Created by CakeIn this article, we'll cover: Physical Therapist Cover Letter ExamplesHow to Write a Cover Letter for a Physical Therapist Tips for Writing a Physical Therapist Cover LetterPhysical Therapist Cover Letter TemplateAs a physical therapist, you strive to get patients on the road to recovery from functional issues. Doing that requires empathy and communication besides medical knowledge: all better suited in a physical therapist cover letter. A physical therapist cover letter (aka a PT cover letter or a physical therapy cover letter) explains how you use the core skills in your resume to address patient needs. A strong cover letter helps you stand out and saves busy healthcare staff from headaches. To create a personable and professional resume to accompany your PT cover letter, check out our Resume Builder. Read on to find out how to write a PT cover letter, with examples, tips and a template at the end. Physical Therapist Cover Letter ExamplesDo you worry about communicating your experience level in your physical therapy cover letter? To show experience in the cover letter is important but also difficult. That’s why in this guide, we provide cover letter examples for physical therapists with varying levels of experience: we have sample cover letters for internships, for a new grad, for a PT assistant, and for a physical therapist. ✉️ Physical Therapy Cover Letter Sample for an Internship To write a cover letter for a physical therapy internship, highlight your familiarity with settings in physical therapy. Physical therapy cover letters for internships might feature personal experiences and observational skills. Jane Doe [email protected]216-123-4567 September 1, 2022. Ms. Garcia Young Children’s Hospital3909 Aubergine Road, OH 43123 Dear Ms. Garcia, I would like to assist families through tough times as a Physical Therapist Intern at Young Children’s Hospital. Using my interpersonal and problem-solving skills, I helped over 150 children and adolescents regain functional independence. I currently study Kinesiology at XY University and would like to pursue a DPT in the future. My experience with a teenage relative who contracted neurological trauma inspired me to pursue physical therapy. After seeing the transformative impact motion therapies had on the lives of parents and their children, I wanted to help more families lead an active lifestyle. At Newmont Hospital, I assisted adolescents with neuromotor diseases. From assessing tolerance levels in diagnoses and using new VR methods to test the coordination of younger patients for treatment plans, I also increased patient satisfaction by 50% for 100+ patients. I would love to meet up for an interview to dive into more details about my resume (which I have enclosed). Feel free to reach me at 216-123-4567 or [email protected]. Best Regards,Jane Doe ✉️ Physical Therapy Assistant Cover Letter Sample For a physical therapy assistant cover letter, address how you improve workflow for PTs and specify your administrative duties. Cover letters for physical therapy assistants target speed and time management. Jane Doe [email protected]213-123-4567 September 1, 2022. Hiring Team MobileHealth Center1234 W Grand Avenue, CA 90012 Dear Hiring Team, I saw your online job posting for a Physical Therapist Assistant position and would like to join your team at MobileHealth Center. My organization, communication, and multitasking skills from working at 5 different clinics have helped streamline patient flow. I hold an Associate’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Derby Community College and have State Licensure in California. Providing a comfortable experience for patients starts with giving them a professional and caring environment, which I believe my experiences in managing therapy before, during, and after a session could prove to be valuable: Improved clinic flow by 70% by administering preparation tasks to new PTAs and minimizing patient wait timesEducated over 1,000 patients on proper postures, exercise regimes, and post-procedural care according to physician notesReduced time in administrative duties (invoicing, record-keeping, typing speed of 90 WPM) by 60% To chat over coffee about what I have to offer, please reach me at 213-123-4567 or [email protected]. Attached is my resume with details on my clinical experiences. Kind Regards,Jane Doe ✉️ Physical Therapy Cover Letter A cover letter for a more experienced physical therapist focuses on branching current skills. In this case, a physical therapist cover letter may underscore leadership and social outreach. For a personable PT cover letter, mention if you attended any events hosted by the hospital/clinic. Jane Doe [email protected]213-123-4567 September 1, 2022. Dr. Adams UCPT General Hospital7799 Beaupre Avenue, CA 90022 Dear Dr. Adams, I learned about your Physical Therapist opening from a PT at Hope Hospital, who referred me upon seeing my strengths in leadership, collaboration, and mentorship. With 5 years of experience in occupational therapy, I aspire to be part of an award-winning team that values educated wellness at UCPT General Hospital. As an APTA member attendee at your last conference, I was motivated after hearing that your comprehensive portfolio of effective treatment models earned the Laurel Award. At Hope Hospital, I also share your philosophy for leading development in