Creating an interview-winning NHS Therapy Assistant CV is one of the most important steps in securing your next healthcare role. As someone who has been guiding job seekers for over 25 years, I can tell you with confidence that the way you present your professional experience on paper makes a huge difference to whether you get called for an interview or not. In today’s competitive healthcare sector, especially within the NHS, you must demonstrate not only your skills and qualifications but also your empathy, teamwork, and commitment to patient care.
The NHS Therapy Assistant role is a rewarding position where you support physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals in delivering care to patients. Your day-to-day responsibilities may include preparing therapy equipment, assisting patients with exercises, documenting progress, and providing essential encouragement to individuals working toward recovery. The average salary for an NHS Therapy Assistant typically ranges from £20,000 to £24,000 per year depending on the band and location, with opportunities to progress further into specialist therapy roles or team leadership. This makes it an ideal entry point for anyone wishing to build a fulfilling career in healthcare.
Why your NHS Therapy Assistant CV matters more than ever
The NHS remains one of the most trusted and respected employers in the UK, but it also attracts a high volume of applications for every role advertised. A carefully designed cv template ensures you stand out in a crowded field. Hiring managers are looking for clarity, professionalism, and evidence that you meet the required competencies. Whether you’re applying for your very first healthcare position or you’re progressing into a senior therapy support role, the right cv example will help you create a winning first impression.
Understanding the NHS Therapy Assistant job description
Before we dive into building your CV, it’s vital to understand what the NHS is seeking. Therapy Assistants are expected to:
Provide direct support to patients undergoing rehabilitation.
Assist with patient mobility, exercises, and therapeutic activities.
Prepare therapy rooms and maintain equipment.
Record accurate patient information and progress notes.
Work collaboratively with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other NHS colleagues.
Offer emotional support and encouragement to patients and their families.
This role demands a combination of practical skills, communication abilities, compassion, and resilience. Therefore, your CV must highlight not just your academic qualifications, but also your interpersonal qualities and on-the-job experience.
Structuring your NHS Therapy Assistant CV
Your CV should be clean, easy to read, and structured in a way that draws attention to your strengths. Here is an ideal layout:
Personal details – Full name, location, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile.
Professional profile – A short, impactful summary of your skills, experience, and what you bring to the role.
Key skills – Bullet points showcasing relevant technical and soft skills.
Work experience – Detailed yet concise descriptions of your previous roles, focusing on achievements and responsibilities.
Education & training – Include formal qualifications, healthcare certificates, and relevant CPD.
Additional information – Languages, IT skills, or voluntary work.
References – “Available upon request” is sufficient.
How to write a compelling professional profile
The professional profile is the very first section a hiring manager will read. Keep it to four to five sentences, focusing on:
Your passion for healthcare and patient care.
Your ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Evidence of strong communication and organisational skills.
Your commitment to supporting patient rehabilitation and wellbeing.
Example:
“A compassionate and proactive Therapy Assistant with hands-on experience supporting physiotherapists and occupational therapists in delivering high-quality patient care. Skilled in assisting with mobility exercises, maintaining equipment, and providing vital encouragement to patients on their recovery journey. Dedicated to improving patient outcomes while contributing positively to a supportive NHS healthcare environment.”
Key skills for your NHS Therapy Assistant CV
Employers look for a blend of technical and interpersonal skills. Examples include:
Patient handling and manual support
Assisting with therapeutic exercises
Accurate patient record-keeping
Team collaboration
Empathy and compassion
Organisational skills
Attention to detail
Basic life support training (if applicable)
Use bullet points and keep them short. Tailor these skills to match the NHS job description.
Showcasing your work experience
This is the section where you prove your capability. Use the reverse chronological order (latest job first). For each role, include:
Job title, employer, and dates.
Key responsibilities.
Achievements and outcomes.
Example:
Therapy Assistant | NHS Trust | Jan 2021 – Present
Supported physiotherapists with daily therapy sessions, ensuring smooth delivery of patient care.
Assisted up to 20 patients per day with exercises, mobility support, and rehabilitation routines.
Accurately documented patient progress in line with NHS standards.
Trained new starters on equipment safety and patient communication.
The use of measurable outcomes (e.g., number of patients supported) demonstrates impact and value.
Education and training for a Therapy Assistant CV
While formal qualifications may not be as extensive as clinical roles, the NHS values evidence of training, CPD, and commitment to learning. Mention GCSEs, BTECs, diplomas, or any vocational healthcare courses. If you’ve completed manual handling training, safeguarding courses, or NHS eLearning, include them here too.
Advice for graduates entering the NHS
For graduates or career changers, lack of direct experience should not discourage you. Instead, emphasise transferable skills:
Teamwork from part-time work or volunteering.
Communication skills developed through customer service roles.
Organisational abilities from academic projects.
Voluntary work in healthcare, even a short placement, can add significant weight to your application. Always highlight your enthusiasm to learn and contribute to patient care.
Advice for experienced Therapy Assistants moving into middle or senior roles
If you’re applying for Band 3 or 4 roles, you must show leadership potential. Highlight:
Experience mentoring junior staff.
Contribution to service improvements.
Specialist therapy knowledge (neurological rehab, paediatrics, elderly care, etc.).
Evidence of training delivery.
At this level, your CV must position you as a proactive professional who can take on more responsibility and add value to the wider NHS team.
General CV tips for Therapy Assistants
Keep it to two pages maximum.
Use a simple, clean font and consistent formatting.
Tailor every CV to the job description.
Use active verbs such as “supported,” “delivered,” “assisted,” and “coordinated.”
Proofread carefully – errors suggest lack of attention to detail.
Do’s and Don’ts for an NHS Therapy Assistant CV
Do:
Use a professional cv template that is clean and easy to follow.
Include keywords from the NHS job description to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Show achievements, not just duties.
Add a tailored cover letter alongside your CV.
Don’t:
Overload your CV with unnecessary details or jargon.
Include irrelevant jobs unless they show transferable skills.
Use a generic CV for multiple applications.
Forget to include your contact details at the top.
The power of using the right CV template and CV example
Using a professional cv example is one of the quickest ways to understand what works in the NHS job market. It gives you structure, consistency, and confidence. When you choose a proven cv template, you save time and increase your chances of making the right impression. You can find further guidance and templates directly through NHS Therapy Assistant CV Template.
Final words from Jerry Frempong – Your career coach
I’ve worked with thousands of professionals over the past 25 years, and I know that getting your CV right can be the stepping stone to a successful and fulfilling NHS career. Whether you’re just starting out or stepping into a more senior role, presenting your skills and experience with confidence is key.
If you’d like to ensure your CV and LinkedIn profile are at their very best, I’d love to personally help you. Book an appointment today and let’s transform your career prospects together: Book an appointment with CV London.
