Resume example
Physical therapist resume example
A one-page physical therapist resume demonstrating functional mobility improvements, post-op rehabilitation protocols, and patient adherence metrics.
This example is built for physical therapists with two to seven years of experience in outpatient orthopedics, sports medicine, or hospital acute rehabilitation. Swap in your own projects and numbers. Keep the structure: summary, experience, skills, education.
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What makes this physical therapist resume work
Highlight your DPT and clinical specialty credentials
Place your Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and active state licenses prominently. If you have an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) or dry needling credential, feature it early.
Quantify patient outcomes and mobility gains
Prove treatment efficacy with measurable data. Mention improvements on validated functional outcome tools such as LEFS, QuickDASH, Berg Balance Scale, or Oswestry Disability Index.
State your daily caseload and productivity
Healthcare employers want to know your pace. State your typical daily patient volume (e.g., '14 to 16 patients per shift') to demonstrate that you manage high clinical productivity without compromising care.
Describe post-operative and sports rehabilitation
Highlight your experience with common post-surgical cases including ACL reconstructions, total knee/hip arthroplasties, and rotator cuff repairs. Name specific return-to-sport testing protocols.
Mention electronic medical record (EMR) software
Listing clinical documentation platforms like WebPT, Epic, Rehab 1, or Casamba shows you can handle compliant point-of-care charting with minimal administrative ramp-up.
Showcase collaborative care with referring surgeons
Explain how you coordinate with orthopedic surgeons, physiatrists, and athletic trainers on plan-of-care updates and discharge recommendations.
Questions
How do I list clinical affiliations if I am a recent graduate?
Create a 'Clinical Internships' section detailing your 8- to 12-week rotations. List the facility name, setting (e.g., Outpatient Orthopedic, Inpatient Rehab), caseload percentage, and key patient populations treated.
What certifications carry the most weight for physical therapists?
Board certifications through ABPTS (such as OCS, NCS, or SCS), Dry Needling (Cert. DN), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and McKenzie Method (MDT) credentials carry strong industry recognition.
Should I include modalities like ultrasound and electrical stimulation?
Briefly mention modalities as adjunctive tools, but focus the majority of your resume on active interventions: manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular re-education, and functional gait training.