Crafting a resume as a physical therapist means showcasing your skills, experiences, and certifications clearly. Here, find examples of resumes that have landed jobs, along with tips to make yours reflect the expertise hiring managers seek. Expect guidance on presenting your clinical rotations, professional accomplishments, and continuous education in a way that connects with employers in healthcare. This article provides the tools to create a resume that speaks to your strengths in rehabilitative care.
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Here's what we see in standout physical therapist resumes.
Quantifying Your Impact: The best resumes show what you've achieved with numbers. They may include how you
Match Your Skills To The Job: Include skills on your resume that you have and that are mentioned in the job description. Popular ones are
Showcase Relevant Certifications: Good resumes include important certifications. Add phrases like
Want to know how your physical therapist resume measures up? Our resume scoring tool gives you a clear picture of where you stand. It evaluates your resume based on key criteria that recruiters in the healthcare industry look for.
Upload your resume now for an unbiased assessment. You'll get a score and useful tips to make your resume stronger, increasing your chances of landing interviews for physical therapy positions.
Put your education section near the top of your resume if you are new to the field of physical therapy or have recently completed a degree. This will show employers your fresh knowledge. If you have been a physical therapist for a while, list your work experience first. Your hands-on experience is what most employers will look for.
Always list your highest degree first. For example, if you have a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, place that above a Bachelor's degree. Remember to add any special certifications, like a board certification in orthopedics, which are valued in this profession.
In your resume as a physical therapist, show your clinical experience clearly. For example, mention specific types of therapy you have done like 'sports rehabilitation' or 'pediatric therapy' as they are unique to this field. List the types of patients you have worked with too, like 'geriatrics' or 'professional athletes'.
Do not forget to include soft skills that are important, like 'good communication', which is valuable when explaining treatment plans to patients, or 'empathy' for understanding and supporting patient needs.
For physical therapists early in their careers, your resume should be one page long. This helps you keep your resume clear and to the point. If you are a physical therapist with more than 10 years of experience, it's okay to use two pages. Your depth of experience is important to show.
Use good use of space with a clean template. Cut out old or less relevant information to meet the ideal page count. For example, you may remove your undergraduate education if you have a DPT and years of work experience.
For a physical therapist, active professional memberships stand out. Include these in a special section. For example, a membership in the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) shows you are involved in the field.
Also, mention any recent development courses you have completed, like a new technique in manual therapy or a certification in dry needling. This shows you are keeping your skills up to date, which is critical in this changing field.
Many employers use software to help with hiring. This software is called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). When you apply for a job as a physical therapist, your resume might be screened by an ATS before a person sees it. Here are tips to help your resume pass this first step.
When applying as a physical therapist, it's key to show your hands-on experience and skills. You need to make it easy for hiring managers to see you fit the job. Focus on what matters for this kind of work.
When crafting your resume, focus on the impact you've made as a physical therapist rather than a list of duties. You want to capture attention by demonstrating how you have positively influenced patient care and outcomes.
For example, instead of saying 'Conducted patient evaluations,' transform it into an accomplishment by stating 'Improved patient mobility by 70% through personalized evaluation and targeted exercise programs.' This shows you're results-oriented and dedicated to patient improvement.
Another way to elevate your resume is by quantifying your experience. Rather than simply mentioning 'Led physical therapy sessions,' specify the scope and success: 'Managed 10+ weekly therapy sessions resulting in a consistent patient satisfaction rate over 90%.' Remember, provide clear examples of how your skills have led to tangible successes.
When crafting your resume for a physical therapist position, it is crucial to include specific hard skills that match the job requirements. These skills help you stand out to hiring managers and increase your chances of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
It is important to tailor your skills to the specific role you are applying for. Include the most relevant skills in a dedicated skills section on your resume. Additionally, highlight these skills in your work experience to show how you have used them in real-world settings. This approach improves your resume’s visibility to ATS and hiring managers.
If you've climbed the ranks or taken on more responsibility, make sure to show this on your resume. You want to let potential employers see that you're ready to lead and have a history of doing so successfully.
Use clear, simple phrases to describe your leadership. Here are two examples you might include:
Using numbers to show your impact is key. Instead of saying you are good at helping patients, show it with
Common metrics in physical therapy include
When you apply to a small company or startup, show that you can wear many hats. You might say, 'Skilled at adapting to varied patient needs and clinic styles.' Small firms, like a private clinic, may need you to manage more tasks beyond typical physical therapy duties.
For larger companies, such as major hospitals like the Mayo Clinic or organizations like Select Medical, your resume should emphasize your ability to work as part of a larger team. You could write, 'Experienced in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care.' Big companies often have set procedures and more resources, so highlight your experience with specialized equipment or protocols.