some physical therapy resume examples of professional experience to see how bolding and bucketing helps in increasing your chance of being shortlisted by a recruiter.

Augmented 75% success in rendering satisfaction for patients' rehabilitation oriented goals Monitored 40 patients daily to enable a 30% increase in improvement in patients' muscle reeducation Promoted a positive solution-oriented approach at all times with colleagues & ancillary staff Coordinated with colleagues for extra shifts & duties whenever commended by management

Rehabilitation Treatment Planning Augmented 75% success in rendering satisfaction for patients' rehabilitation oriented goals Monitored 40 patients on a daily basis to enable a 30% increase in improvement in patients' muscle reeducation

Interpersonal Relationships & Staff Coordination Promoted a positive solution-oriented approach at all times with colleagues & ancillary staff Coordinated with colleagues for extra shifts & duties whenever commended by management

Bolding & Bucketing: Analysis

From these two examples, we can see that it is easier for a recruiter to notice your key skills and achievements when you use bolding & bucketing in your physical therapy resume.

Grouping similar points under one unique subheading (bucketing) give the recruiter a clear picture of your key responsibilities.

Moreover, when you use bolding, it has the added benefit of drawing the recruiter's attention to the candidate's key performance figures.

Because these are highlighted in bold, it makes it stand out, which helps in creating a more visible impact on the recruiter.

Thus, you should use bucketing & bolding.

You can also get your existing resume professionally reviewed by our in-house team of resume experts at Hiration.

To learn more about fashioning the perfect professional experience section, read Hiration's Blog on how to compose the work experience in your resume .

Given below is a sample physical therapy resume showing what a perfectly composed professional experience section should ideally look like:

Physical Therapy Resume: Education

While applying for a job, you need to provide your educational qualification. The Physical Therapy Resume is no different and requires your educational records.

Your education section requires the following details:

• Name of the school/university you have attended
• Name of the course/courses you have pursued
• Location of your school/university
• Date of enrollment and graduation from each course (month & year)

Look at the sample physical therapy resume for a better understanding of how to write your education section:

Place your details as seen in the massage therapist resume sample given above and your physical therapy resume is set to go to the recruiters.

For more details, you can refer to our Hiration's Guide on how to list education on your resume

Physical Therapy Resume: Certifications

Your certifications are a bonus that plays an important role in displaying your abilities to the recruiters. It demonstrates your skills and professionalism.

Follow the order listed below to write your certificate section:

• Name of the Certification Course
• Name of the Affiliating Institution
• Location of the Institute
• Dates of enrollment and completion of the course in month & year format

In the meanwhile, you can read Hiration's Guide on listing certifications on a resume to learn the art of perfecting certifications.

Given below is our massage therapist resume sample demonstrating the ideal certification section in your physical therapist resume:

Physical Therapy Resume: Additional Information

All your extra information falls under this category.

Most of the people neglect this section but you should make sure that you fill this section in your physical therapy resume.

You can add your hobbies that are relevant to your job as a physical therapist.

For example, you can add the languages that you speak apart from English as it endorses your communication abilities. Alongside this, you can also add hobbies that are relevant to a physical therapist.

You can look at the physical therapy resume sample given below for your reference:

Physical Therapy Resume Key Sections

Physical therapy resume: key skills.

Here is the chance to be noticed by a recruiter with just a glance itself. By now you are aware that a recruiter wastes no time in one resume alone, so make it count.

The whole idea of having a separate key skills section is to attract the recruiter's attention to your abilities and create a connection between your skills and the job you are applying for.

From the example, we can see that all the key skills are highlighted in a way that is hard to miss out by any recruiter.

Meanwhile, you can also read Hiration's Guide on what skills to put on a resume to learn the tricks of writing this section with perfection.

Always write your key skills in the end so that you do not miss any important potential you have in you for the job that you are applying to.

Have a look at our physical therapy resume sample below to know what an ideal skills section should look like:

Physical Therapy Resume: Summary

Give a total summary of your professional experience in this section in 3-5 lines.