patient care, where I collaborated with a team of PTs from cardiopulmonary, neurological, and orthopedic departments to create 5 new standardized treatment models using IFT, TENS, and ultrasound methods. Education has always been a passion of mine. I supervised more than 200 PTs and created a blog with a following of 5000 at eMotions.com, where I provide forums, articles, and roadmaps to address common concerns of PTs. I have included my resume and would love to dive into how we can collaborate on interdisciplinary treatment developments. Feel free to contact me at 213-123-4567 or [email protected] Sincerely,Jane Doe How to Write a Cover Letter for a Physical TherapistTo write a physical therapist cover letter, include the following components: 💡 Sender and Recipient Details Include your name and contact details at the top of your PT cover letter. Follow up with the recipient’s name, organization name, and organization address. 💡 Clear Subject Line (for Emails) When emailing a PT cover letter, include the position name and the organization name in the subject line. To draw interest, insert a quality that the organization would love to have from your PT cover letter in the subject line. For instance:Compassionate DPT Seeking PT Position at XY Hospital 💡 Greetings Start your PT cover letter with a polite salutation (e.g. “Dear”). For a PT cover letter, filter the online directory of the hospital or clinic by the department to find the recipient’s name or use “Hiring Team” if unknown. 💡 Opening Paragraph State how you found the position and briefly touch on your relevant soft and hard skills at the start of your PT cover letter. Since physical therapy is a results-oriented occupation, include an accomplishment near the beginning of your PT cover letter. 💡 Body Paragraphs The body paragraphs of your PT cover letter should illustrate how you use your skills differently from other candidates. Make your PT cover letter more compelling and explain what drew you to the organization.✅ Pro tips:Use the job description and organization mission as a guide to decide what achievements to include in your PT cover letter. Specify and explain the contributions you made in your previous roles with clear metrics (e.g. patient flow, recurrence rate, patient satisfaction, etc.). Another reason to carefully read through job descriptions is that some healthcare providers use Application Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen applicants. Mirror keywords from the job description in your PT cover letter to increase your chances of getting reviewed. 💡 Closing Close off your PT cover letter with a call to action and reach out for an interview or chat. Let the recruiter know that you want to expand more on your resume or CV. Mention any attachments that go along with your PT cover letter. 💡 Sign-Offs End your physical therapy cover letter with a professional sign-off (Sincerely, Best Regards, Kind Regards etc.) and your name. 💡 Contact Information (for Emails) If you are emailing a PT cover letter, you could include a link to your blog/website at the end of your signature. You can exclude the recipient’s contact details from your PT cover letter since you are emailing them directly. Tips for Writing a Physical Therapist Cover Letter1. Highlight your computer skills: As a PT or PTA, computer skills are essential to clinic flow. Discuss your record-keeping skills or ability to track patient progress in your PT cover letter. 2. Emphasize your typing speed: For PTAs, mentioning your typing speed in your PT cover letter communicates that you can efficiently handle large datasets to reach doctors or patients. The minimum typing speed should be 70 WPM. 3. Proofread your cover letter: Professionalism is integral in a PT cover letter. Remove any typos and grammatical errors. Double-check your metrics. 4. Apply transferable skills: If you are a new grad, writing a physical therapist cover letter can be daunting when you have no work experience. Emphasize the skills from your school fieldwork. Your experience with clinical instructors is what sets you apart (e.g. assessment techniques, methods used, treatment plan approaches, etc.).Physical Therapist Cover Letter TemplateYou can use the following physical therapist cover letter template as a guide to bridge your skills and the organization's duties and mission. [Your Name] [Phone Number][Email] [Date] [Recipient Name] [Organization Name][Street Address, State/Province, Zip Code] I found your opening for a [PT Position Name] through [how you found the job]. I have [list hard skills] in [list areas of specialization] and would love to help your mission by providing [list soft skills] to patients. I understand that [organization values] are important and I hope to further that. At [previous clinic / place of fieldwork], I helped to [improve/reduce] [mention relevant results]. I believe these qualities would be valuable to physical therapy at your organization, which focuses on [mention key job roles]. Please find enclosed my [attachments] and feel free to reach me at [contact details]. I would love to discuss more of what I have to offer. Sincerely,[Name] 🔑 Key Takeaways When writing PT cover letters with limited experience, emphasize how your observational knowledge could serve the organization in hands-on settings.Take a results-oriented approach in your PT cover letter to show how you assess situations and achieve progression. Your PT cover letter should highlight relevant metrics to the job role.Convey your compassion for patients in your PT cover letter by tying in a personal story or focusing on the organization’s mission.With Cake, you can easily create a resume online, free download your resume in PDF, and utilize ATS-compliant templates to create a resume. Create your resume online (free download) now and land your dream job!Create resume--- Originally written by Flora Lai ---

