4 Best Massage Therapist Resume Examples and Templates for 2025
20 Best Physical Therapist Resume Examples and Templates for 2025
By Andrew Stoner
, Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach
Andrew Stoner
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Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach
Last Updated:
July 31, 2025
As a physical therapist, you need an exceptional resume that illustrates how your clinical expertise has helped improve the quality of life for patients throughout your career. Feature examples of you reducing pain levels after major surgeries. Illustrate how you utilized innovative therapy techniques to increase patient mobility and independence. We’ll provide expert tips and insights to help you craft an eye-catching physical therapist resume and secure your next job interview.
Key takeaways:
- Quantify your clinical achievements: Provide hard clinical data to quantify your accomplishments, such as an increase in patient mobility or a reduction in average recovery times
- List specialized certifications: Include certifications such as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) or Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS) to highlight your key areas of clinical knowledge
- Achieve ATS compliance: Incorporate clinical terminology and skill sets that match the job postingto pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) during the initial screening process
Most Popular Physical Therapist Resumes
Physical Therapist Resume Example
Why this physical therapist resume is strong:
This resume example presents the candidate’s clinical experience using meaningful clinical data. The significant reduction in recovery times and patient satisfaction sends a clear message that the physical therapist can effectively create customized rehabilitation programs.
Physical Therapy Assistant Resume Example
Why this physical therapist assistant resume is strong:
This example paints a compelling picture of the candidate’s experience assisting licensed physical therapists throughout the treatment process. The bullet points have a keen focus on the applicant’s expertise in patient education, which is vital for achieving positive long-term outcomes.
Physical Therapy Aide Resume Example
Why this physical therapist assistant resume is strong:
This physical therapist assistant resume excels in showcasing the candidate’s experience providing clinical and administrative support to therapists. Having a strong background in both patient care and scheduling shows employers that the applicant can create value in multiple areas of the practice.
Acute Care Physical Therapist Resume Example
Why this physical therapist assistant resume is strong:
In this resume example, the candidate focuses on highlighting their comprehensive background in delivering physical therapy to patients in hospital settings. They also quantify the number of patients they treated to further establish a sense of scope for the reader.
Entry-Level Physical Therapist Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Taylor’s entry-level resume highlights direct clinical experience gained through externships and internships, quantifying improvements in mobility and patient adherence. The clear, concise bullet points demonstrate readiness for a full-time role.
Key Tips
Quantify your clinical outcomes to show real impact in patient care. Check out Best Resume Formats for guidance on showcasing your results effectively.
Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Alex’s resume clearly demonstrates PTA-specific skills and real-world impact, most notably a 30% reduction in falls, showing value to home-health employers.
Key Tips
Highlight measurable safety improvements to demonstrate your contribution to patient well-being. For more on showcasing your core competencies, see Skills to Put on Resume.
New Grad Physical Therapist Assistant Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Jordan’s new-grad resume emphasizes internship outcomes with strong metrics, such as family engagement and functional gains, demonstrating readiness for a permanent role.
Key Tips
Craft a concise summary that highlights your clinical strengths and readiness. Learn how in How to Write a Resume Summary.
Pediatric Physical Therapist Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Morgan’s pediatric PT resume spotlights play-based outcomes and compliance gains, with community outreach metrics underscoring leadership in family education.
Key Tips
Tailor your resume to the pediatric field by emphasizing child-development outcomes. For strategies on targeting job descriptions, see How to Tailor Resume to Job Description.
Sports Physical Therapist Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Casey’s resume quantifies athletic outcomes—return-to-play and performance gains—to demonstrate clear value in sports settings. The collaboration metrics underscore interdisciplinary teamwork.
Key Tips
Highlight measurable performance improvements to resonate with athletic employers. Check out Hard Skills for Resume for guidance on showcasing technical expertise.
Experienced Physical Therapist Assistant Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Jamie’s resume emphasizes leadership in both patient care and team supervision, with clear metrics on independence gains and readmission reductions.
