Resume Example
Physical Therapist Resume Example
Emphasize patient outcomes, treatment planning, and documentation. This sample focuses on rehab progress.
Classic Professional
Traditional single-column ATS-optimized layout. Best for conservative industries.
Keywords
Sample bullets
- Managed 12-14 patients per day with 92% satisfaction scores.
- Improved post-op range of motion outcomes by 25% with tailored protocols.
- Reduced no-show rate by 18% through follow-up and home program coaching.
Soft skills
- Patient coaching
- Empathy
- Collaboration
Certifications
- DPT
- OCS
- SCS
- NCS
- GCS
Why this works
- Connects treatment plans to measurable outcomes.
- Shows efficient caseload management.
- Highlights patient satisfaction and adherence.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Write a Physical Therapist Resume
Lead with patient outcomes and specialization
Physical therapists are measured by patient recovery. Lead with patient outcomes, your specialty area (orthopedic, neurological, sports, pediatric), and caseload experience. 'Orthopedic PT with 95% patient goal achievement rate treating 60+ patients weekly.'
Highlight clinical expertise and certifications
Include specialty certifications (OCS, SCS, NCS), manual therapy training, and specialized treatment approaches. Board certifications and advanced training differentiate experienced PTs.
Show evidence-based practice
Include experience implementing evidence-based protocols, measuring outcomes using standardized tools, and contributing to clinical quality improvement. Research participation adds credibility.
Include setting and population experience
Indicate settings you've worked in (outpatient, inpatient, home health, sports) and populations treated (post-surgical, chronic pain, athletes, geriatric). Setting-specific experience matters for job fit.
Demonstrate collaboration and leadership
Include interdisciplinary team collaboration, student supervision, program development, and any leadership roles. PTs often lead treatment teams and supervise PTAs.
Summary Examples
Good vs. Bad Resume Summaries
“Orthopedic Physical Therapist (OCS) with 8 years treating post-surgical and sports injuries. 94% patient goal achievement rate across 70+ weekly patient visits. Specialize in ACL rehabilitation and return-to-sport protocols.”
Specialty certification (OCS), outcome metrics, high caseload, and specific clinical focus.
“Licensed physical therapist passionate about helping patients recover. Experience with various patient populations and treatment techniques.”
License is required (not differentiating). No specialty, no outcomes, no specific experience.
“Neurological PT specializing in stroke and TBI rehabilitation. Implemented constraint-induced movement therapy program improving upper extremity function outcomes 40%. Lead therapist supervising team of 3 PTAs.”
Neuro specialty, specific intervention, measurable outcomes, and leadership role.
“Physical therapist with excellent patient care skills. Team player who works well in fast-paced environments.”
Generic claims without clinical specifics. Patient care is the baseline expectation.
Action Verbs
Power Words for Physical Therapist Resumes
Common Mistakes
What to Avoid
- ✗Not specifying clinical specialty and patient population
- ✗Missing outcome metrics and patient achievement rates
- ✗Omitting specialty certifications and advanced training
- ✗Being vague about treatment settings and caseload
- ✗Not showing evidence-based practice approach
- ✗Missing leadership, supervision, or mentoring experience
Salary ranges
| Level | US | EU | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | USD 74,000-82,000 | EUR 51,000-56,500 | CAD 85,800-95,100 |
| Mid | USD 85,000-100,000 | EUR 58,600-69,000 | CAD 98,600-115,900 |
| Senior | USD 100,000-130,000 | EUR 69,000-89,700 | CAD 115,900-150,800 |
Market themes
- Home health and outpatient settings pay premiums
US hot markets
- California
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- Alaska
- Connecticut
EU hot markets
- London
- Dublin
- Amsterdam
Canada hot markets
- Toronto
- Vancouver
FAQ
Common questions about this role
What should physical therapists emphasize?
Patient outcomes, treatment planning, and documentation quality.
Which metrics help most?
Outcome improvements, patient satisfaction, and attendance rates.
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