Created by CakeYou'll learn:Making an occupational therapist resume: The basicsMaking a great occupational therapy resume: What to include?Making a strong occupational therapist resume: 6 advanced tipsMaking a cover letter for an occupational therapistOccupational Therapist Resume Sample (Text Format) Occupational therapists are there to help achieve the maximum functionality of patients with some type of limitation, whether it is physical, cognitive, behavioral, or a variety of them, through meaningful activity and/or therapeutic workshops.An occupational therapist resume also needs to have maximum use and not be limited. Including all relevant details and presenting them in the right way will help you land that interview for the position you are aiming for. This guide will show you all you need to know for writing an occupational therapist resume.Making an occupational therapist resume: The basicsBefore getting your hands on making an occupational therapist resume, it is important to know the following points to avoid mistakes when writing your OT resume. ✍🏻Step 1: occupational therapist resume v.s. occupational therapist CV The differences lie in length, purpose, and format. An occupational therapy CV can be made of several pages detailing your whole life and it is used for positions in academia or research. On the other hand, an occupational therapist resume is no more than 2 pages and it is used for most job vacancies. As for the format, an occupational therapist resume is more flexible and personalized while a CV generally requires a more formal format. 📝Note:The choice of using an occupational therapist resume and an occupational therapy CV also relies on where you are located. Some countries and regions use both documents interchangeably. ✍🏻Step 2: Pick the right resume format Your qualifications determine what format works best for your occupational therapist resume. In order to know which one works best, let’s look at the four types of formats for an occupational therapist resume:Chronological: A format that emphasizes your work history in reverse chronological order.Functional: A format that prioritizes your skill sets and achievements over work experience.Combination: This format is a hybrid version using elements from the previous two formats.Targeted: This format is highly customized for a specific job. There is no “best format” as choosing the most appropriate one relies on your background. For making an occupational therapist resume with vast experience, you can use a chronological format. For freshers, career changers, and occupational therapy students, choosing a functional resume format may be wise. For new grads or those with few years of experience making an entry-level occupational therapy resume, a combination format might be the best choice. ✍🏻Step 3: Tailor your occupational therapist resume to the job descriptionMatching skills and qualifications from the job posting in an occupational therapist resume increases chances to get that interview. ✍🏻Step 4: Search for online occupational therapist resume examples Take a look at some occupational therapist resume templates and use any useful aspects you deem to improve your resume. ✍🏻Step 5: ProofreadMake sure your occupational therapist resume has zero mistakes and remove things that are irrelevant to the position. ✍🏻Step 6: Make an occupational therapist cover letter Reach out to recruiters at a personal level with an occupational therapist cover letter. A cover letter increases your chances to have your occupational therapist resume taken into account. Making a great occupational therapy resume: What to include1. Resume Profile (Personal Information) This section in your occupational therapist resume goes on top and contains contact details for employers to reach you out. The most essential details go here. It is important to take a look at what you can include and what to avoid including when making an occupational therapist resume.What to Include:Full nameProfessionalEmailPhone numberLinkedIn profilePersonal Website/PortfolioWhat to NOT include:SalarySexual OrientationSocial Security Number/ID detailsMartial Status 2. Resume HeadlineA resume headline in an occupational therapist resume puts a key highlight upfront in a single sentence. It goes along the resume profile and before an occupational therapy resume objective or summary.Occupational Therapist Resume Headline Example:Occupational Therapist With Expertise in Adult Physical Medicine.Therapy Assistant With 14 Years of Experience Treating Patients of All Ages 🔎The purpose of a resume headline in an occupational therapist resume is to give your value as an applicant in a concise way, so keep it in a single line. 3. Resume Summary and Resume ObjectiveChoosing between a resume summary or a resume objective as a professional in occupational therapy depends on how much relevant