Writing a summary gives a clear impression of your career highlights and it also documents your roles & responsibilities in a crisp paragraph. It also speaks volumes about your experience and your achievements.

Here is a physical therapy resume sample to know how your summary should be impeccably framed in physical therapy resume:

From the example, we can see that the applicant has given an introduction along with enough information that is relevant to physical therapy. With a summary like this, you can increase your chance of being selected for an interview and land a job.

In case you'd like to read a detailed guide on how the perfect resume summary is written, take a look at Hiration's Resume Summary Guide.

Physical Therapy Resume: Objective

Unlike a summary, your physical therapy resume objective should be used only when you have minimal or zero work experience. It is not for professionals who have years of work experience in this field.

You should write an objective in place of a summary in case you are writing an entry-level physical therapist resume.

Your objective should be tailored around the job that you are applying for. It states your skills and what you are looking for.

Read our Hiration's Guide on Resume Objectives for a better understanding of objectives in your physical therapy resume.

Physical Therapy Resume Word Template

Use Hiration's Professional Resume Review Service for your physical therapy resume. Your resume will be reviewed in compliance with the below-given parameters:

• Compliance with industry norms
• Recruiter Friendliness
• Global Compatibility
• Resume Formatting (font, margins, the order of sections, etc.)
• Performance Assessment
• Design Compatibility
• Conversion Scope
• ATS Compliance
• Content Relevance

You can also avail free word template of your resume after it is reviewed.

Physical Therapy Resume Builder

The following resources are made available with the use of Hiration's Online Resume Builder :

• Option to save unlimited resumes
• 20+ resume designs
• Full rich-text editor
• Unlimited PDF downloads
• 100+ content templates
• 1-click design change
• A sharable link
• Live resume editor

Here is your chance to create your perfect physical therapy resume. Click on the Hiration's Online Resume Builder for your flawless physical therapist resume.

Key Takeaways

• Always start your resume by filling the professional experience section
• Use a power verb to start each point in your work experience section.
• Use the bold and bucket method to state your points
• Write a resume summary when your work experience is 3 years and above.
• Write objectives only when you have less or no work experience or in case of a change in career.
• Always include both month and year wherever you mention the period of your education or work
• Make sure to mention the experience of work as it helps a lot
• Use the reverse chronology order to write your work experience section
• Never write any of your key skills in phrases
• Write only one-liner points
• Use the appropriate tense of power verbs to write your points
• Always provide the correct personal information

Now that we have come to the end of our 2022 Guide on Physical Therapy Resume, you are now ready to write your perfect physical therapist resume.

Go to Hiration resume builder and create a professional resume for yourself. Additionally, reach out to us at [email protected] and you can get 24/7 professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries.

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Physical Therapist Resume: Example, Template & Top Tips

As a Physical Therapist, you know what to do to help a client build back their strength. If you’re having trouble getting your resume to impress hiring managers, we can help. Our resume templates can help your resume make a full recovery and help you land your dream job.

Physical Therapist Resume Example MSWord® Give your resume the proper conditioning with our Physical Therapist Resume template in Word format.

You’re already a pro at building a patient’s strength, but now you have to build your resume’s strength if you want to get a job as a physical therapist. Luckily, all that care and attention to put into your work will translate into a great physical therapist resume you can use to get the job of your dreams.

In this guide, we’ll discuss how to write a great physical therapist resume that’ll be strong enough to show potential employers you have the right stuff to get the job done, including:

• How to write the best possible resume for a physical therapist position
• Creating a physical therapist resume objective or summary
• Compiling your work experience and education resume sections
• Highlighting relevant physical therapist skills and experience
• Tips, tricks, and advice to help you start an exciting career as a physical therapist

As a physical therapist, you might prefer a more “hands-on” approach to learning, so we’ll include plenty of physical therapist resume examples . That way, you can see exactly what goes into building a great resume.

