Get Prime Physical Therapy Resume Examples and Advice

Functional Resume

Use a functional format to craft your resume for this position, as employers are more interested in the skills needed for physical therapy rather than work experience. Include important abilities such as patient monitoring, administrative support and documentation and supervision of therapy equipment.

Make this section short and crisp, highlighting your best skills, work experience, and accomplishments within a few sentences. For example: “Compassionate physical therapy aide with 2 years’ experience facilitating rehabilitative processes. Well-versed in providing caring, attentive treatment for patients.”

Highlight your proficiency in technical areas (e.g., proficiency in important software such as Microsoft Office, knowledge of equipment, knowledge of medical terminology, CPR and First Aid, data analysis) as well as soft skills (e.g., ability to work in stressful situations, interpersonal skills, patience, customer service accountability and organizational ability).

To climb career ladder, focus on the following areas as you update your resume:

• Associate degree in physiotherapy, medical sciences, nursing, or a related field.
• Valid licensure from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy to become a certified PTA.
• Show examples of your skills in treatment planning, rehabilitation, patient care and therapy.
• Gain clinical experiences by working closely with licensed senior physical therapists.
• Add relevant certifications, such as Physical Therapy Aide Certification from the AMCA.

Combination Resume

As this position favors candidates who have some experience and the right skill set, use the combination format, which gives due weight to your relevant skills and work experiences. Highlight accomplishments from previous jobs that tie in with what your potential employer needs focusing on patient supervision and treatment.

In a few short sentences, tell employers right off the bat why you’re a good match for the job combining your best skills and work accomplishments. For example: “Enthusiastic physical therapist assistant dedicated to helping patients achieve functional mobility.”

Browse through the posting for the job you’re interested in to note the specific skills required, such as “team supervision” or “interpersonal skills,” and highlight these skills in your resume. Other skill keywords to be on the lookout for include interpersonal skills, CPR, ultrasound, EMR, equipment maintenance, therapeutic techniques and EPIC knowledge.

To take the next step in your career, focus on the following experiences and skills in your resume:

• Advanced degree in physical therapy, such as a doctoral degree in physical therapy from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
• Additional training or certificates in related areas, such as Certification from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in Geriatrics, Neurology and Orthopedics.
• Highlight recognitions, awards or accomplishments from your work experience, especially in administration, management and excellent customer service.

Chronological Resume

For this more experienced position, use the chronological format, which prioritizes relevant professional experience and achievements. In your work history section, emphasize your ability to manage processes and teams (e.g. “Provided on-the-job training to new physical therapy aides” and “Collaborated with medical personnel to provide best care practices”).

Show job recruiters your best strengths here, blending skills with work achievements. For example: “Hard-working PTA with 10 years of experience, capable of handling patient administration accurately and efficiently. Accountable and responsible, dedicated to better patient wellness.”

Present yourself as a multi-talented and passionate individual by showcasing both your practical knowledge and personal attributes. Categorize your abilities in two sections: Hard Skills (e.g. “home health care,” “injury diagnosis,” “splinting capability,” “non-manual exercise,” “wound care treatment,” “patient assessment,” “Medicaid billing,”) and Soft Skills (e.g. “interpersonal skills,” “active listening,” “time management,” “patience,” “empathy,” “persuasive” and “communication skills”).

To move up to a senior-level position like Physical Therapy Manager, Orthopedic Surgeon, or Director of Physical Therapy, focus on the following in your resume:

• Specialization in a specific field (e.g., certification for hand therapy).
• Examples of work accomplishments where you’ve managed teams and junior therapists.
• Showcase your ability handling patient appointments, rehabilitation programs and other managerial-level tasks.
• Examples of successfully creating patient treatment plans for PT, occupational therapy, or other services.