experience you possess and how you want to reach recruiters.This comprehensive table helps you see which one fits best for you as you write an occupational therapist resume:Resume SummaryDisplays the job seeker’s key qualifications and accomplishments.Shows your overall value towards the employer based on past work experiences.Suitable for practitioners with a lot of relevant experience.Resume Objective / Career ObjectiveHighlights the job seeker’s skill sets.Talks about applicant’s career goals, and what type of job they seek.Shows your interest and ambitions to contribute to the company’s goals.Suitable for freshers, entry-level, and career changers. Examples of Occupational Therapy Resume Summary:Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume Summary Example:“OT assistant with 4 years of experience in helping and assisting patients of all ages. Count with advanced skills in treatment interventions and clinical reasoning. Familiar with assistive devices, prosthetic devices, as well as training. Possess a valid driver’s license.”Pediatric Occupational Therapy Resume Summary Example:“Pediatric Occupational Therapist with 8 years of experience in young patients in catering to each child’s needs by providing quality care and following best standards. Collaborated with parents and colleagues to adjust program activities that enhanced occupational skills. Proven history of following corresponding treatments for each patient. Possess an Associate Degree in OT and an OT license. Examples of Occupational Therapy Resume Objective:Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume Objective Example:“OT assistant with 3 years of experience in residential care, with an interest in geriatric rehabilitation. Possess the ability for teamwork and general rehabilitation. Looking for an assistant position at Avaco to help improve residents’ lifestyles with my skills and strong devotion to a healthcare environment.”Pediatric Occupational Therapist Resume Objective Example:“Pediatric OT with 2 years of experience and a strong passion for helping children. Well-versed in making treatment plans catered to childrens’ needs. Eager to work at Jason Goode Therapy to facilitate effective development on patients and ensure each patients’ needs are met.” 4. Skills Skills are essential for any OT. Some skills were obtained during training, while other skills are obtained in the course of life. It is important to have these skills for an occupational therapy resume. Here are some examples an occupational therapist resume would have:Hard skillsAssess Patient Needs Hydrotherapy Care planning Acute Rehabilitation Patient DiagnosticsSoft skillsFlexibilityActive ListeningPatienceCritical ThinkingCompassion 💡Reminder:Both sets of skills in an occupational therapist resume are relevant to anyone involved in treating patients. “Empathy” and “Listening Skills” are just as important as Patient Diagnosis and Research. 5. Work ExperienceFor each entity listed in an occupational therapist resume, the following details should be included:Job titleName of organizationEmployment DatesDuties and ResponsibilitiesAccomplishments (if any) Example for an Occupational Therapist Resume:Occupational TherapistMaddo Provincial Hospital Dec. 2010 - Dec. 2012Supported over 200 different patients in their evaluation and kept track of doctor’s instructions.Participated in treatment plans for patients, including follow-up recommendations.Maintained and updated department equipment inventory. 6. Education Remember to list where you got your degree in your occupational therapist resume. Each school you list shall display the name of the university/college, degree obtained, location, and the year of graduation. Education Examples for an Occupational Therapist Resume:Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy, St. Catherine University, Minnesota, 2012Bachelor of Science and Physiology, Michigan State University, Michigan, 2016 Cake provides the right occupational therapist resume templates formats for you to showcase your skills and experiences. Sign up to create and download the best occupational therapistresume now for FREE!Start NowMaking a strong occupational therapist resume: 6 advanced tipsIn order to give an edge to your occupational therapist resume, here are some tips to follow.✅ Make an ATS friendly occupational therapist resumeApplicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software tool recruiters use to screen job applications. If your occupational therapist resume does not pass this screening process, it will be tossed into the bin before reaching HR. To avoid this, use an easy-to-read and text-based layout and implement keywords from the job description in your occupational therapist resume.✅ Customize your occupational therapist resume for the job postingFor each job application, tailor your occupational therapist resume as each job vacancy lists different skills and qualifications.✅ Use keywords in your occupational therapist resumeA simple way to make customizations is to implement keywords from the job description in your occupational therapist resume, such as case management, N.D.T. training, license, ADLs evaluation, etc. ✅ Detail which type of patients is your focusSome jobs look for professionals to treat children, elderly patients, special needs, etc. If you match this, it is best to specify details in both your occupational therapist cover letter and resume.