Already know what you want to put on your resume?

Great! Check out the ResumeGiants free online resume builder and get started right away. Browse through dozens of professional templates to find one that fits your style, fill in your information, and you’re ready to start applying to physical therapist positions. 

However, if you don’t think you’re ready to stand on your own two legs just yet, keep on reading!

There are plenty of tips and tricks to help you effectively showcase your skills and experience ahead. Think of this guide as an exercise ball designed to get you nice and strong to take on the job market. Let’s dive in!

Physical Therapist Resume Sample

As any good physical therapist knows, you have to walk before you can run.

First, let’s take a look at what a good physical therapist resume example looks like. That way, you can get a feel for the different sections of a resume and how to display the information effectively.

Your format might look somewhat different than the example, but the sections and information should be somewhat similar. Think of this as the foundation on which to build your incredible resume.

[Physical Therapist]

[684 Exercise Way, Kalispell, MT 59901 | 406-555-7246 | [email protected]]

Licensed and caring physical therapist with 5+ years of experience. Looking to use proven PT and assessment skills that have achieved 87% success toward patient goals to deliver positive patient experiences at Mountain View Wellness.

Spruce Lake Rehab – Kalispell, MT

Physical Therapist

2016 – 2020

• Sports PT in a busy clinic.
• Developed patient care plans for over 150 clients with 85% success toward patient goals.
• Maintained 35 regular clients with 97% positive patient scores.

Sunset Trail Senior Living – Billings, MT

2015 – 2016 

• Worked with residents to help them get around the facility and make them comfortable.
• Used equipment to build residents’ strength, including walkers, exercise balls, and resistance bands.
• Managed schedules of 10+ residents per shift.

Idaho State University | Pocatello, ID

Doctor of Physical Therapy 

2013 – 2016 

Montana State University | Billings, MT

Bachelor’s degree of Physical Therapy

2009 – 2013

Skills and Qualifications

• Attention to detail
• Verbal and written communication
• Active listening
• Patient assessment
• Creating plan of care
• Patient education
• Performing therapy interventions

Licensed Physical Therapist – Montana Board of Physical Therapy Examiners #123456789

Certifications

• First Aid & CPR Certified – American Heart Association

Sports PT Certified – American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Publications

• Article about patient and family education published in APTA Magazine (2019)
• Frequent guest on PT Inquest podcast
• English (native)
• Spanish (fluent)

Want a few more examples for extra inspiration? Check out our guide for writing a massage therapist resume that follows many of the same principles. 

What’s the Best Physical Therapist Resume Format?

Helping patients feel better is serious business. That’s why it’s so important for your resume to show you can handle the responsibility of being a physical therapist if you want to get hired. 

Your resume is like your first impression for potential employers . Even worse, most hiring managers only take six to seven seconds to read through a resume — which means you absolutely need to choose the best format to show off your skills clearly, quickly, and efficiently.

Your resume’s format is a lot like working with a patient. There’s no single best solution for every situation. You should choose a format that fits your specific style and best showcases your unique skills.

While your physical therapist resume format might be different from some of our examples, there are a few universal resume formatting tips you should always follow:

• Use reverse-chronological order for your education and work experience sections.
• Leave plenty of space between sections and paragraphs for easy readability. 
• Keep your resume to one page (two pages if absolutely necessary).
• Use bold headings over sections to make it easy for hiring managers to scan for information.
• Use a clear, professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Cambria.
• Choose a readable font size between 13-15 for headings and 11-12 for body text.
• Save your resume as a PDF to prevent formatting issues.

The main goal of your resume formatting should be to put the most important information first . Since most people read from top to bottom (including hiring managers), you want to put the most exciting info right up front to encourage potential employers to keep reading.

Typically, most physical therapist resumes follow this basic order :

• Header with personal information and contact details
• Resume summary or objective
• Work experience
• Skills and qualifications
• Other sections (as needed)

Like we said earlier, your layout might differ slightly from this order. For example, if you don’t have much professional experience yet, it might be a good idea to put your education and skills section at the beginning of your resume. Remember, most important things first !

