Top Physical Therapy Cover Letter Examples

Hiring managers and recruiters for physical therapy jobs look for applicants who have a mix of soft skills and hard skills, specifically: 

• Kinesiology
• Excellent communication skills
• Patient progress documentation
• Medical terminology
• Biomechanics
• Time management
• Collaboration
• Motivation and encouragement
• Relationship building
• CPR
• Physical stamina
• Decision-making
• Anatomy
• Flexibility
• Treatment planning

Physical therapists work closely with patients and must have excellent communication skills to explain exercises, provide patient education and document progress. 

They are also responsible for documenting patient progress, managing equipment and ensuring that patients are following their treatment plans correctly. 

Your cover letter should highlight skills related to these job duties, such as attention to detail, data entry or customer service.

Physical therapists need to have the right education and qualifications to enter this profession. Some of the most common qualifications that employers look for in the physical therapy industry include:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree: Most physical therapy positions require candidates to have a degree in physical therapy or a related field such as kinesiology, exercise science or anatomy.
• State licensure: Physical therapists must be licensed to practice in their state. To obtain a license, candidates must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and meet other state requirements.
• Clinical experience: Employers often prefer candidates who have completed clinical experiences, such as internships or residencies, to gain practical experience in a real-world setting.
• Board certification: Physical therapists can obtain board certification in a particular area of specialty, such as geriatric, neurologic or pediatric physical therapy, which can demonstrate expertise in a specific area.
• CPR certification: Employers often require physical therapists to have current CPR certification to ensure that they can respond appropriately in an emergency situation.
• Continuing education: Physical therapists are required to complete a certain number of continuing education hours each year to maintain their license. Employers may look for candidates who have pursued additional training or certifications beyond the required amount.

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Board of Specialties (BOS) oversees the certification process of clinical specialists in physical therapy. It is also known as the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) and is recognized as the leading authority in certifying clinical specialists in physical therapy.

The salary potential for a physical therapy professional can vary depending on several factors such as their level of education, experience, location and job setting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for physical therapists was $97,720 as of 2022. 

Physical therapists working in hospitals tend to earn higher salaries compared to those working in outpatient care centers or private practices. Additionally, physical therapists with advanced degrees, such as a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or board certification, may have higher earning potential.

Location also plays a role in salary potential, as some areas may have a higher demand for physical therapists and offer higher salaries. For example, physical therapists in California, Nevada and New Jersey tend to earn higher salaries compared to the national average. 

Overall, physical therapy is a field with good earning potential and opportunities for growth and advancement.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 15% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected due to an increasing aging population, which is more likely to require physical therapy services to manage chronic conditions, recover from injuries and improve mobility.

Additionally, advancements in medical technology and changes in healthcare policies are also expected to increase demand for physical therapy services. For example, new surgical techniques may require physical therapy to help patients regain mobility and function after surgery.

Physical therapy professionals with specialized training, such as in geriatric or pediatric physical therapy, or those with advanced degrees, such as a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or a board certification, may have even better job prospects.

Overall, physical therapy is a growing field with a positive job outlook, making it a promising career choice for those interested in healthcare and helping others improve their quality of life.

The ideal cover letter format for a physical therapy professional should include the following sections:

• Header: Include your name, address, phone number, email, and the date of the application.
• Salutation: Address the letter to the appropriate person, such as the hiring manager or human resources representative.
• Introduction: In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and mention the position you are applying for. Also, briefly explain why you are interested in the job and why you are a good fit for it.
• Body: In the second and third paragraphs, highlight your skills and experience. Mention your relevant experience in physical therapy, including any specialties or certifications. Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements and explain how they relate to the requirements of the position.
• Closing: In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position. Also, thank the reader for considering your application and include a call to action, such as requesting an interview or providing your contact information.
• Signature: End the letter with a professional closing and your signature.

Use one of our professionally designed cover letter templates to get started. Remember to include keywords from the job description that demonstrate your assessment and evaluation and patient education skills.

If you have any experience working in healthcare, particularly in a physical therapy setting, be sure to highlight this in your cover letter. If you don’t have direct experience, talk about any transferable skills you have gained from previous jobs or volunteer work that would be relevant to the position, such as customer service or teamwork.

While physical therapy aides do not need to be licensed physical therapists, it is important to have a basic understanding of physical therapy concepts and terminology. Highlight any coursework or training you have completed that would be relevant to the job duties, such as anatomy and physiology or medical terminology.

Physical therapy aides assist licensed physical therapists in implementing treatment plans, which often involve therapeutic exercises. Highlight any experience you have with exercise or sports and your ability to demonstrate and assist with exercises.