✅ Quantify work resultsResults in numbers in an occupational therapist resume show you are truly capable to undertake the job in a more credible and objective way. ✅ Use action words (verbs) in an occupational therapist resumeUsing action verbs commands the ability to undertake the role and shows character when it comes to fulfilling the duties you were in charge of in the past. Making a cover letter for an occupational therapistAn occupational therapy cover letter is usually made up of the following sections:1. Contact details At the top of your occupational therapist resume, state your name, email, and phone number.2. OpeningState which position you are applying for and briefly state how you are an asset (based on experience or skills). Don’t go into details as this will be covered later.3. MotivationExplain why you are passionate about both the position and the organization, as well as how thrilled you are to make a difference. Make sure you try your best to align with the organization’s values and mission. It’s a great chance to show that you have done your research and understand the organization well.4. QualificationsThis part is the backbone of your occupational therapist cover letter. Narrate how your past experiences contributed to gaining relevant qualifications for the job opening. Explain the skills you acquired from previous responsibilities and how they make you qualified for this role.5. ClosingShow that you appreciate them for reading your application and you are more than happy to hear back from them.Occupational Therapist Resume SampleKara JenningsOT Who Has Treated More Than 400 Patients Mobile: (+22) 900-1749Email: [email protected]: linkedin.com/in/karajennings Professional Summary Occupational therapist with 6 years of experience and a proven track record of finding innovative ways to help patients participate and excel in their recovery. Well-versed in using OT equipment for everyday tasks and assistive technology when required. Outstanding communication skills with colleagues and patients. Work Experience Occupational TherapistWells Medical CenterApr. 2016 - Apr. 2019 Established treatment objectives and treatment plan to attain established goals.Conferred with patients, colleagues, and other medical practitioners to evaluate the intervention program.Supervised and mentored 20 occupational therapy assistants. Occupational TherapistSouthwest Hospital Feb. 2013 - Mar. 2016 Helped 300 patients and received praise from the majority of patients.Delivered high-quality reports in a timely manner.Observed and offered guidance to individuals assisting in the Occupational Therapy program.Education 2012,Bachelor of Science and PhysiologyNew York University, New York Hard SkillsPatient Diagnostics HydrotherapyExercise PhysiologyTreatment TechniquesCare PlanningSoft SkillsWork EthicInterpersonal SkillsPatientTeamworkFlexibility --- Originally written byJosé J. Rosales ---

Created by CakeAccording to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), a physical therapist “optimizes the patient's quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education.” In particular, physical therapists diagnose and treat individuals of all ages who have injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions that affect their function and movement. PTs, the abbreviation for “physical therapists”, will thus develop a treatment plan to improve their ability to move, reduce or manage pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Generally, more and more people have settled on a physical therapy major, making it grow much faster than the average for all occupations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has shown that the employment of PTs is projected to grow 22% between 2018 and 2028. In addition to physical therapist years of school and essential skills, what else do you need to get into this rewarding career? This article will walk you through physical therapist education requirements in detail and help you answer the most frequently asked questions about this field.Table of Contents:How to Become a Physical TherapistTips for Your Physical Therapist Career PathHow to Improve Your Physical Therapist SkillsPhysical Therapist FAQsHow to Become a Physical TherapistThis paragraph will focus on physical therapist schooling, including DPT programs, degrees, and licenses that you want to obtain for your career. Step 1: Earn a degree in relevant field “What degrees do I need to be a physical therapist?” Here comes the very first question that you all may have when looking into how to become a PT. The answer is you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree - one of the physical therapy prerequisites for acceptance into a DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) program. Your bachelor’s degree doesn’t have to be in pre-physical therapy, but a health-related field is preferred, such as: AnatomyBiologyBiomechanicsCardiovascular and pulmonary sciencesEndocrine sciencesKinesiologyMetabolic sciencesMusculoskeletal sciencesNeurosciencePharmacologyPhysiology There are also other courses teaching soft skills that could help you with becoming a physical therapist, for example: Behavioral scienceCultural competenceCommunicationManagement scienceStep 2: Complete a DPT program After you've earned a bachelor’s