How to Write a Physical Therapist Resume Summary or Resume Objective

Now that you know all the pieces of a solid physical therapist resume, it’s time to piece them together. Since we hope you already know your contact information and personal details, let’s jump ahead to the resume summary or resume objective.

Your physical therapist resume summary or objective is going to be the first in-depth piece of information that hiring managers will read — so it has to be good! First things first, what’s the difference between a resume summary and a resume objective?

• Resume summary – A few sentences that sum up your professional experience, knowledge, and skills.
• Resume objective – An overview of your career goals, with a few skills thrown in.

These two terms might sound similar, but they both serve very different purposes. Resume summaries are supposed to describe your specific work experience , and a resume objective outlines your overall career goals.

💡featured content

Resume summaries are best for people with experience to summarize. Resume objectives are best for entry-level physical therapists who might not have professional experience yet. 

Physical Therapist Resume Summary Example

As you might have guessed from the name, a resume summary is simply a summary of your resume . It should be about two or three sentences that describe your professional experience as a physical therapist. And don’t forget to include a few specific skills you can bring to the practice. 

The easiest way to write a resume summary is to make a list of your professional experience and skills you want to showcase. Then, try to cram them all into a few short sentences. 

Ready for an example? Here’s what a good physical therapist resume summary should look like:

The key to any great physical therapist resume summary is to keep it short, concise, and specific .

Resume real estate is valuable. Don’t take up any more space than you have to, so you can fill the rest of the page with other important information. 

As for specifics, hard numbers and unique skills are always a bonus. And if you really want to dazzle potential employers, including their business’s name is always good for a brownie point or two!

How to Write an Entry-Level Physical Therapist Resume Objective

It’s easy to write a resume summary if you have a resume to summarize, but:

What if you’re just starting out in the exciting world of physical therapy and don’t have much (or any) professional experience? That’s what a resume objective is for!

A resume objective is simply a brief explanation of your career goals . It’s a great place to show potential employers what you bring to the table and where you want to go with your career.

You might not have specific professional experience to showcase, but that doesn’t mean you won’t make a great physical therapist!

To help your resume stand out from the crowd, it’s always a good idea to personalize your resume objective to the job you’re applying to. 

For example, let’s say you’re applying to be the next physical therapist at Spruce Lake Rehab Center.

We’d love to have you, but since it’s such a top-rate facility, we want to make sure all our physical therapists have the care and attention to detail necessary to keep our patients happy and healthy.

To show you know how to put in the work, simply mention our name in your resume objective . When the hiring manager reads it, they’ll know you didn’t just copy and paste the same old resume objective you use for everyone.

You take the time to do it right. And that’s exactly what we need in our physical therapists!

Adding a little personalization to your resume is a great way to show potential employers you pay attention to the details and you’re more than willing to put in the work to do something right — which is what makes a good physical therapist.

Entry-Level Physical Therapist Resume Objective Example

Now you know how to write a great resume objective, but as a physical therapist, you might want to get a bit more “physical.” So, let’s take a hands-on look at what a physical therapist resume objective example would look like. 

It’s always better to learn from someone else’s mistakes, so let’s look at what a bad resume objective looks like:

Looking for a job as a physical therapist. I recently graduated and don’t have much experience, but I’m very passionate about helping people live a pain-free life.

Well, at least it’s short! But unfortunately, this resume objective isn’t going to get many callbacks.

Not only did this applicant admit to not having experience, but they didn’t even provide any specific skills that would make them a fit for the job.

They did mention their passion for helping others, but how many physical therapist applicants do you think have the same passion? Likely all of them! That’s not really something unique that would make them stand out from the pack.

