Why this resume works
- Quantifies accomplishments: By improving patient mobility by 25% in six months, the applicant’s accomplishments showcase their ability to drive positive outcomes.
- Showcases career progression: Starting as a patient care technician and advancing to a physical therapist assistant illustrates clear career growth and increased responsibility over time.
- Illustrates problem-solving ability: Implementing new exercises that reduced recovery time showcases problem-solving skills and an innovative approach to therapeutic challenges.
More Physical Therapy Resume Examples
These physical therapy resume samples provide a solid basis for crafting a resume that stands out in healthcare roles.
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Why this resume works
- Centers on academic background: The applicant’s strong academic foundation is highlighted through a master’s degree in occupational therapy in the education section.
- Effective use of keywords: Incorporating role-specific keywords like “patient care” and “rehabilitation techniques,” the resume strategically aligns with applicant tracking systems (ATS) requirements for therapy positions.
- Shows digital literacy: By emphasizing skills like data management alongside computer skills, the applicant showcases readiness to handle digital tasks essential in modern healthcare environments.
Physical Therapist Aide
Why this resume works
- Includes a mix of soft and hard skills: Showcasing a robust mix of interpersonal skills alongside technical acumen, the applicant balances patient care techniques with organizational prowess.
- Displays technical expertise: Certifications like Certified Physical Therapy Aide highlight the applicant’s commitment to mastering specialized techniques essential for improving therapeutic outcomes and streamlining equipment management.
- Demonstrates language abilities: Listing multiple language skills, including Spanish and French, supports effective communication in diverse healthcare settings.
Rehabilitation Technician
Why this resume works
- Showcases impressive accomplishments: The applicant’s achievements, like boosting patient satisfaction by 20%, demonstrate senior-level impact and significant value to the organizations they’ve served.
- Focuses on work history: Organizing work experiences from technician roles in a chronological format, the applicant effectively showcases extensive career growth.
- Emphasizes leadership skills: By managing inventory to save $5,000 annually, the applicant displays strong leadership skills through practical cost-saving initiatives.
Physical Therapist Assistant Resume Template (Text Version)
Min Lee
Brookfield, WI 53005
(555)555-5555
Min.Lee@example.com
Professional Summary
Dedicated Physical Therapist Assistant with 9 years of experience. Proven success in enhancing patient mobility and satisfaction. Skilled in therapeutic exercise and patient collaboration.
Work History
Physical Therapist Assistant
SunRidge Physical Therapy – Brookfield, WI
August 2022 – August 2025
- Improved patient mobility by 25% within 6 months
- Reduced recovery time by implementing new exercises
- Assisted 150+ patients with personalized care plans
Rehabilitation Aide
GreenLeaf Rehab Center – Milwaukee, WI
January 2019 – July 2022
- Assisted therapists with patient treatment sessions
- Managed clinic inventory, reduced costs by 10%
- Supported 500+ patients in maintaining therapy routines
Patient Care Technician
Wellness Health Services – Brookfield, WI
September 2016 – December 2018
- Monitored patient vitals, achieving 98% accuracy rates
- Trained new staff on patient care protocols
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by 30% through care initiatives
Skills
- Therapeutic Exercise
- Patient Care
- Manual Therapy
- Documentation
- Rehabilitation
- Team Collaboration
- Time Management
- Physical Therapy Modalities
Education
Master of Science Physical Therapy
University of Texas Austin, Texas
May 2016
Bachelor of Science Kinesiology
Texas State University San Marcos, Texas
May 2014
Certifications
- Certified Physical Therapist Assistant – American Physical Therapy Association
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support – American Heart Association
Languages
- Spanish – Beginner (A1)
- French – Intermediate (B1)
- German – Beginner (A1)
Related Resume Guides
Advice for Writing Your Physical Therapist Assistant Resume
Discover helpful advice on how to write a resume for a physical therapist assistant role and learn how to highlight your hands-on skills, passion for patient care, and dedication to supporting recovery.
Write a strong professional summary
A professional summary is a quick intro on your resume that helps hiring managers get to know you fast. It’s like a snapshot of who you are and what you can do right away.
A professional summary suits individuals with some work history—like experienced physical therapist assistants. It offers a brief look at your skills, past jobs, and key wins, showcasing who you are professionally and the value you bring. Consider it a way to highlight what you’ve accomplished in your career so far.
In contrast, resume objectives focus on future goals and are ideal for those just starting out, switching careers, or returning after a break. Objectives emphasize more on what you aim to contribute rather than past achievements.
Next up, we’ll provide examples of both summaries and objectives tailored to various industries and levels of experience so you can see how they fit different situations.
