Physical Therapy Aide Resume Examples and Template

Physical therapy aides have an important job that involves assisting physical therapists by preparing equipment, supervising patients and educating patients on the correct techniques for physical therapy exercises. The career path for a physical therapist involves meeting certain requirements regarding education and experience. Knowing how to write a physical therapy aide resume that showcases your credentials and most relevant work experiences can help you secure a job. In this article, we outline the steps for how to write a physical therapy aide resume and provide two sample resumes to help you write your own. When you're ready, you can upload a resume file or build an Indeed resume to apply for your next physical therapy aide job. To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file.

How to write a physical therapy aide resume

Here are seven steps for writing an effective resume for a physical therapy aide role:

1. Format with an outline or template

The first step toward writing an effective resume is to create an outline or choose a resume template. Having an outline for your resume can help you organize your sections. Additionally, using good formatting strategies like section headings allows you to create a layout that's easy for the reader to navigate. When the reader can find the information they need at a glance, it can improve the functionality and professionalism of the document. When formatting your resume, try to keep it to one page. Since hiring managers review many resumes in a day, being succinct allows them to work faster. Related: How To Make a Resume (With Examples)

2. Create a header

Make sure your resume has a header at the top of the page. The header includes your first and last name and your contact details. It's typical to include details like your phone number, email address and the city and state in which you live. Some candidates also include a link to their professional social networking page so hiring managers can connect with them online.

3. Write a professional summary

Under your header, include a concise professional summary. These statements are usually one to two sentences long. Writing a professional summary allows you to highlight your most relevant skills or experiences while showing enthusiasm for the role. For example, if you're a recent graduate or have little direct industry experience, writing a professional summary can be a great way to show your excitement for the job and goals for professional development. If you have experience as a physical therapy aide, a professional summary allows you to emphasize your skills and professional values.

4. Outline your work history

Use the work history section to outline your most relevant or recent work experiences. For each entry in this section, state your job title, the name of the company for which you worked and your dates of employment. Also, provide a list of three to five duties or accomplishments for each role. Try to start each bullet point with an active verb. Using strong verbs allows you to be concise in describing the skills you applied in each role. Related: 10 Resume Writing Tips To Help You Land a Job

5. List your skills

Include a list of your skills on your resume. This list can include both soft skills and technical skills. For example, as a physical therapy aide, you likely have soft skills like communication, empathy and patience to work well with your clients. You also need technical skills related to using physical therapy equipment and understanding how exercises can improve mobility and physical functioning. Related: 10 Best Skills To Include on a Resume (With Examples)

6. Provide details about your education

Since physical therapy aides typically need an associate-level degree and license to practice, show that you have these credentials on your resume. Showing that you meet the qualifications to work as a physical therapy aide assures the hiring manager that you meet the requirements for the position. Also, include the name of the institution through which you earned your degree.

7. Include relevant certifications

Use the final section of your resume to list any additional certifications you may have. For example, as a physical therapy aide, you may earn certificates that allow you to work with certain clinical populations. You may have a certification in pediatrics, geriatrics or another area of health care that allows you to use specialized techniques in your practice.