Key Tips
Showcase supervisory and efficiency improvements to stand out as a senior PTA. Learn more in Career Advice: Leadership Skills for Resume with Examples.
Student Physical Therapist Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Cameron’s student resume highlights diverse clinical rotations with quantified outcomes, showcasing readiness for professional PT roles.
Key Tips
Emphasize clinical competencies and rotation outcomes to demonstrate preparedness. See How a Resume Should Look for a College Student for formatting advice.
Geriatric Physical Therapist Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Riley’s geriatric PT resume spotlights significant fall-reduction and participation metrics, demonstrating expertise in senior care.
Key Tips
Highlight population-specific outcomes (e.g., fall rates) to appeal to niche roles. Visit What to Put on a Resume for broader content guidance.
Physical Therapist Extern Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Morgan’s entry-level resume highlights direct clinical outcomes from externship rotations and quantifies improvements in mobility and adherence. The aide role demonstrates both clinical support and operational efficiency.
Key Tips
Emphasize early clinical achievements to stand out as a new graduate. Check out How to Write Your First Job Resume for tips on crafting your first professional document.
Pediatric Physical Therapist Assistant Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Jordan’s resume demonstrates specialized pediatric impact with quantified motor-skill improvements and family compliance metrics. The outreach activities underscore community engagement.
Key Tips
Highlight patient-and-family education outcomes to appeal to pediatric settings. Read Teaching Skills for Resume for ideas on showcasing instructional strengths.
Inpatient Rehabilitation Physical Therapist Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Casey’s inpatient PT resume quantifies functional gains and reduced lengths of stay, showcasing both clinical expertise and process improvements.
Key Tips
Use clinical outcome metrics to demonstrate effectiveness in acute settings. For more on structuring achievements, see Best Resume Formats.
Home Health Physical Therapist Assistant Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Pat’s home-health PTA resume shows strong patient-and-caregiver impact with clear functional and safety outcomes. The remote environment metrics demonstrate autonomy and clinical judgement.
Key Tips
Feature home-health outcomes and caregiver training to highlight remote competency. See How Far Should a Resume Go for guidance on resume length and detail.
Outpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapist Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Riley’s outpatient PT resume emphasizes both clinical outcomes and mentorship contributions, highlighting practice improvements and team development. The quantified recovery metrics underscore efficacy in orthopedic care.
Key Tips
Balance manual-therapy successes with mentorship and cross-disciplinary collaboration. For more on structuring leadership achievements, see Career Advice: Leadership Skills for Resume.
Aquatic Physical Therapist Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Cameron’s resume clearly highlights niche aquatic therapy skills and quantifies rehabilitation outcomes, demonstrating both clinical expertise and impact. The progression from land-based to aquatic specialization shows targeted career development.
Key Tips
Highlight specialized certifications to showcase your unique skills. Check out Hard Skills for Resume for advice on emphasizing technical proficiencies.
Neurorehabilitation Physical Therapist Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Jamie’s resume emphasizes neurorehabilitation outcomes and interdisciplinary teamwork, showcasing both specialized interventions and mentorship. The quantified safety and compliance metrics underscore efficacy in complex care.
Key Tips
Use clear clinical metrics to demonstrate your specialization’s impact. For guidance on highlighting patient outcomes, see Best Resume Formats.
Pelvic Health Physical Therapist Assistant Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Morgan’s PTA resume highlights niche pelvic-health outcomes and patient-education impact, demonstrating both clinical skill and compassionate care. The documented compliance gains underscore effectiveness in this specialty.
Key Tips
Emphasize patient-centered outcomes to demonstrate your clinical value. For more on tailoring skills sections, see Skills to Put on Resume.
Physical Therapist Text-Only Resume Examples and Templates
How To Write a Physical Therapist Resume Example
To write a great physical therapist resume, you need a clean layout that communicates your career achievements, certifications, and skill sets effectively. As you begin the resume-building process, be sure that your template includes the following sections:
- Contact information
- Profile
- Key skills
- Professional experience
- Education and certifications
1. Share your contact information
Give your full name, phone number, email address, location, and a link to your online professional profile. Ensure your contact information is current so potential employers can contact you for an interview.
