How to Write a Physiotherapist CV (Guide & Example)

As a physiotherapist, your expertise lies in enhancing the physical health and well-being of your patients. But is your physiotherapist's CV receiving the same level of attention? 

Whether you're just starting your career or looking to advance to a more senior position, having a strong CV is a must. This guide will help you craft a physiotherapy CV that showcases your skills and qualifications, securing a strong position in the job market.

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We created the sample on the right using our builder. See other good CV examples like this one.

Want to see similar CV examples? Check out the list below:

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Physiotherapy CV example

This is what you should include in your CV for a physiotherapist. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a physiotherapist CV as good as the one above:

1. Craft a captivating physiotherapist CV personal statement

As a physiotherapist, you begin by gathering information to identify the most important details and plan your approach. The same applies to crafting your personal statement.

A personal statement, or profile, is a concise 3–4 sentence paragraph designed to capture the hiring manager’s attention. If you’re writing it for the first time, consider these guiding questions:

1. Who are you? How do you excel in patient care and rehabilitation?
2. What specific skills and techniques do you bring to the role?
3. What are your career goals? How can your efforts improve patient outcomes?

In your physiotherapy CV summary, include your professional experience, key skills, and unique abilities that make you an excellent physiotherapist. Highlight your expertise in patient care, rehabilitation techniques, and designing personalised treatment plans. 

If you’re a recent graduate, list your educational achievements along with any relevant internships or volunteer work. Hiring companies recognize that these experiences provide hands-on practice and help you develop essential skills valued in a physiotherapy setting.

2. Highlight professional experience in a CV for a physiotherapist

Just like the initial assessment is crucial in physiotherapy, your work history overview is key to your physiotherapy CV. Start with your most recent role and work backward, using the reverse chronological format. For each position, highlight your job title, employer’s name, dates of employment, and a compelling list of your responsibilities and top achievements.

Use action verbs like “administered,” “developed,” and “managed” to start your bullet points. Such words capture attention and present you as more professional. Focus on measurable achievements and how you made a difference in your previous physiotherapy roles. Use the PAR (Problem Action Result) formula to structure your bullet points, emphasising significant accomplishments rather than just duties.

Always target your work experience section to the job description. Note the skills and experience the employer seeks, and match your experience to what’s required.

3. Detail educational background in your physiotherapy CV

A solid educational foundation equips you with the essential knowledge and skills needed to assess, diagnose, and treat patients accurately. In the education section, include the name of the institution, its location, the degree obtained, and the years attended.

If you’re a school-leaver, mention individual subjects like A-levels and GCSEs, focusing on key subjects such as Biology or Physical Education. If you’ve graduated from a university, include the name of the degree and any specialisations.

Still studying? Mention your expected graduation date. Additionally, list any relevant certifications or training courses, such as CPR certification or manual therapy courses. They will help you demonstrate your commitment and essential skills to employers.

A strong CV summary will convince the recruiter you’re the perfect candidate. Save time and choose a ready-made personal statement written by career experts and adjust it to your needs in the LiveCareer CV builder.

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4. Showcase strong skills in your physiotherapy CV

Being a successful physiotherapist requires a diverse set of skills that go beyond technical knowledge. To provide the best care for patients, physiotherapists must combine clinical expertise with strong interpersonal abilities.

In the skills section of a CV for a physiotherapist, include a mix of soft skills, hard skills, and technical skills. For each skill, provide a brief example of how you’ve demonstrated it. For instance, under “Manual therapy,” you might write, “Proficient in various manual therapy techniques, including myofascial release and joint mobilisation.”

Highlight skills such as patient assessment, treatment planning, and rehabilitation techniques. Make sure to tailor this section to the job description, emphasising the skills the employer is seeking.

Physiotherapy CV skills

• Communication Skills
• Patient Assessment
• Manual Therapy Techniques
• Rehabilitation Planning
• Patient Education
• Therapeutic Modalities
• Pain Management
• Exercise Prescription
• Orthopedic Rehabilitation
• Post-Surgical Recovery
• Team Collaboration
• Time Management
• Problem-Solving Skills

5. Include additional sections in your physiotherapy CV to stand out

To make your physiotherapist CV truly stand out, add extra sections that showcase your diverse skills and experiences. Consider including languages, volunteering efforts, special projects, notable achievements, awards, and even hobbies and interests. These additions can provide a better picture of your qualifications and personality.

For example, if you speak a foreign language, it can be a great asset when working with diverse patient populations. Volunteering experience demonstrates a commitment to helping others, which is highly regarded in the healthcare field. Ensure these additional sections are relevant to the job and showcase your unique qualifications.

6. Include a compelling cover letter to accompany your physiotherapy CV

For a physiotherapist, a well-written cover letter serves different purposes. It can highlight your passion for physiotherapy and your dedication to patient care, but also explain why you are a great fit for the specific role and the organisation.

Start with the correct format and a strong cover letter opening that captures your enthusiasm for the role. Highlight your key achievement and explain how your skills and experience will help you excel as a physiotherapist. Conclude your cover letter with a call to action, such as asking for an interview to discuss the role further.

Note that more than half of employers consider cover letters a must-have, so don’t neglect this crucial part of the application process.

7. Final tips for a perfect physiotherapist CV

In the end, polish your CV for a physiotherapist. Attention to detail reflects your commitment to excellence and enhances the overall presentation of your application documents. Stick to these CV formatting rules when writing a physiotherapist CV:

• Start with your contact details in the CV header.
• Use clearly defined headings for each section.
• Choose a professional font and use white space effectively.
• Unless specified otherwise in the job ad, send your physiotherapy CV as a PDF.

And that’s it! You’re ready to apply for the best physiotherapist positions available.

You don’t have to be a CV writing expert. In the LiveCareer CV builder you’ll find ready-made content for every industry and position, which you can then add with a single click.

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Thanks for reading this article about a CV for a physiotherapist. Got any thoughts or job hunting tips you’d like to share? Is there anything you’d like me to talk about in more detail? If you’ve got questions about writing a physiotherapist CV, please comment below.

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Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with Livecareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.