degree, the next step is to apply for a Doctor of Physical Therapy program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). These physical therapy programs typically take three years to complete and cover topics including biology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, and pharmacology. The curriculum consists of 80% classroom and lab study, and 20% clinical education, allowing you to learn about your subject while gaining hands-on experience. The exact requirements for a DPT degree might vary, but below are the basics you need to meet: Application feeBachelor’s degreeTranscriptsPT-supervised observation hoursSupplemental materials (i.e., references, Graduate Record Examinations, etc.) When choosing a DPT program, it's important to consider such factors as the tuition, the campus, the program’s post-graduate employment rates, student-teacher ratios, and teaching methods.Note:A program in your state will cost a lot less than an out-of-state DPT program. Hence, make sure to ask for some advice, tour the campus, and meet faculty, if possible.Here are the best physical therapy schools in the U.S. if you're looking to be a doctor of physiotherapy: University of DelawareUniversity of PittsburghWashington University in St. LouisNorthwestern UniversityUniversity of IowaUniversity of Southern CaliforniaDuke UniversityEmory UniversityCreighton UniversityMGH Institute of Health ProfessionsStep 3: Pass the NPTE All states require physical therapy licensure to practice legally. To obtain a PT license, you are required to pass the NPTE, standing for the National Physical Therapy Examination. It is given by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy; and four times a year, once a quarter in January, April, July, and October. The NPTE consists of 250 multiple-choice questions splitting into 5 sections and covering both body systems (e.g., neuromuscular and nervous systems, lymphatic systems, and musculoskeletal systems) and non-systems (e.g., safety and protection, therapeutic modalities, research, and evidence-based practice). Scoring a 600 or above out of 800 is considered passing. 💡 Pro tip: 12-16 weeks is the ideal time you'll want to set aside for studying the NPTE. As the process varies from state to state, it's essential to check with your state board to learn about the entire application process.Step 4: Obtain a physical therapy license Aside from passing the NPTE, practitioners must fulfill additional criteria, such as compliance training, background checks, etc. to receive physical therapy licensure. However, it might be different in some states so make sure you will reach out to your state board directly regarding how to get a physical therapy license. To maintain physical therapy licensure, you'll have to meet continuing education requirements every two years in most states. The reason is that you can keep up with the latest health professions’ standards and trends through physical therapy continuing education. Step 5: Attend a physical therapy residency or fellowship If you want to specialize in an area of physical therapy practice, it's necessary to complete a residency program and/or a physical therapy fellowship. Through these PT programs, you will not only gain in-depth knowledge to work in a specialty area but also record some or all of the clinical hours needed to earn certification through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Then, what's the difference between Physical Therapy Residency vs. Fellowship Programs? A residency experience prepares an individual to become a board-certified clinical specialist, whereas a fellowship is designed for graduates who already demonstrate expertise in a specific area of the physical therapy profession. Oftentimes, those who complete fellowships have already completed a clinical residency.Tips for Your Physical Therapist Career Path Though you've met all physical therapist education requirements, it might be challenging to obtain good employment. Let's dive into some winning tips for your PT career. 1. Write a good physical therapist resume To showcase your expertise, skills, and experience, it is necessary to have a perfectly written PT resume and cover letter that can portray you as a good professional in the field. You also need to demonstrate your enthusiasm for becoming a physical therapist to impress the hiring manager. What to include in a resume for physical therapy jobs: Personal information (i.e., phone number, email address, LinkedIn, etc.)Personal statementPhysical therapist’s years of schoolWork experience AccomplishmentsPhysical therapy licensure2. Find a suitable work environment There are plenty of perks to enjoy throughout your physical therapist career, one of which is being able to work in a variety of settings. You can change your workplace without taking up a new occupation. One of the most common work settings for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants is the outpatient clinic, while others can include: hospitals and nursing homes, elementary schools, corporate settings, and even patient homes. Answering the questions below can help you choose a suitable work environment: What major of physical therapy are you in?What type of patients do you enjoy working with?What is the market potential for your specific area of interest?Is the location of the workplace convenient for you?Do you