Physical therapist assistant resume summary examples
Entry-level
Recent CAPTE-accredited physical therapist assistant program graduate with hands-on experience in clinical rotations, specializing in therapeutic exercises and patient mobility improvement. Certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and proficient in using rehabilitation equipment and documenting patient progress. Passionate about supporting physical therapists and providing compassionate care to patients.
Mid-career
Dedicated physical therapist assistant with over five years of experience in outpatient and acute care settings. Skilled in implementing treatment plans, assisting with manual therapy, and educating patients on home exercise programs. Licensed in California, certified in Advanced Skill Pathway (APP) for orthopedics, and known for exceptional communication skills and a patient-centered approach to rehabilitation.
Experienced
Specialized physical therapist assistant with expertise in neurological and orthopedic rehabilitation. Licensed PTA with certifications in lymphedema management and kinesiology taping. Adept at assisting patients with complex rehabilitation needs and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to achieve optimal recovery outcomes. Committed to delivering empathetic care and promoting patient independence.
Physical therapist assistant resume objective examples
Entry-level
Aspiring physical therapist assistant eager to begin a career in rehabilitation by using knowledge acquired from an accredited PTA program. Committed to aiding physical therapists in delivering effective treatment and improving patient recovery experiences.
Career changer
Dedicated professional transitioning from the fitness industry into physical therapy assistance, bringing strong interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of body mechanics. Ready to contribute positively to patient care teams by facilitating therapeutic exercises and assisting with mobility improvement.
Recent graduate
Energetic recent graduate of a physical therapist assistant program looking to apply academic learning and hands-on training in a supportive clinical environment. Focused on promoting patient progress through teamwork and evidence-based practices.
Create a standout resume quickly with our Resume Builder. Choose a template, add your info, and impress employers in no time!
Include relevant certifications and training
Listing certifications and training on your resume as a physical therapist assistant shows that you meet industry standards and are prepared to handle the technical aspects of the role.
Certifications prove that you have completed specialized education and passed exams, which is important in healthcare jobs where skills directly impact patient care. Having these credentials ensures employers know you’re qualified and committed to staying current in your field.
- Certified Physical Therapist Assistant (CPTA)
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification
- CPR/AED Certification
- Specialized Training in Neurological Rehabilitation
Including certifications gives you an edge by showing expertise and dedication to growth within the physical therapy field. It complements your education section, making your qualifications stand out more clearly to hiring managers.
Example of a certifications section
Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant
Issued by: Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT)
Expires 2025
CPR and AED Certification
Issued by: American Heart Association
Expires 2026
First Aid Certification
Issued by: National Safety Council
Issued 2023
Pick a resume template with straightforward sections, professional fonts and bold colors that make your qualifications shine.
Showcase your work experience
Your work experience is key to helping potential employers understand your skills and contributions. Start with your most recent job and work backward, listing each role clearly. For each position, include the job title, employer name, location, and employment dates.
This format lets hiring managers quickly see how you’ve progressed in your career. Use action-oriented language to describe what you did in each role. Instead of simply stating duties, show how you made a difference at each workplace.
When detailing your work experience, focus on measurable results that highlight your impact. Mentioning the number of patients you assisted daily or improvements in patient recovery times due to your care can be beneficial.
Core responsibilities for a physical therapist assistant might include helping patients exercise safely, setting up equipment, recording progress, and collaborating with therapists to adjust treatment plans. These details give employers a clear picture of what you can do and how you’ve helped others succeed.
Ensure the descriptions are easy to read and understand by using simple sentences and avoiding technical jargon without explanation. This approach ensures that anyone reviewing your resume sees the value you brought to past positions as a physical therapist assistant, making it easier for them to envision you bringing similar benefits to their team.
5 physical therapist assistant work history bullet points
- Assisted in the development of personalized treatment plans for 50+ patients, resulting in a 25% improvement in recovery times.
- Conducted therapeutic exercises and modalities under the supervision of licensed physical therapists, improving patient mobility by 20%.
- Collaborated with a team to implement new rehabilitation techniques, increasing patient satisfaction scores by 15%.
- Educated patients and families on home exercise programs, contributing to a 30% reduction in clinic visits for follow-up care.
- Managed therapy equipment inventory, ensuring availability and reducing supply costs by 10%.
For physical therapist assistants, using a resume format that highlights hands-on experience and patient care skills can effectively showcase your strengths.
Match your resume with the job description
Tailoring resumes to job descriptions is essential for job seekers aiming to stand out and pass through ATS. ATS scans resumes for specific keywords and phrases from job postings, making it important to customize your resume with the language used by employers.
An ATS-friendly resume incorporates keywords and phrases aligned with your skills and the job description. By doing this, you increase your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers who rely on these systems to filter applicants.
To identify keywords from job postings, focus on skills, qualifications, and duties mentioned repeatedly. For a physical therapist assistant role, look for terms like “patient care,” “clinical assessments,” or “healthcare team collaboration.” Using exact phrases helps ensure your resume matches what employers are seeking.
