As a physical therapist, you play a crucial role in helping patients recover from injuries and illnesses, manage chronic conditions, and improve their overall physical function. However, before you can start helping patients, you need to land a job. And to do that, you need a strong resume that showcases your skills, experience, and qualifications. In this guide, we’ll show you how to write a physical therapist resume that stands out from the crowd and gets you noticed by hiring managers.
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How to Write a Physical Therapist Resume That Stands Out?
When it comes to writing a physical therapist resume, there are a few key things you need to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you craft a resume that stands out:
- Highlight your education and certifications: Your education and certifications are some of the most important qualifications you have as a physical therapist. Make sure to list them prominently on your resume, including the name of the institution, the degree or certification you earned, and the date you earned it.
- Showcase your experience: Your experience working as a physical therapist is also a key qualification. Make sure to list your previous jobs, including the name of the employer, your job title, and the dates you worked there. Be sure to highlight any specific skills or accomplishments you achieved in each role.
- Use keywords: Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes before they even reach a human hiring manager. To make sure your resume gets past the ATS, use keywords that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, if the job posting mentions “manual therapy,” make sure to include that phrase in your resume.
- Quantify your achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to quantify your achievements. For example, instead of saying “helped patients improve their mobility,” say “helped 50% of patients improve their mobility by 25% or more.”
- Keep it concise: Your resume should be no more than two pages long. Make sure to only include information that is relevant to the job you’re applying for, and use bullet points to make it easy to read.
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What Recruiters Consider in Physical Therapist Resume?
When it comes to applying for a physical therapist position, your resume is the first thing that recruiters will see. Therefore, it is essential to make sure that your resume stands out from the rest. Recruiters will be looking for specific elements in your resume that will help them determine if you are the right fit for the job.
Firstly, recruiters will be looking for your education and qualifications. They will want to see if you have a degree in physical therapy and if you have any additional certifications or licenses. Secondly, recruiters will be looking for your experience. They will want to see if you have worked in a similar role before and if you have experience working with specific patient populations. Lastly, recruiters will be looking for your skills and abilities. They will want to see if you have the necessary skills to perform the job, such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
Key Elements to Include in Your Physical Therapist Resume
Your physical therapist resume should highlight your education, experience, and skills. Here are some key elements to include in your resume:
- Objective: Start your resume with a clear objective that highlights your career goals and how you can contribute to the organization.
- Education: List your education and qualifications, including your degree in physical therapy and any additional certifications or licenses.
- Experience: Highlight your experience working in a similar role and any experience working with specific patient populations.
- Skills: List your skills and abilities, including communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
- Achievements: Include any achievements or awards that demonstrate your skills and abilities.
- Professional Development: List any professional development courses or workshops that you have attended to show your commitment to continuing education.
- References: Include references from previous employers or colleagues who can vouch for your skills and abilities.
By including these key elements in your physical therapist resume, you can increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters and landing your dream job.
Physical Therapist Resume Examples
If you’re a physical therapist looking for a new job, having a strong resume is essential. In this article, we’ll share four physical therapist resume examples to help you create a winning resume that showcases your skills and experience.
Physical Therapist Chronological Resume Example – 1
John Doe
123 Main Street
Anytown, USA 12345
(123) 456-7890
Objective:
To obtain a position as a physical therapist in a reputable healthcare facility where I can utilize my skills and experience to help patients recover from injuries and illnesses.
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, XYZ University, Anytown, USA
Master of Science in Physical Therapy, ABC University, Anytown, USA
Experience:
Physical Therapist, XYZ Hospital, Anytown, USA
June 2015 – Present
- Assess and treat patients with a variety of conditions, including orthopedic injuries, neurological disorders, and chronic pain.
- Create individualized treatment plans based on patient needs and goals.
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and occupational therapists, to provide comprehensive care.
Physical Therapist, ABC Rehabilitation Center, Anytown, USA
January 2012 – June 2015
- Provided physical therapy services to patients with a variety of conditions, including stroke, spinal cord injuries, and amputations.
- Developed and implemented treatment plans to help patients achieve their goals.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated care.
Skills:
- Strong knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology.
- Experience with a variety of treatment modalities, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and modalities such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
The chronological resume format is a traditional format that lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. This format is ideal for physical therapists who have a solid work history and want to highlight their experience. In this example, John Doe’s education and experience are listed in separate sections, and his skills are listed at the end of the resume.