want to work as a traveling physical therapist or prefer settling down in one place?How to Improve Your Physical Therapist SkillsHere is a list of 7 important physical therapist skills required to be effective and successful in this profession: The ability to work with people from various backgroundsA deep knowledge of the human body and nutritionA commitment to delivering a high level of customer careExcellent oral communication skillsAwareness and understanding of safeguarding practice and policyStrong problem solving and stress management skillsPhysical stamina and coordination to perform the job Developing skills and knowledge is not only critical for beginners who want to step in the field, but also important for experienced professionals to advance their careers. From both a personal and professional perspective, the best way to acquire and master PT skills is through physical therapy continuing education and hands-on experience.How to become a sports physiotherapist Physiotherapists treat athletes with sports injuries and provide them with advice on how to avoid injury. To do this job, you will first need to obtain a 4-year Bachelor's degree in physiotherapy, or an associated degree in exercise physiology, followed by a postgraduate qualification in physiotherapy. After that, complete your hospital/clinic rotations as a junior physiotherapist to gain all-round experience before specializing.How to become a pelvic floor therapist (PFT) As a pelvic floor therapist, you treat patients having pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, diastasis recti, and other conditions that constitute pelvic floor/pelvic girdle dysfunction. 5 steps to becoming a certified pelvic floor therapist include: Obtain a license to practice PFTLearn to treat pelvic floor dysfunctionStart practicing PFTDevelop your skills and knowledgeEarn the Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner CertificationHow to become a pediatric physical therapist Pediatric physical therapists work directly with children and help their families by teaching and guiding exercises to assist these individuals in reaching their full ability to function independently. Below are the pediatric physical therapy requirements you need to fulfill: Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited university, advisably with a major or minor in biology, anatomy, child development, neuroscience, or physiologyComplete a DPT program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy EducationAttend one year of a clinical residency to gain hands-on experience with pediatricsComplete a fellowship to further this specialization (if desired)Pass the NPTE for licensingPhysical Therapist FAQs 1. Where do physical therapists work? This depends on what major a physical therapist is in, but generally, you will be required to work across many different settings with a variety of patient ages and issues. Here are the most popular work environments for your physical therapy practice: HospitalsOutpatient clinicsPatient homesSports training facilities and fitness centersInpatient rehabilitation facilitiesSkilled nursing and extended care facilitiesSchools and research/education centersIndustrial, workplace, or other occupational environmentsVirtually2. What qualities should a physical therapist have? In addition to thorough physical therapy training, you need to possess certain qualities for success in this field of work. Here are 10 qualities for becoming a great physical therapist: RealisticPatientCollaborativeSupportiveDeterminedResilientCompassionate CaringKnowledgeableCommunicativeWell-organized3. How long does it take to become a physical therapist? You will need 3-4 years to earn a bachelor’s degree and 3-4 more years to complete a DPT program. Together with the NPTE and obtaining the license, it normally takes you around 8 years to become a physical therapist.4. How much does a physical therapist make? As of Aug 2023, a physical therapist’s median annual salary is $88,521, as revealed by Glassdoor. Salaries might vary based on position, location, years of experience, degree of education, and practice setting. 5. What are the most challenging aspects of physical therapy? The physical therapy landscape has changed dramatically in 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world. Here are the top 3 challenges that are affecting PT’s: Telehealth services: Though telehealth uptake in physical therapy practices continues to increase, the adoption of telehealth technology is not quite straightforward. Also, most clients have associated physical therapy with in-person visits to work on rehabilitation and mobility for ages.Educational costs: For physical therapists, 6 years of school come with student loans and interest repayments in large amounts. The situation will be tougher for those commonly starting at lower salaries than most other healthcare professionals.Patient retention: Many patients have difficulty with time commitment and scheduling, while others believe PTs have unrealistic expectations for treatment. In particular, the majority don't agree with the cost of treatment.With Cake, we provide you with the best free resume builder, hundreds of free resume/CV templates, and great resume examples that help showcase the best you. Landing your dream job will be a piece of cake!Create Resume --- Originally written by May Luong ---