Example
YOUR NAME
[email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | City, ST | LinkedIn | Portfolio
2. Write a compelling profile summarizing your physical therapist qualifications
Open your physical therapist resume with a strong summary that provides an engaging overview of your experience within the health care field. Start with a sentence that lists your title, years of experience, and three to four clinical specializations to match the role you’re targeting. Emphasize unique elements of your physical therapy background to immediately grab the reader’s attention. For example, if you have expertise in neurological rehabilitation, you might display your experience developing effective treatment plans for patients recovering from strokes.
Senior-Level Profile Example
A results-driven acute care physical therapist with eight years of experience delivering exceptional patient care in fast-paced hospital settings. A proven track record of developing individualized rehabilitation programs for over 500 patients recovering from surgeries, strokes, and traumatic injuries.
Entry-Level Profile Example
A dynamic physical therapy aide with three years of professional experience supporting licensed therapists in high-volume clinical settings. A strong history of implementing therapeutic treatment plans to increase patient mobility and independence.
3. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section
The professional experience section serves as the foundation of your physical therapist resume, allowing you to paint a clear picture of your work history. As you craft your bullet points, focus on demonstrating the impact you’ve had on your patients. Demonstrate the role you played in driving positive clinical outcomes and improving quality of life. Showcase your ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient care delivery.
Resume writer’s tip: Quantify your experience
Integrating clinical data and metrics is a great way to bolster the strength of your bullet points. Providing deeper insights into your success as a physical therapist shows potential employers how your expertise can benefit their health care organization. For instance, you might draw attention to the number of patients you’ve treated or how you reduced average recovery times by a significant percentage.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example
Senior Physical Therapist, Coulsen Orthopedics, Los Angeles, CA | June 2018 – present
- Develop and implement customized treatment plans for over 300 patients, adjust rehabilitation plans based on patient progress, and reduce average recovery times by 17%
- Manage a team of physical therapy assistants and deliver training on clinical standards and patient-centered care, contributing to a 92% patient satisfaction rating
- Provide education to patients and families on recovery plans and at-home care to reduce post-treatment and surgical complications by 19%
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example
Physical Therapy Aide, Jenkins Physical Therapy, Denver, CO | July 2023 – present
- Support physical therapists in providing treatment to over 60 patients daily, including setting up equipment, assisting with exercises, and applying hot or cold packs
- Offer direct care to patients, ensure safe transport to and from treatment areas, and closely monitor progress during therapy sessions
- Perform administrative functions for the practice, coordinate patient scheduling, and organize documentation in the electronic health records (EHR) system
Do
- “Develop and implement customized treatment plans for over 300 patients, adjust rehabilitation plans based on patient progress, and reduce average recovery times by 17%”
Don’t
- “Create treatment plans for a large number of patients, make changes based on progress, and strive to reduce recovery times”
Resume writer’s tip: Tailor your resume for each application
In today’s competitive job market, it is crucial to modify your resume to each specific job posting. This means adjusting the keywords in your profile and experience sections to match the job description and emphasizing the skills that align with potential employers’ needs. For example, you might show your manual therapy expertise or feature certifications in specific areas such as orthopedic rehabilitation.
What if you don’t have experience?
If you’re just starting your career as a physical therapist, emphasize your education, clinical rotations, and internships. Demonstrate any hands-on training, patient interactions, and treatments performed under supervision. Additionally, showcasing any volunteer work, such as assisting in sports rehabilitation clinics or local hospitals, can help demonstrate your commitment and passion for the field.
