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Physical Therapy Cover Letter Examples & Writing Tips

Showcase your strengths and accomplishments with the help of our physical therapy cover letters and professional writing advice.

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By Maria 3 minute read
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Physical Therapy Cover Letter Example

Physical Therapy Cover Letter Example
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Physical therapist cover letter: 5 key tips

Write a professional cover letter to land physical therapy jobs with the help of these tips:

1

Don’t repeat the same information written on your resume.

A cover letter should complement your resume, not repeat the same information. Recruiters and hiring managers will read both documents simultaneously, so use your cover letter to dive further into a specific set of skills or achievements, explain why you’re attracted to that company and present yourself as the best candidate.

2

Be specific about achievements and the areas you specialize in.

Not every physical therapist job will list the same requirements, so be specific about your past achievements and specialty as a physical therapist. Do you specialize in pediatrics? Do you have experience in neurological assessments? Let them know what you can do and how you’ve used your skills in the past.

3

Always customize your cover letter to the employer (and job).

Any recruiter wants to see evidence that you have carefully read the job description and the job posting. You should customize your cover letter to show that you have taken the time to understand the role’s responsibilities and explain why you are the right person to fulfill them. You should use keywords and skills outlined in the job description when describing your talents. This demonstrates to the hiring manager that you have the skill set necessary to excel.

4

Present a mix of hard and soft skills.

Physical therapists require an assortment of skills to effectively assess, treat and support their patients in their rehabilitation journey. Be sure to feature hard skills (e.g., Manual muscle testing or rehabilitation planning) that reflect the job posting and soft skills (e.g., Great interpersonal skills or time management skills) that reflect who you are as a physical therapist.

5

Proofread for grammar and accuracy.

Typos and grammatical errors can leave a sour impression on hiring managers, so read your cover letter carefully before submitting it to ensure it has no errors. As a physical therapist, attention to detail is key for your role.

Write a physical therapist cover letter in 5 steps

1. Heading

You must share your contact information so that it is easily visible to the hiring manager so they can contact you to schedule a job interview. Include your information at the top of your cover letter in the header, like your full name, address, email, phone number and any links to your job networking profiles, such as LinkedIn. 

2. Salutation

Can I write Dear Hiring Manager on a cover letter? Research the hiring manager’s name to address the letter to them, it’s the professional standard. Using a general salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern” may look unprofessional.

3. Opening paragraph

Quickly outline your strengths in the first paragraph to frame yourself as a viable candidate. You should hook the reader with your career highlights. This provides a solid base for the rest of the cover letter. This may refer to your experience as a physical therapist or assistant, your outstanding skill set or evidence of your expertise and knowledge. You want to make a good first impression so the hiring manager wants to continue reading your cover letter.

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the physical therapist position at [Company Name], as advertised. With eight years of experience in the field, I am eager to bring my extensive expertise to contribute to your team’s success. Your commitment to [specific aspects of the company’s values or mission] aligns perfectly with my professional philosophy.

4. Second paragraph

In the second paragraph of your cover letter, you should outline why you are the perfect fit for the advertised role. Expand on your resume, drawing the line between your previous experience and the advertised role. This is all about building up a picture of you as an individual to convince the recruiter to invite you to interview. Give evidence, reference certifications and highlight skills to show your suitability. 

In my previous role at [Previous Employer], I successfully managed a diverse caseload, specializing in [mention any specific areas of specialization, e.g., orthopedics, neurology]. Over the course of my career, I have consistently achieved positive patient outcomes, exceeding performance metrics and demonstrating a commitment to evidence-based practice.

  • I have a proven track record of achieving positive patient outcomes, with a focus on functional improvement and quality of life. My treatment plans have resulted in [mention specific metrics, e.g., a 20% improvement in patient mobility within the first month].
  • I consistently exceeded productivity expectations, effectively managing a high caseload without compromising the quality of care. My ability to streamline processes and optimize workflow contributed to a [mention specific improvement, e.g., 15% increase in departmental efficiency].
  • As [Previous Position Title], I led a team of therapists, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. Under my leadership, the team achieved [mention specific accomplishments, e.g., a 25% reduction in patient wait times].

