Creating a Standout Resume for School Physical Therapists: Tips and Example Resume

A strong resume is essential for physical therapists pursuing roles in educational settings. It’s not just about listing your qualifications and experience; it's about presenting them in a way that resonates with hiring committees at educational institutions. Here's how to craft a resume that stands out.

Tips for Creating Your Physical Therapy Resume

1. Customize Your Resume for Different Job Descriptions

Tailor Your Resume for Different Educational Roles: Instead of customizing each resume from scratch, create a few variations for different educational settings, such as universities, K-12 schools, or vocational training centers. Emphasize relevant experiences, like working with student-athletes or developing educational materials.

Incorporate Keywords: Use specific keywords from job descriptions, such as "pediatric physical therapy," "educational collaboration," or "curriculum development." This alignment with job descriptions can help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and showcase your relevant expertise.

2. Highlight Your Education and Certifications

Emphasize Relevant Education: List your educational background, starting with your most recent degree. Include details about your coursework that are particularly relevant to educational settings, such as "Pediatric Physical Therapy" or "Physical Therapy in Educational Settings."

Showcase Your Certifications: Clearly list certifications such as your Physical Therapy (PT) license, Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS), or any specific certifications relevant to working in schools or educational settings.

3. Detail Your Professional Experience

Quantify Your Achievements: Instead of simply listing duties, quantify your achievements. For example, detail the number of students you’ve worked with, the outcomes of specific programs you've implemented, or improvements in student mobility and participation.

Use Action Verbs: Start each bullet point with strong action verbs like "developed," "coordinated," "facilitated," or "implemented" to convey your active role in educational settings.

4. Highlight Key Skills

Technical Skills: Include skills specific to physical therapy in educational settings, such as experience with adaptive equipment, assessment tools for students with disabilities, and knowledge of individualized education programs (IEPs).

Soft Skills: Emphasize your communication skills, collaboration with educators, and ability to engage with students and parents, all crucial for a successful career in education.

5. Include Professional Development

Continuing Education: List workshops, seminars, or conferences relevant to educational settings. This shows your commitment to staying current with best practices in both physical therapy and education.

Professional Memberships: Include memberships in organizations like the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), particularly if you are involved in sections like the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy.

6. Add a Professional Summary

Concise and Impactful: Start your resume with a professional summary that succinctly outlines your experience, key skills, and career goals, tailored to the educational field.

Tailored to the Role: Highlight experiences that demonstrate your suitability for working in educational environments, such as developing therapy programs for schools or working as part of a multidisciplinary educational team.

7. Proofread and Edit

Check for Errors: Meticulously proofread your resume for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished resume reflects attention to detail and professionalism.

Seek Feedback: Have a colleague or mentor in the education sector review your resume to provide feedback on how well it aligns with the expectations of educational institutions.

8. Keep it Professional

Clean and Simple Format: Use a clean, professional format with consistent fonts and layout. Avoid overly complex designs, as clarity is key.

Contact Information: Ensure your contact information is up-to-date and includes a professional email address, phone number, and LinkedIn profile if relevant

School Physical Therapist Resume Example

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[LinkedIn Profile URL]

 

Professional Summary

Dedicated Physical Therapist with extensive experience in educational settings. Skilled in pediatric physical therapy and adapting therapy programs for students with special needs. Strong background in collaborating with educators and developing individualized education programs (IEPs). Committed to promoting physical health and well-being in students.

 

Education

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

University of Health Sciences, City, State 

Graduated: May 2018 

Relevant Coursework: Pediatric Physical Therapy, Educational Collaboration, Adaptive Physical Education 

 

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
City University, City, State
Graduated: May 2014

Minor: Education 

 

Certifications

• Licensed Physical Therapist (PT), State Board of Physical Therapy
• Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS)
• CPR and First Aid Certified

 

Professional Experience

Physical Therapist

Sunnydale School District, City, State

August 2018 – Present

• Provided physical therapy services to students across multiple schools, addressing a range of disabilities and developmental delays.
• Developed and implemented IEPs in collaboration with educators and parents, focusing on enhancing students' physical abilities and participation in school activities.
• Conducted workshops for teachers on integrating physical activity into the classroom for students with physical disabilities.
• Achieved notable improvements in student mobility and participation, contributing to positive feedback from parents and staff.

Physical Therapist

Evergreen Elementary School, City, State

September 2017 – May 2018

• Assisted in developing and implementing physical therapy programs for elementary school students, particularly those with special needs.
• Conducted assessments to determine students' physical therapy needs and documented progress for IEP reviews.
• Collaborated with special education teachers to design classroom activities that support physical development.
• Provided training and resources for parents on home exercise programs to complement in-school therapy.

Key Skills

• Pediatric Physical Therapy 
• IEP Development 
• Adaptive Equipment 
• Collaboration with Educators 
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills 
• Assessment and Evaluation 

 

Professional Development

• Annual Pediatric Physical Therapy Conference, APTA, 2023 
• Workshop on Adaptive Physical Education, 2022 
• Inclusive Education Symposium, 2021 

 

Professional Memberships

• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
• Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy
• State Physical Therapy Association

Creating a standout resume for physical therapists in educational settings involves highlighting relevant experiences and skills, such as working with children and collaborating with educators. By tailoring your resume to the unique demands of educational environments, you can effectively showcase your qualifications and make a strong impression on potential employers.

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