4. Include relevant physical therapy education and certifications
It’s important to feature your education, licenses, and clinical certifications prominently on your physical therapist resume, as many of these credentials are mandatory requirements for potential employers. Organize your degrees and certifications into two distinct categories, listing the dates, locations, and names of the institutions. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in a particular area of physical therapy consider pursuing a specialized certification, such as an OCS or GCS credential.
Education
Template:
[Degree Name and Major] | [Graduation Date]
[School Name] | [City, ST]
Example:
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) | University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA | May 2018
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Kinesiology | University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI | May 2016
Certifications
Template:
[Certification Name] | [Awarding Organization] | [Completion Date]
Example:
Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) | American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties | January 2020
Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) | American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties | June 2019
5. List pertinent physical therapy key skills
The role of a physical therapist requires extensive clinical knowledge and strong interpersonal skills, so it’s important to feature a mix of both to position yourself as a well-rounded candidate. Pay close attention to the job description as you begin crafting your document and integrate keywords that align with the needs of potential employers. This shows the hiring manager that you have the qualifications to positively contribute to their physical therapy practice.
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Aerobics | Dry needling |
| Empathetic care | Hydrotherapy |
| Injury prevention | Interdisciplinary rehabilitation |
| Kinesiology | Manual muscle testing (MMT) |
| Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) | Neurological rehabilitation |
| Orthopedic rehabilitation | Outpatient treatment |
| Pain management | Patient assessment |
| Patient education | Patient management |
| Patient-centered care | Physical therapy |
| Rehabilitation plans | Sports injury |
| Sports medicine | Strength training |
| Treatment planning | |
Resume writer’s tip: Use strong action verbs
Incorporating action verbs is a great way to maximize the effectiveness of your bullet points. This strategic approach helps the hiring manager to visualize your career achievements and job responsibilities. As you craft your professional experience section, focus on using a variety of proactive verbs to keep your content fresh and compelling. Below are action verbs you can use during the resume writing process:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Achieved | Administered |
| Collaborated | Communicated |
| Conducted | Coordinated |
| Created | Delivered |
| Educated | Enhanced |
| Examined | Identified |
| Implemented | Improved |
| Managed | Monitored |
| Performed | Prepared |
| Treated | |
How To Pick the Best Physical Therapist Resume Template
When choosing a resume template, prioritize readability and organization. Your content should be the focal point, so avoid overly complex designs that may distract from your qualifications. Opt for a clean, professional layout that clearly presents your education, experience, and skills. A reverse chronological format is typically best for physical therapy resumes, as it displays your most recent and relevant experience first.
Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapy Resume Examples and Advice
How can I adapt a Physical Therapist resume example to reflect my career progression?
Adapting a Physical Therapist resume example to your career journey means focusing on how your skills and responsibilities have evolved over time. Be sure to include specific milestones that show how your role has changed and your growing expertise. If you're applying for a more senior role, highlight leadership positions, advanced skills, and any industry-specific certifications that support your qualifications.
How do you align your resume with a physical therapist job description?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapist occupations are expected to grow by 14% between 2023 and 2033. Despite the growing need for skilled physical therapists, it's still important to align your resume with the job description. For example, if an organization is seeking a licensed therapist with a strong background in neurological rehabilitation, you might display your previous experience working with patients recovering from spinal cord injuries, strokes, or Parkinson's.
What is the best physical therapist resume format?
The reverse chronological format is the best option for physical therapists. This approach highlights your most recent experience first, making it easy for hiring managers to view your most impressive career achievements and qualifications. Entry-level candidates can consider using a combination format that prioritizes certifications and skills, especially if they lack experience in direct patient care.
Expert advice:
Include a cover letter with your resume
Once you’ve completed your physical therapist resume, pair it with a strong cover letter to further increase your odds of landing the interview. Use this opportunity to express your genuine interest in a specific physical therapy practice and how your clinical knowledge aligns with the organization’s needs.
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Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach
Andrew Stoner is an executive career coach and resume writer with 17 years of experience as a hiring manager and operations leader at two Fortune 500 Financial Services companies, and as the career services director at two major university business schools.
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