As someone who has coached thousands of professionals over the past 25 years, I cannot overstate the importance of a well-crafted CV when applying for roles within the NHS. The role of an NHS Physiotherapist is a deeply rewarding career, combining clinical expertise with compassion to improve patients’ quality of life. An NHS Physiotherapist works across hospitals, community clinics, GP surgeries, and private practices, helping patients recover from injury, manage chronic pain, and regain independence. The average NHS Physiotherapist salary typically ranges from £28,407 to £50,056 per annum, depending on experience and banding. With such a competitive field, having an interview-winning CV template can make all the difference in securing that next step in your career.
Why your NHS Physiotherapist CV matters more than ever
The NHS is one of the largest employers in the world, with thousands of applications submitted daily. Recruiters and hiring managers often have limited time, so your CV must quickly demonstrate why you are the ideal candidate. A strong cv template tailored to the NHS physiotherapy role can highlight your unique skills, qualifications, and experiences, making you stand out from other applicants.
A well-structured cv example does more than list your career history—it tells a clear story of your expertise, impact, and potential. Whether you’re a new graduate entering the NHS for the first time, or an experienced senior physiotherapist seeking promotion, the way your CV is written will directly influence whether you are shortlisted for interview.
Key elements of an NHS Physiotherapist CV
Creating an effective NHS Physiotherapist CV requires balancing professional achievements with your personal qualities that align with NHS values such as compassion, commitment, and excellence. Below are the main sections you should include:
Contact details – Keep these professional and easy to read at the top of your CV.
Professional profile/personal statement – A concise paragraph summarising your physiotherapy experience, areas of expertise, and career goals.
Key skills – Highlight both technical skills (e.g., musculoskeletal assessment, rehabilitation planning) and transferable skills (e.g., communication, teamwork).
Career history – List your roles in reverse chronological order, focusing on achievements, patient outcomes, and multidisciplinary contributions.
Education and qualifications – Include your degree in physiotherapy and any specialist training such as sports injuries, neurological rehab, or paediatrics.
Professional memberships – Such as the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) or Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Continuing professional development (CPD) – Evidence of workshops, conferences, or further training attended.
How to write a winning professional profile
Your opening statement should be punchy and tailored. Avoid generic phrases such as “hardworking physiotherapist.” Instead, demonstrate expertise and value. For example:
“Dedicated NHS Physiotherapist with over five years’ experience supporting patients across orthopaedic, neurological, and community care settings. Skilled in developing evidence-based rehabilitation programmes and committed to delivering outstanding patient outcomes aligned with NHS values.”
This instantly reassures recruiters that you are both qualified and motivated.
Showcasing your achievements
The most common mistake I see in CVs is that people simply list duties instead of demonstrating impact. To stand out, use measurable results and clear examples. For instance:
Implemented a new post-operative recovery plan that reduced patient recovery times by 15%.
Delivered group exercise sessions for patients with long-term conditions, resulting in improved mobility scores.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support early discharge, saving the hospital 120 bed-days annually.
Recruiters want to see evidence that you can deliver results, not just perform tasks.
Advice for graduates applying for NHS physiotherapy roles
If you’re fresh out of university, you may feel you lack the depth of clinical experience. Don’t worry—recruiters know this. Focus on:
Placements: Detail the variety of clinical settings you worked in.
Projects or dissertations: Highlight research relevant to physiotherapy practice.
Volunteer work: Any relevant healthcare or sports rehabilitation experience can strengthen your application.
Skills and values: Emphasise communication, empathy, adaptability, and passion for healthcare.
Your graduate CV should project potential, willingness to learn, and alignment with NHS core values.
Advice for mid-level NHS physiotherapists
If you have 3–10 years of experience, your CV should reflect growth and specialisation. Focus on:
Leadership responsibilities such as mentoring students or supervising junior staff.
Clinical expertise in specialist areas like neurology, paediatrics, or respiratory care.
Contributions to service improvements or audits.
Collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.
Your CV should show that you are not only an effective clinician but also a contributor to NHS service development.
Advice for senior NHS physiotherapists and managers
For Band 7 and above, hiring managers will be looking for evidence of strategic leadership. Your CV should therefore include:
Service development projects you’ve led.
Team leadership and workforce management.
Budgets or resources you’ve managed.
Examples of research, innovation, or policy development.
Training and mentorship of junior physiotherapists.
At this level, your CV should demonstrate leadership, innovation, and a track record of measurable improvements to patient care and service delivery.
General CV structure and formatting tips
Keep your CV no longer than two pages (three if senior).
Use clear headings and consistent formatting.
Avoid graphics, tables, or photos—NHS recruiters prefer straightforward text-based CVs.
Use action verbs such as “developed,” “delivered,” “led,” and “implemented.”
Tailor your CV to each job description by mirroring keywords from the NHS job advert.
The Do’s and Don’ts of an NHS Physiotherapist CV
Do:
Tailor your CV to every job application.
Emphasise patient-centred outcomes and measurable impact.
Include CPD and memberships to highlight ongoing professional growth.
Keep formatting clean, professional, and easy to scan.
Don’t:
Overload your CV with unnecessary details or jargon.
Exceed three pages—recruiters won’t read beyond that.
Include irrelevant hobbies unless they demonstrate transferable skills.
Forget to proofread—spelling mistakes can cost you interviews.
Why use a professional CV service
Over the years, I’ve seen countless physiotherapists miss out on opportunities simply because their CV did not reflect their true potential. With the right guidance, your CV can transform from a generic document into a powerful interview-winning tool.
At CV London, we specialise in creating tailored, high-impact cv template and cv example documents that showcase your skills and achievements in line with NHS recruitment expectations. By working with a seasoned career coach, you can be confident your CV will stand out.
If you’re serious about landing your next NHS physiotherapist role, I invite you to take the next step. Book an appointment today to have your CV and LinkedIn profile professionally improved by an expert who understands the NHS recruitment process.
👉 Book your appointment here