Incorporating these terms naturally into your resume involves rewriting job descriptions using similar language. For example, transform “provide high-quality patient care” into “delivered high-quality patient care to improve overall health outcomes,” ensuring your experience aligns directly with the position’s requirements.
Targeted resumes offer benefits for ATS compatibility by increasing visibility in searches and aligning closely with employer expectations. This approach boosts your chances of securing an interview and ultimately landing the job.
Boost your resume fast! The ATS Resume Checker reviews your resume and offers quick tips to increase your chances with hiring managers.
Salary Insights for Physical Therapist Assistants
Looking at salary data helps people understand job trends and what to expect in the job market. More details are provided below.
Top 10 highest-paying states for physical therapist assistants
Physical Therapist Assistants earn varying salaries across the United States, with a national average of $64,118. The table below highlights the states where physical therapist assistants command the highest compensation.
Our salary information comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. This official government data provides the most comprehensive and reliable salary information for physical therapist assistants across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The figures presented here reflect the May 2025 dataset, which is the most recent available as of this publication.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $83,190 |
| Massachusetts | $75,360 |
| Virginia | $72,570 |
| Alaska | $72,840 |
| Texas | $71,460 |
| New Jersey | $71,620 |
| Connecticut | $70,470 |
| Georgia | $69,900 |
| New Hampshire | $69,590 |
| Florida | $68,460 |
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my physical therapist assistant resume?
Yes, including a cover letter with your physical therapist assistant resume can set you apart from other applicants and boost your chances of landing an interview.
A cover letter allows you to showcase your enthusiasm for the position and bring attention to specific skills or experiences that align with the clinic or healthcare setting’s needs.
If the facility emphasizes areas like sports rehabilitation or geriatric care, be sure to highlight any related experience or training.
Using a Cover Letter Generator can help you create a personalized application that effectively presents key details.
Additionally, exploring our cover letter examples may offer inspiration and structure for your writing.
For tailored advice, check out this physical therapist assistant cover letter as a targeted reference.
How long should a physical therapist assistant’s resume be?
For a physical therapist assistant, a one-page resume is often enough to highlight your skills, certifications, and relevant experience. This format emphasizes key aspects of your career, like hands-on patient care and therapeutic techniques.
If you have extensive experience or specialized training that distinguishes you, a two-page resume may be better. It offers room for a more detailed overview of your work in various clinical settings.
Check out our guide on how long a resume should be for tips and examples tailored to different career stages.
How do you write a physical therapist assistant resume with no experience?
When crafting a resume with no experience for a physical therapist assistant, highlight your education, certifications, and transferable skills relevant to the role. Follow these tips:
- Showcase your education and credentials: Start with your PTA degree or certification. Include the institution name, graduation date, and any coursework relevant to physical therapy techniques or patient care.
- Include clinical internships or practicum experience: Detail any hands-on training from your PTA program. Highlight tasks like assisting in treatment plans, educating patients about exercises, or working alongside licensed PTs during rehabilitation sessions.
- Focus on transferable skills: If you have prior roles in customer service, fitness training, or caregiving, emphasize communication, teamwork, and patient empathy—qualities essential for a PTA.
- Add volunteer work or extracurriculars: Mention experiences like volunteering at rehab centers or participating in health-related organizations to show initiative and passion for healthcare.
Rate this article
Physical Therapist Assistant
Additional Resources
Physical Therapist Assistant Cover Letter Example + Tips
When plugging your unique qualifications into our free physical therapist assistant cover letter sample, it is important to constantly relate those skills back to the skills required of the position
Physical Therapist Resume Examples & Templates for 2025
Discover physical therapist resume examples and learn how to showcase your ability to improve patient mobility and recovery.Build my resumeImport existing resumeCustomize this templateWhy this resume worksHighlights industry-specific skills: By incorporating
Physical Therapist Cover Letter Example + Tips
A physical therapist uses a wide variety of exercises and tactics to help patients regain mobility, manage pain or recover from an accident or major illness. For example, a physical
Graduate Assistant Resume Examples & Templates for 2025
Discover how graduate assistants can effectively showcase their teaching and research skills with our resume examples. Learn how to highlight your academic experience and multitasking abilities to stand out in
Early Childhood Assistant Resume Examples & Templates for 2025
Browse early childhood assistant resume examples to see how to highlight your experience nurturing young minds, creating a safe environment, and supporting teachers. Discover how to highlight your ability to
Assistant Professor Resume Examples & Templates for 2025
Explore assistant professor resume examples that highlight research expertise, teaching experience, and academic accomplishments. Learn effective ways to demonstrate your knowledge, organization, and ability to inspire students in the classroom.Build