Instead, it’s always best to use concrete, specific details about your experience, skills, and goals. Now, let’s take a look at a resume objective to be proud of:

Recently licensed physical therapist with a strong commitment to providing the best patient care possible, looking for a physical therapist position at Spruce Lake Rehab Center. Graduated with honors from the Institute of Physical Therapy and Fitness and have built a proven track record of positive patient care volunteering at Riverside Nursing Home.

That’s the stuff! It’s specific, short, and concise .

This applicant might not have professional experience as a physical therapist, but they still gave enough solid and unique information to entice the hiring manager to read on. 

As an added bonus, this applicant also mentioned the employer’s name . Now that’s a physical therapist resume objective that can stand on its own two legs!

How to Describe Your Physical Therapist Experience on Your Resume

Your experience section is arguably the most important part of your resume.

Anyone can go to school and learn about physical therapy, but not everyone can apply the knowledge and skills to real-life situations.

Having a well-written experience section shows you can actually apply your skills.

Your physical therapist experience section should cover three key elements :

• Work history
• Key accomplishments
• Responsibilities

Just like with your resume summary or objective, you want to find that perfect balance between providing enough detail and keeping everything short and concise.

Give them the good stuff and move on to the next piece of information.

All the experience you use on your resume should be relevant to the position you’re applying to.

Since applying for jobs is basically a competition with the other applicants, here are a few tips to help your physical therapist experience section stand out:

• Use concrete numbers and statistics
• Customize your experience to fit the job
• Keep information concise and to the point
• Incorporate keyword from the job description

You’ve probably noticed at this point that we’ve mentioned that you should customize your resume based on the job you’re applying to. Well, we’re going to say it a few more times because it’s super important!

If you want to succeed as a physical therapist, you need to have a good attention to detail .

By customizing your work experience, it shows you took the time to really think about the job description and didn’t just use the same old resume you use for everything else.

It’s also a good idea to add any keywords or requirements from the job description .

For example, if the job description says you need to be CPR certified, make sure that bit of information is somewhere on your resume!

Physical Therapist Resume Examples: Experience

You know how to write a great physical therapist resume experience section, so now let’s take a look at some examples. 

First up, let’s see what to avoid in your experience section :

Physical Therapist – 2016

• Worked with patients
• Used equipment
• Worked in a busy practice

If this experience section was an ice cream flavor, it’d be vanilla. There aren’t any specifics or details that would make this experience section stand out from the other resumes in the pile. 

To make your experience stand out, add plenty of specific details and facts . 

With that in mind, here’s a good physical therapist resume experience section example :

Spruce Lake Rehab – Kalispell, MT Physical Therapist 2016 – 2020

How many other applicants do you think will have this exact experience section? None of them! Because this physical therapist experience section is full of unique details backed by cold, hard numbers , it’ll easily stand out from the other resumes on the hiring manager’s desk.

Entry-Level Physical Therapist Experience Section

What if you don’t have professional experience to fill out a resume experience section? That’s okay!

Everyone has to start somewhere. But that doesn’t mean you can simply skip this part and move on. There are ways to showcase your experience , even if it might not be official physical therapy experience.

There’s a good chance that you have more relevant experience than you realize.

Think back to every job you’ve had over the years. Maybe you volunteered at a nursing home for a summer or even helped one of your family members after they broke their leg. That’s experience!

Let’s check out an entry-level physical therapist experience section that likely wouldn’t make the cut:

Physical Therapy Graduate

Recent graduate from the Institute of Physical Therapy and Fitness and looking to start my career in physical therapy. I don’t have much professional experience, but I’m passionate about helping others and love to work with patients.

Other experience:

• Waiting tables

It’s nice that this applicant mentioned where they went to school, but that’s about the only helpful piece of information in this experience section (and it should probably be in the education section, anyway).

This resume will likely end up in the hiring manager’s trash can.

It doesn’t matter if you have experience or not, you should always provide specific details about your background and skills.

