Creating a strong physical therapist resume is your first step toward landing the job you’ve been working so hard for. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to take the next big leap, your resume needs to show employers why you’re the perfect fit.
It’s not just about listing your education and experience—it’s about showcasing your unique skills, compassion for student care, and ability to help others regain their strength and mobility. Don’t worry if you’re not sure where to start. This guide will walk through everything you need to know to craft a school physical therapy resume that gets noticed.
School-Based Physical Therapist Resume Example
If you’re unsure where to start, take a look at the school-based physical therapist resume sample below to get a better understanding of what your resume should look like.
What to Include on Your Physical Therapist Resume
Creating a standout school-based physical therapist resume requires including the right details to showcase your expertise. Here’s a guide to help you craft a strong, professional resume:
- Contact Details: Start with your full name, phone number, professional email address, and location. This information should be easy to find and leave a positive first impression.
- Professional Summary: Open with a compelling summary that highlights your strengths as a school-based physical therapist. Mention your core competencies, certifications, and career aspirations—such as your experience in student rehabilitation, working with children and adolescents, and your passion for improving mobility and academic participation.
- Certifications and Licensure: Clearly list your credentials, such as a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), your state physical therapy license, and any additional certifications (e.g., Pediatric Physical Therapy Specialist Certification, Assistive Technology Training, Neurodevelopmental Treatment). Include details like the certifying body and expiration dates, if relevant.
- Work Experience: Present your employment history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. Include your role, the school or district’s name, location, and dates of employment. Use concise bullet points to describe key responsibilities and achievements, such as conducting student assessments, creating customized therapy plans, collaborating with IEP teams, and implementing adaptive equipment for improved mobility.
- Educational Background: Highlight your academic qualifications, including your Doctor of Physical Therapy degree or any related undergraduate studies. Provide the name of the institution and your graduation year. If applicable, include details of clinical rotations in pediatric or school-based settings.
- Key Skills: Showcase a mix of technical and interpersonal abilities. Include clinical skills like proficiency with therapeutic equipment, expertise in gross and fine motor skill development, and familiarity with documentation systems such as IEP goal tracking. Soft skills such as problem-solving, empathy, communication, and teamwork should also be emphasized.
Additional Best Practices to Keep in Mind
To make your school-based physical therapy resume stand out and capture the attention of potential employers, consider these additional tips:
- Incorporate PT-specific keywords: Use terms such as “functional mobility training,” “gross and fine motor skill development,” “individualized education program (IEP) collaboration,” and “adaptive physical education support” to align your resume with school-based physical therapy roles and ensure it is optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- Maintain a professional and organized layout: Select a clean, readable font and divide your resume into clearly labeled sections with headings. A simple, well-structured format allows hiring managers to quickly find key information.
- Use bullet points for clarity: Highlight your skills, experiences, and accomplishments with concise bullet points. This format ensures your resume is easy to scan, helping recruiters quickly identify your qualifications.
- Customize your resume for each position: Tailor your application to reflect the specific requirements outlined in the job description. Emphasize relevant certifications, experience with different student populations, and expertise in specialized therapy techniques.
- Use action-driven language: Employ dynamic verbs such as “assessed,” “designed,” “implemented,” “guided,” and “collaborated” to effectively describe your responsibilities and achievements.
- Quantify your achievements: Include measurable results to illustrate your impact. For example, “developed individualized therapy plans for a caseload of 30+ students” or “improved student mobility outcomes by 40% within six months.”
- Proofread and refine: Carefully review your resume to ensure it is free of errors in spelling, grammar, or formatting. A polished, error-free resume demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism.
School-Based Physical Therapist Resume FAQs
How long should my school-based physical therapist resume be?
Ideally, your school-based physical therapy resume should be no longer than one page in length, especially if you have less experience. For those with extensive experience or qualifications, a two-page resume is acceptable but be sure all information included is relevant and concise.
What skills should I include on my school-based physical therapist resume?
To demonstrate your ability as a well-rounded candidate, it is important to include a combination of both clinical and soft skills. Examples of both can include:
Clinical skills
- Student physical assessment and diagnosis
- Gross and fine motor skill development
- Adaptive equipment use and training
- Documentation and reporting (IEPs and progress notes)
- Student assessment and goal-setting
- Functional mobility and positioning strategies
- Collaboration with IEP teams and educators
Soft skills
- Communication skills
- Empathy
- Active listening
- Adaptability
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Problem-solving
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and find your next school-based physical therapist opportunity, contact Sunbelt Staffing today. We specialize in connecting talented physical therapists with rewarding school-based roles across the country!