Writing a strong school-based physical therapy assistant (PTA) resume is your chance to show potential employers why you’re the perfect addition to their team. As a PTA working in a school setting, you bring a unique mix of technical skills, compassion, and collaboration that helps students improve their mobility and overall quality of life. But how do you highlight all that in a way that stands out?
Not to worry—this guide has you covered! We’ll walk you through exactly what you need to include, how to structure your resume, and tips to make it shine so you can land the job you’ve been dreaming about.
School-Based Physical Therapy Assistant Resume Template
If you’re not sure where to get started, the school physical therapy assistant resume example below is a great jumping-off point to get a better understanding of what a well-rounded resume should look like.
What to Include on a Physical Therapy Assistant Resume
Including the right details is crucial for creating a standout PTA resume. Here are key details to include to help organize your resume and highlight your qualifications:
- Contact Information: Clearly display your full name, phone number, professional email address, and location. This section is often the first thing employers see, so make sure it’s accurate, professional, and easy to read.
- Objective Statement: Start with a concise summary that highlights your strengths as a school-based PTA. Focus on your key skills, certifications, and career goals—such as your experience assisting physical therapists, working with diverse student populations, and your commitment to improving students’ mobility and independence in an educational setting.
- Licenses and Certifications: List all relevant credentials, such as your state licensure and Physical Therapist Assistant certification. Include any additional training (e.g., pediatric therapy techniques, adaptive equipment training, or sensory integration strategies). Provide details such as the certifying organization and expiration dates.
- Professional Experience: Present your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. Include your job title, employer, location, and dates of employment. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements, such as assisting with therapy sessions, implementing treatment plans developed by physical therapists, monitoring student progress, and collaborating with teachers and other school staff to support students’ functional mobility in the classroom.
- Education: Include your academic background, such as an associate degree in Physical Therapist Assistant Studies. Be sure to list the institution’s name and your graduation date. Mention any specialized coursework or clinical rotations in school-based settings that enhanced your expertise.
- Skills: Highlight both technical and interpersonal skills. Include abilities like proficiency in therapeutic modalities, exercise techniques, adaptive equipment use, and knowledge of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Also emphasize traits such as empathy, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
Additional Physical Therapy Assistant Resume Guidelines
To make your PTA resume stand out and grab the attention of potential employers, follow these additional guidelines:
- Incorporate PTA-specific keywords: Use terms like “pediatric therapy,” “gross motor development,” “adaptive equipment training,” “IEP collaboration,” and “sensory integration strategies” to align your resume with school-based PTA roles and optimize it for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- Ensure a professional and clear layout: Select a simple, clean font and organize your resume into clearly defined sections with headings. A well-structured layout makes it easy for hiring managers to quickly find the information they need.
- Use bullet points for readability: Present your skills and accomplishments in brief, well-organized bullet points. This format makes your resume easier to scan, helping employers quickly identify your qualifications.
- Customize your resume for each role: Tailor your resume to match the specific requirements outlined in the job description. Emphasize relevant certifications, experience working with different student populations, and specialized techniques you’ve mastered, such as sensory-motor integration or positioning and mobility training.
- Highlight action-oriented achievements: Use strong action verbs like “assisted,” “executed,” “collaborated,” “supported,” and “guided” to effectively showcase your responsibilities and accomplishments.
- Quantify your contributions: Whenever possible, include measurable results to illustrate your impact, such as the number of students you supported or the percentage of progress achieved in therapy goals.
- Proofread for perfection: Carefully review your resume to ensure it is free of errors in spelling, grammar, or formatting. A polished and error-free resume demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail.
School-Based Physical Therapy Assistant Resume FAQs
How long should a physical therapy assistant resume be?
The ideal length for a school-based physical therapy assistant resume is one page, especially for those with less work experience. For more seasoned professionals, two pages may be appropriate, but all included information should be relevant and concise.
What skills should I include on my physical therapy assistant resume?
To really stand out with hiring professionals, you will want to include a mixture of both clinical and soft skills. Here are some examples of both:
Clinical Skills
- Implementation of student treatment plans
- Gross and fine motor skills development
- Functional mobility and gait training
- Knowledge of IDEA and ADA compliance
- Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
- Adaptive equipment use and training
- Sensory-motor integration strategies
- Positioning and postural control techniques
Soft Skills
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Active listening
- Problem-solving
- Patience and empathy
- Self-starter
- Collaboration with teachers and school staff
Find Your Next School-Based PTA Opportunity with Sunbelt
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career as a physical therapy assistant, Sunbelt is here to help. We specialize in connecting talented PTAs with rewarding opportunities in schools across the country. Whether you’re looking for a new challenge, a change of scenery, or your first PTA role in a school setting, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Connect with Sunbelt today and find your ideal PTA position!