Physical Therapist resume keywords
The skills, tools and related wording that physical therapist job postings commonly list, and how to use them honestly. Paste a real job description into the free Resume Job Match tool to see which of them your resume is missing.
Skills to include
- patient evaluation
- treatment planning
- therapeutic exercise
- manual therapy
- documentation
- rehabilitation
- patient education
- outcome measures
Tools and software
- EMR systems
- Medbridge
- therapy equipment
- goniometer
- ultrasound modality
Certifications and licenses
- DPT
- State PT license
- CPR/BLS
List only credentials you actually hold, and check the requirements for your state or employer.
Related terms: same skill, different wording
Postings and resumes often name the same thing differently. Use the wording from the job you are applying to, wherever it is true for you.
- therapeutic exercise · exercise therapy
- treatment planning · plan of care
- manual therapy · hands-on therapy
How to use these keywords
Lead with licensure and your patient populations, such as orthopedic or neurological.
- Add a keyword only if you have the experience. You will be asked about it in the interview.
- Put keywords in bullet points that show the skill in use, not only in a skills list.
- Match the wording of the specific posting, including abbreviations it uses.
See which keywords your resume is missing
Paste the job description and your resume. The free tool lists the keywords the posting asks for, what you already match, and related wording for the rest.
Frequently asked questions
What keywords should a Physical Therapist resume include?
Job postings for Physical Therapist roles commonly list skills such as patient evaluation, treatment planning, therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, documentation, and tools such as EMR systems, Medbridge, therapy equipment, goniometer. Use only the terms that are true for you, and mirror the exact wording of the posting you are applying to.
Should I put keywords in a skills section or in my bullet points?
Both. A skills section makes terms easy to find, and bullet points show the skill in use, which is more convincing. For a Physical Therapist, add each keyword to a bullet that describes what you did and the result.
How do I find the right keywords for a specific Physical Therapist job?
Paste the job description and your resume into the free Resume Job Match tool. It lists the keywords the posting asks for, shows which ones your resume already has, and suggests related wording for the ones that are missing.
Which certifications should I list on a Physical Therapist resume?
Postings for Physical Therapist roles often mention credentials such as DPT, State PT license, CPR/BLS. List only the ones you hold, and include the issuing body or state and the date where relevant.
More for physical therapist hiring and job search
Resume keywords for other roles
These lists show terms commonly seen in job postings and are examples, not a guarantee of interviews or hiring outcomes. Always follow the wording of the specific job you apply to, and only list skills, tools and credentials you truly have. Reviewed November 2026. This is general information, not career-coaching or legal advice.