Physical therapy cover letter sample with no experience

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When applying for a job as a physical therapist, it is important to highlight all required education and certifications. You should include all previous experience and memberships in an easy-to-read and reverse-chronological order, providing the hiring manager or committee with insight into your skill set and physical therapy career interests. 

Below is a sample cover letter and resume for a physical therapist. They should be used as a guide to help you get started.

Physical Therapist Occupational Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a very strong demand for physical therapists at present. The 2019 median pay for individuals in these roles was $89,440 per year ($43.00 per hour), and the number of available jobs is expected to increase 22% by 2028 (much faster than average).

Physical Therapist Skills

When you are deciding what information you should include in your cover letter and resume, it’s important to match the skills you're highlighting with those required for the specific position you're applying for.

If particular physical therapist skills are stated to be “minimum” or “preferred” qualifications in the job listing, then try to mention these in your application documents, echoing the specific keyword phrases that the employer has used.

If you have special training and experience in a specialty field of physical therapy, be sure to emphasize this in your cover letter and on your resume.

Hospitals and other employers often use sophisticated applicant tracking systems to perform an initial review of the resumes they receive. These systems scan and rank the resumes based on the prevalence and positioning of specific keywords.

A few skills and qualifications that are frequently sought in physical therapist job candidates include: CPR, manual therapy, patient relations, APTA membership, work rehabilitation, and exercise-based approaches. 

Physical Therapist Cover Letter Example

Download the physical therapist cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Physical Therapist Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Chloe Applicant
1000 Riverside Drive
Boulder CO 80305
555-555-5555

June 24, 2020

Carol Lau
Director, Human Resources
Health Hospital 
123 Business Rd. Boulder, CO 80305

Dear Mrs. Lau,

I would like to express my strong interest in the Physical Therapist (PT) position at Health Hospital as advertised on your hospital website. I am an experienced, skilled physical therapist whose passion for helping people aligns with your hospital’s mission to offer compassionate care. I know I would be an asset to your organization.

I recently earned my Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), with honors, from XYZ University, where I gained experience as a physical therapy intern in a variety of settings. I have experience working with a wide spectrum of clients, including pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients. These internships have honed my skills in various treatments, from muscle reeducation to electrotherapy to hydrotherapy. I am therefore well equipped to handle the variety of patients and conditions that a physical therapist at Health Hospital would be treating.

However, my skills go beyond clinical knowledge and technical ability. Both patients and advisors have praised my strong communication skills. I am able to effectively explain procedures to patients and answer any questions they have, always speaking in a patient and kindly tone. Even when I am carrying a particularly heavy caseload, I always take the time to speak with each patient, and make sure they feel comfortable and confident in their treatment plan.

I have enclosed my resume for your review. I will contact you next week to see if we can speak in person about the ways in which I could benefit your hospital. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Signature (hard copy letter)

Chloe Applicant

Sending an Email Cover Letter

When you're sending an email cover letter include your contact information in your email signature, and don't list the employer contact information.

Start your email message with a salutation, and list your name and the job title in the subject of your message.

Physical Therapist Resume Example

Physical Therapy Resume Example

Chloe Applicant
1000 Riverside Drive
Boulder, CO 80305

555-555-5555

Education

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT); GPA: 3.8
XYZ University, Boulder, CO E
xpected graduation: August 2020

Associate of Applied Science, Physical Therapist Assistant Program; GPA: 3.7 ABC College, Boulder, CO May 2017

Professional Experience

Physical Therapy Intern, Denver Medical Center, Denver, CO Spring 2020-Present

• Evaluate, plan treatment, and administer care to individual patients through collaboration with PT advisor
• Update and maintain charts to reflect procedures completed and patient progress
• Participate in physical therapy and occupational treatment sessions for diverse patient types

Physical Therapy Intern, Boulder Sports Medicine Clinic, Boulder, CO  Fall 2019

• Administered physician-prescribed treatments, including exercise regiments, for patients with traumatic brain injury
• Trained in and administered electrotherapy, thermal therapy, and hydrotherapy treatments
• Updated and maintained charts to reflect procedures completed and patient progress

Physical Therapy Assistant, St. Elizabeth Hospital, Denver, CO Sept. 2017 – Aug. 2019  

• Administered PT-prescribed treatments, including muscle stretching and strengthening
• Instructed patients and their caregivers in home treatment programs
• Supervised physical therapist aides, providing on-the-job training for new aides

Memberships

• American Physical Therapy Association 2017-present
• Physical Therapy Student Association 2017-present