5. Closing and sign-off

Just as your opening salutation is professional and polite, your final paragraph should thank the recruiter for their time. Point to your attached physical therapist resume for more details, then encourage them to take the next step with a call to action. This shouldn’t be too direct. Just say you are looking forward to discussing the role further, either on a phone call or at an interview.

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s reputation for innovation and excellence. I believe my experience and commitment to achieving measurable results align seamlessly with your goals. I am eager to bring my skills to [Company Name] and contribute to the delivery of exceptional patient care.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing in more detail how my skills and achievements align with the needs of your team.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]

For more tips, read our How to Write a Cover Letter article.

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Key skills for a physical therapy cover letter

Make sure the hard skills and soft skills you include in your physical therapy cover letter reflect the needs listed in the job description. Here are some physical therapy skills you can consider:

  • Clinical assessment (Musculoskeletal, neurological, gait analysis, etc.)
  • Treatment techniques (Therapeutic exercises, traction, etc.)
  • Rehabilitation planning
  • Specialized knowledge (Orthopedic rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation, pediatric physical therapy, etc.)
  • Monitoring patient progress
  • Medical record keeping
  • Diagnostic skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Empathy
  • Time management skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Patience
  • Compassion
  • Cultura competence
  • Adaptability
  • Stress management
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FAQ: Physical therapy cover letter

Have questions? We’re here to help.

How do I write a cover letter for a physical therapist?

Writing a physical therapy cover letter requires showing your qualifications, demonstrating your understanding of the role and expressing your enthusiasm for the job.

 

  1. Include your full name, phone number, email address and location (city, state) in the header.
  2. Address the hiring manager in the salutation by last name (e.g. Dear Mr. Smith) instead of using a general salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager.”
  3. Begin with a strong opening sentence that expresses your interest in the position. Include how you learned about the job opening and key details about your professional career.
  4. Use the body paragraphs to highlight specific achievements or experiences that make you well-suited for the position. Discuss metrics or measurable outcomes from your previous roles, key skills that demonstrate your understanding of the employer’s needs and how your qualifications align with their needs.
  5. Close your physical therapist cover letter by inviting the hiring manager to contact you, thanking them for their consideration and expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

How do you write a professional summary for a physical therapist?

A professional summary for a licensed physical therapist should be at most three sentences long. It should feature your top skills relevant to the job posting and your most desirable qualifications. For example:

“Dedicated and accomplished physical therapist with six years of experience in delivering exceptional rehabilitative care. Adept at assessing patient needs, developing effective treatment plans and implementing evidence-based interventions to optimize functional outcomes. Specialized in orthopedic rehabilitation with a focus on musculoskeletal disorders and sports injuries.”

Do I need to write a cover letter?

Yes. You should always write a cover letter to complete your job application. It allows you to build on the details of your resume by sharing a more personal touch and creating a better picture of you as an individual. Word your cover letter wisely to set yourself apart from other job candidates. Use our resume writing tips and resume examples to create a resume. Then back up your resume with the perfect cover letter using sample cover letters and a cover letter builder. Take these steps to give yourself the best chance of landing that new job.

How long should my cover letter be?

Your cover letter should be around three-quarters of a page long. If you follow our cover letter templates and the cover letter format outlined above, you’ll see that this gives you enough space to share details without overloading the hiring manager with information. Remember, the cover letter is still a prelude to an interview.

Does this cover letter example work if I don’t have a lot of experience?

Yes, you can still use this cover letter for physical therapist jobs, even if you don’t have much experience. While you will need to share your certifications and education details, it’s perfectly understandable that you may be an entry-level candidate. If this is the case, you can swap out any references to previous experiences with your other strengths. You’ll need to outline how your skillset will help you fulfill the role’s duties.

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WRITTEN BY Maria

Maria is a Puerto Rico-based Content Writer with ample background in digital marketing and copywriting. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a B.A. in English and enjoys making information accessible to others.

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