The same experience section tips apply to entry-level applicants, too:

Instead, here’s an example of what a good entry-level physical therapist experience section might look like:

Sunset Trail Senior Living – Billings, MT Volunteer 2015 – 2016 

Being a volunteer at a nursing home might not count as bona fide physical therapist experience , but some of the skills are definitely relevant to a career in physical therapy.

That’s the goal of your entry-level resume experience section. Ensure the experience you include is relevant to the position you want.

How to Write the Education Section for a Physical Therapist

Education is a huge part of becoming a physical therapist. Without a degree, no employer will want to hire you. 

But despite its importance, your physical therapist resume education section doesn’t actually need to be super detailed. There are really only three pieces of information that employers want to see:

• Where you went to school
• The dates of attendance
• Your degree

Here’s a quick example of what a good physical therapist education section might look like:

Idaho State University | Pocatello, ID Doctor of Physical Therapy  2013 – 2016 

Montana State University | Billings, MT Bachelor’s degree of Physical Therapy 2009 – 2013 

It might not look like a lot, but this is all the information potential employers need to know about your education. 

If you really want to impress employers, you can also add your GPA or any academic awards you earned — but only if they’re impressive!

If you have a college degree (like any physical therapist should), you can omit your high school education from your resume. It just takes up precious space. 

The Best Physical Therapist Skills for a Resume

Your experience and education sections might be the bulk of your resume, but they don’t tell the whole story.

Adding a skills section is a great way to fill out your background and showcase more unique skills that might not have been covered in your other resume sections.

Resume skills are broken down into 2 main categories :

• Hard skills – Measurable, concrete skills.
• Soft skills – Universal, harder-to-define skills.

You want to look well-rounded, so it’s always best to provide a healthy mix of both types of skills.

Here’s a list of both hard and soft skills that look great on a physical therapist resume:

Soft Skills

Hard Skills

We know you’re skilled, but no employer wants to read through the thousands of skills you possess.

So, when you’re writing your physical therapist resume skills section, be sure to limit your list to only the most essential and impressive skills — and make sure they’re relevant to the position! 

How to Add Other Sections for an Effective Resume

Is there still more you want to say about yourself!? Great! That’s where “other” sections come in.

Other sections are just that: additional sections you add to the end of your resume to showcase unique skills, experience, or qualifications that don’t fit into any earlier resume sections. 

You’re welcome to add as many or as few other sections as you like, but just remember, make sure they’re relevant to the position ! 

Although you’d probably love to go on and on about yourself, it’s always best to keep your other sections to a minimum. You don’t want to add too much clutter to your resume and bore any hiring managers. 

Physical Therapist Resume Sample Extra Sections

Not sure what kind of “extra” sections you’d like to add? The most obvious other section on a physical therapist resume is licensing.

Most states require physical therapists to be licensed before they can practice. Naturally, that’s something employers would want to know. 

Your license section doesn’t have to be super in-depth. You should simply list what governing body gave you the license and your license number. That’s enough to know you mean business!

Here’s a quick example of a solid physical therapist license section:

Beyond that, you can fill out your resume with any other sections that you think would be relevant and interesting to potential employers to show off your core competencies . Here are just a few suggestions:

• Sports PT Certified – American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) 

Key Takeaway

You’re used to putting in the hard work to help your patients feel better, so creating the perfect physical therapist resume should be a breeze! You just need to showcase your skills and prove to potential employers you have what it takes.

To get your resume into fighting form, remember to follow these proven resume tips :

• Customize your resume to the job
• Use specific details about your experience and skills
• Match your skills and experience to the job description
• Use concrete numbers and statistics to back up your information
• Use a clean and easy-to-read layout
• Choose a professional format
• Save your resume as a PDF

Now that you know everything there is to know about writing the ideal physical therapist resume, it’s time to get to work!

Need a little help getting started? Check out some of the resume templates available on the ResumeGiants website. Find one that fits your style, fill in your information according to these tips, and download the finished file. 

Armed with a great resume, you’ll be on your way to relieving all of your patients’ aches and pains in no time as a physical therapist. 

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