Physical Therapist Chronological Resume Example – 2
John Doe
123 Main Street
Anytown, USA 12345
(555) 555-5555
[email protected]Objective: To obtain a position as a Physical Therapist in a reputable healthcare facility.
Education:
Doctor of Physical Therapy, XYZ University, Anytown, USA, May 20XX
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, ABC University, Anytown, USA, May 20XXExperience:
Physical Therapist, XYZ Hospital, Anytown, USA, June 20XX – Present
– Evaluate and treat patients with various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions
– Develop and implement individualized treatment plans
– Communicate with physicians and other healthcare professionals regarding patient progressPhysical Therapist, ABC Rehabilitation Center, Anytown, USA, May 20XX – June 20XX
– Assisted in the evaluation and treatment of patients with various conditions
– Participated in developing and implementing treatment plans
– Communicated with patients and their families regarding treatment progressCertifications:
Licensed Physical Therapist, State of Anytown, USA
CPR and First Aid CertifiedSkills:
– Proficient in various treatment techniques, including manual therapy and therapeutic exercise
– Strong communication and interpersonal skills
– Ability to work independently and as part of a teamReferences: Available upon request
A chronological resume template is a format that lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job first. This type of resume is ideal for individuals who have a consistent work history and want to highlight their career progression. In this Physical Therapist Chronological Resume Example – 2, the candidate has listed their education, work experience, certifications, and skills in a clear and concise manner. The objective statement at the beginning of the resume highlights the candidate’s career goals and sets the tone for the rest of the document. The use of bullet points makes the resume easy to read and allows the hiring manager to quickly identify the candidate’s qualifications.
Physical Therapist Functional Resume Example – 1
John Doe
123 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345
(123) 456-7890 | [email protected]
Objective:
To obtain a position as a Physical Therapist where I can utilize my skills and experience to help patients achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.
Summary:
- Over 5 years of experience in outpatient and inpatient settings
- Expertise in manual therapy techniques, including myofascial release and joint mobilization
- Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with patients and healthcare professionals
- Experience working with a diverse patient population, including geriatric and pediatric patients
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, XYZ University, Anytown, USA
Doctor of Physical Therapy, ABC University, Anytown, USA
Professional Experience:
Physical Therapist, XYZ Hospital, Anytown, USA
June 2018 – Present
- Provide evaluation and treatment for patients with a variety of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions
- Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on patient goals and functional limitations
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive care for patients
Physical Therapist, ABC Clinic, Anytown, USA
January 2015 – June 2018
- Provided outpatient physical therapy services to patients with orthopedic and sports-related injuries
- Developed and implemented rehabilitation programs for patients with chronic pain and neurological conditions
- Provided patient education on injury prevention and self-management strategies
Certifications:
- Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
This functional resume example highlights the candidate’s skills and experience in a clear and concise manner. The objective statement and summary provide a brief overview of the candidate’s qualifications, while the professional experience section highlights specific achievements and responsibilities. The education and certification sections demonstrate the candidate’s commitment to ongoing professional development. Overall, this resume template is effective for showcasing a physical therapist’s qualifications and experience.
Physical Therapist Functional Resume Example – 2
John Doe
123 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345
(123) 456-7890 | [email protected]
Objective:
To obtain a position as a Physical Therapist in a reputable healthcare facility where I can utilize my skills and experience to help patients achieve their goals.
Summary:
- Over 5 years of experience as a Physical Therapist
- Expertise in developing and implementing treatment plans for patients with various conditions
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Professional Experience:
Physical Therapist, ABC Healthcare
Anytown, USA | January 2018 – Present
- Develop and implement treatment plans for patients with various conditions, including musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary
- Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care for patients
- Educate patients and their families on exercises and activities to improve their condition and prevent further injury
Physical Therapist, XYZ Rehabilitation
Anytown, USA | June 2015 – December 2017
- Provided physical therapy services to patients with various conditions, including orthopedic, neurological, and cardiopulmonary
- Developed and implemented treatment plans based on patient needs and goals
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care for patients
Education:
Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Anytown
Anytown, USA | May 2015
- Graduated with honors
- Completed clinical rotations in various settings, including acute care, outpatient, and skilled nursing facilities
This functional resume example highlights the candidate’s skills and experience as a Physical Therapist. The objective statement clearly states the candidate’s career goals, while the summary section provides an overview of their qualifications. The professional experience section focuses on the candidate’s achievements and responsibilities in previous roles, while the education section highlights their academic achievements and clinical experience. This format is ideal for candidates with relevant experience who want to emphasize their skills and achievements rather than their work history.
