The role of a Physical Therapist is both rewarding and crucial in today’s healthcare system. Physical Therapists help patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life following injury, surgery, or illness. They work in hospitals, private practices, rehabilitation centres, and community health facilities. According to recent UK data, a newly qualified Physical Therapist can earn between £24,000 and £32,000 annually, while experienced therapists in senior roles can earn up to £45,000 or more. The job involves assessing patients’ physical conditions, designing personalised treatment plans, and monitoring progress to achieve optimal recovery outcomes. With healthcare services evolving, employers increasingly prioritise candidates who not only have clinical skills but also present themselves professionally through a polished, interview-winning CV.
Why a Strong Physical Therapist CV Matters
In a competitive job market, your Physical Therapist CV is often your first impression. A well-structured CV conveys your skills, experience, and achievements clearly and professionally, showing employers that you are ready to make a real impact. It is essential to tailor your CV to highlight not only your qualifications but also your commitment to patient care, your understanding of contemporary physiotherapy practices, and your ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
Physical Therapist CV Template Structure
A compelling CV template for Physical Therapists should include the following key sections:
1. Contact Information
Start with your full name, professional title, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile. Ensure that your email address is professional and that your LinkedIn reflects your CV.
2. Professional Summary
Write a concise, engaging summary that highlights your experience, skills, and career goals. For example:
“Dedicated Physical Therapist with 5+ years of experience in musculoskeletal and neurological rehabilitation, committed to delivering personalised care plans to enhance patient recovery outcomes.”
3. Key Skills
List your core skills relevant to physiotherapy, such as:
Manual therapy techniques
Exercise prescription
Patient assessment and evaluation
Rehabilitation planning
Communication and patient education
Multidisciplinary teamwork
4. Professional Experience
Focus on your accomplishments, not just duties. Use bullet points for clarity and start each with strong action verbs:
Developed tailored rehabilitation programs for 100+ patients, improving recovery rates by 20%
Conducted assessments and designed treatment plans for post-operative orthopedic patients
Collaborated with occupational therapists, nurses, and doctors to deliver integrated care
5. Education and Qualifications
Include your degree(s), certifications, and any relevant training courses. Highlight specialisations, such as sports physiotherapy or neurological rehabilitation.
6. Professional Affiliations
Mention membership of recognised organisations such as the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).
7. Additional Sections (Optional)
Consider adding sections like publications, presentations, volunteer experience, or language skills if they are relevant to the role.
Physical Therapist CV Example
Here’s a snapshot of how a CV example might look in practice:
John Smith
Physical Therapist
Phone: 07700 900123 | Email: john.smith@email.com | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnsmith
Professional Summary
Compassionate and detail-oriented Physical Therapist with 7 years’ experience in orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation. Proven track record in patient recovery, pain management, and creating evidence-based treatment programs.
Key Skills
Manual therapy & exercise prescription
Post-operative rehabilitation
Patient education & communication
Multidisciplinary teamwork
Professional Experience
Senior Physical Therapist – St George’s Hospital, London | 2020 – Present
Designed personalised rehabilitation programs for 150+ patients annually
Led a team of junior therapists in complex case management
Implemented new recovery protocols reducing average patient recovery time by 15%
Physical Therapist – Private Clinic, London | 2017 – 2020
Conducted initial assessments and developed treatment plans
Provided patient education on injury prevention and wellness strategies
Education & Certifications
BSc Physiotherapy – University of Birmingham, 2016
CSP Membership – 2016 – Present
Certified in Manual Therapy and Sports Physiotherapy
Professional Affiliations
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)
For more detailed CV template and inspiration, you can explore our comprehensive resources tailored to healthcare professionals.
Tips for Graduates Writing Their First Physical Therapist CV
Graduates entering the physiotherapy profession face the challenge of limited professional experience. Here’s how to make your CV stand out:
Focus on your education, placements, and clinical rotations
Highlight transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving
Include volunteer or extracurricular activities that demonstrate commitment to patient care
Keep your CV concise, ideally one page, with clear headings and bullet points
Advice for Mid-Level and Senior Physical Therapists
If you’re more experienced, your CV should reflect your achievements, leadership, and specialised skills:
Quantify accomplishments (e.g., number of patients treated, improvements in recovery metrics)
Highlight leadership roles, such as mentoring junior staff or managing teams
Include continuous professional development courses and specialisations
Emphasise your ability to influence clinical practice or introduce innovative treatment strategies
Do’s and Don’ts for a Physical Therapist CV
Do:
Tailor your CV for each job application
Use clear, professional formatting
Include measurable achievements
Keep it concise and relevant (2 pages maximum for experienced professionals)
Proofread carefully to avoid spelling or grammatical errors
Don’t:
Overload with irrelevant personal information
Use jargon that may confuse non-clinical recruiters
Exaggerate your experience or qualifications
Submit a CV without a professional email or LinkedIn profile
Ignore the importance of a strong professional summary
General CV Advice for Success
Remember, your CV is a marketing tool for your career. Make it easy for employers to see why you are the ideal candidate. Use keywords from the job description, keep formatting simple and professional, and ensure your CV demonstrates your unique value as a Physical Therapist.
For practical guidance and expert advice on crafting a standout CV example, visiting resources and templates can provide the inspiration needed to make your application shine.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Creating an interview-winning Physical Therapist CV requires careful planning, clear structure, and attention to detail. Whether you are a fresh graduate aiming to land your first physiotherapy role, a mid-career professional looking to step up, or a senior practitioner seeking leadership opportunities, a polished CV can open doors to your ideal career.
If you want personalised support to improve your CV and LinkedIn profile, book an appointment with our career experts today. We will help you showcase your skills, achievements, and professional brand to stand out in the competitive healthcare market. Take the next step in your career now: Book your appointment here.