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Physical Therapist Combination Resume Example – 1
Summary:
- Experienced physical therapist with over 5 years of experience in outpatient and inpatient settings
- Skilled in developing and implementing treatment plans for patients with various conditions, including orthopedic and neurological
- Proficient in using electronic medical records and documenting patient progress
Professional Experience:
- Physical Therapist, ABC Hospital, Anytown, USA (2018-present)
- Provide physical therapy services to patients in the acute care and outpatient settings
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary team to develop and implement treatment plans
- Document patient progress and communicate with physicians and other healthcare professionals
- Physical Therapist, XYZ Clinic, Anytown, USA (2015-2018)
- Treated patients with various orthopedic and neurological conditions
- Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans
- Managed patient caseload and documented progress in electronic medical records
Education:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Anytown, USA (2015)
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, University of Anytown, USA (2012)
Physical Therapist Combination Resume Example – 2
John Doe
123 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345
(123) 456-7890 | [email protected]
Objective:
Experienced physical therapist seeking a position in a rehabilitation center where I can utilize my skills and knowledge to help patients recover from injuries and illnesses.
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, XYZ University, Anytown, USA
Doctor of Physical Therapy, ABC University, Anytown, USA
Experience:
Physical Therapist, Rehabilitation Center, Anytown, USA
June 2015 – Present
- Develop and implement treatment plans for patients with various injuries and illnesses
- Collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care for patients
- Provide education to patients and their families on injury prevention and management
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records
Physical Therapist, Sports Medicine Clinic, Anytown, USA
January 2012 – June 2015
- Treated athletes with sports-related injuries
- Developed and implemented rehabilitation plans for athletes to help them return to their sport
- Collaborated with coaches and trainers to ensure athletes were receiving appropriate care
- Provided education to athletes on injury prevention and management
Skills:
- Strong knowledge of anatomy and physiology
- Experience with a variety of treatment modalities, including manual therapy and therapeutic exercise
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Proficient in electronic medical record keeping
This combination resume example showcases the candidate’s education, experience, and skills in a clear and concise manner. The objective statement highlights the candidate’s career goals, while the education section demonstrates their academic achievements. The experience section provides specific examples of the candidate’s work history, and the skills section highlights their strengths and abilities. This resume format is ideal for candidates with a strong work history and a variety of skills and experiences to showcase.
Read Also: Physical Therapist Job Posting Template: Tips & Examples
The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing Physical Therapist Resume
As a physical therapist, your resume is your first impression of potential employers. It is essential to make sure that your resume stands out from the rest. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when writing your physical therapist resume:
Do’s:
- Highlight your education: Your education is a crucial aspect of your resume. Make sure to highlight your degree, any certifications, and any relevant coursework.
- Showcase your experience: Your experience is what sets you apart from other candidates. Highlight your previous work experience, including any internships or volunteer work.
- Use keywords: Many employers use applicant tracking systems to scan resumes for specific keywords. Make sure to include relevant keywords throughout your resume.
- Quantify your achievements: Use numbers and statistics to showcase your achievements. For example, if you increased patient satisfaction rates, include the percentage increase.
- Customize your resume: Tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for. Highlight skills and experiences that are relevant to the job description.
Don’ts:
- Include irrelevant information: Stick to relevant information only. Avoid including personal information, such as your age or marital status.
- Use generic language: Avoid using generic language, such as “team player” or “hard worker.” Instead, use specific examples to showcase your skills.
- Forget to proofread: Spelling and grammar errors can make a negative impression on potential employers. Make sure to proofread your resume carefully.
- Make it too long: Keep your resume concise and to the point. A one-page resume is ideal.
- Use a generic template: Avoid using a generic resume template. Instead, create a unique design that showcases your personality and skills.
Conclusion
Writing a physical therapist resume can be challenging, but by following these do’s and don’ts, you can create a resume that stands out from the rest. Remember to highlight your education and experience, use relevant keywords, and customize your resume for each job application. Avoid including irrelevant information, using generic language, and making spelling or grammar errors. With these tips in mind, you can create a winning physical therapist resume.