PHYSICAL THERAPIST SKILLS, EXPERIENCES, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Nov 25, 2025 - The Physical Therapist evaluates movement limitations and develops evidence-based treatment plans to restore functional ability. This role requires applying therapeutic techniques to reduce pain, improve strength, and enhance mobility across various patient conditions. The therapist also monitors progress and adjusts care strategies to ensure optimal recovery outcomes.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Physical Therapist Resume
  • Patient Evaluation
  • Treatment Planning
  • Therapy Intervention
  • Clinical Documentation
  • Functional Assessment
  • Discharge Planning
  • Condition Management
  • Modalities Application
  • Equipment Coordination
  • Pain Management
  • Team Communication
  • Patient Education
  • Assistant Supervision
  • Time Management
  • Care Coordination
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration
  • Family Counseling
  • Safety Awareness
  • Problem Solving
  • Program Development

Summary of Physical Therapist Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Kinesiology with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience in systematic HSE work 
  • Experience in a psychosocial and organizational work environment 
  • Experience in occupational health 
  • Experience in sickness absence follow-up 
  • Experience in guiding and training people
  • Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
  • Demonstrated competency in applying the principles, methods, materials and equipment used in physical therapy
  • Ability to assess resident needs and develop and implement a comprehensive plan of care
  • Knowledge of accreditation standards and compliance requirements

2. BS in Health Sciences with 6 years of Experience

  • Experience with standardized physical outcome testing
  • Experience in an acute care hospital setting
  • Experience working in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
  • Experience working with acutely burned and/or injured adults and/or children
  • Experience with clinical research protocols
  • Experience with grant writing and management
  • Good physical health and fitness
  • Ability to communicate confidently and effectively with clients and other medical professionals
  • Ability to develop rapport
  • Able to maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients and their families
  • Exercise discipline by completing all documentation, reporting requirements and training in an accurate and timely manner
  • Team player who can demonstrate the values for working as part of a multi-disciplinary team to advance a client’s needs
  • Demonstrates the ability to take on additional responsibilities with time, including assessment and development of treatment plans for more complex cases, supervision of therapy aides/volunteers and additional clinic responsibilities

3. BA in Sports Medicine with 4 years of Experience

  • Experience in an Ambulatory Care setting or intensive clinical affiliation
  • Experience in an Acute Care setting or intensive clinical affiliation with post-operative orthopaedic care
  • Experience in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to engage patients
  • Ability to think outside the box and adapt to a hands-off approach
  • Hard-working and able to handle the pressure of a fast-paced environment
  • Fluency in the English language
  • Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
  • Strong interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills
  • Prior experience with electronic medical records (EMR)

4. BS in Exercise Science with 5 years of Experience

  • Physical Therapy experience in a clinical setting with a frail or elderly population
  • Physical Therapy knowledge and skills to treat frail, elderly participants with complex needs
  • Highly motivated, self-directed, able to execute tasks in a quickly changing environment and make sound decisions in emergencies
  • Excellent clinical, organizational and communication skills in settings with seniors, their families and interdisciplinary team members
  • Experience and competency working with people from diverse backgrounds
  • Deep commitment to helping unlock the potential of the most vulnerable seniors
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English
  • Must pass pre-employment physical examination
  • Progressively independent experience as a physical therapist

5. BS in Biology with 2 years of Experience

  • Previous work experience providing direct patient care in an outpatient, inpatient or inpatient rehab unit 
  • Prior use of electronic medical records (EMR)
  • Full registration with AHPRA
  • Strong assessment, clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills
  • High level of communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work within a team and autonomously
  • Demonstrated experience with each of the required areas of expertise in Section I
  • Interpersonal skills to successfully interact with patients, staff, physicians and Third Party Payers
  • Must have AHA BLS certification 

6. BA in Physiology with 3 years of Experience

  • Knowledge as demonstrated by successful completion of an accredited program
  • Skills in communication both oral and written, time management and organization, and personnel management
  • Ability to work independently, adapt to a changing environment, organize and work with a variable patient load
  • Ability to conduct patient teaching and in-service presentations
  • Ability to properly document patient visits using Dragon, Dictaphone, or a phone dictation within a reasonable amount of time following the patient visit
  • Ability to correctly apply charges for services rendered including proper application of G-Codes
  • Ability to effectively evaluate patients and perform functional assessments, as well as apply and/or direct appropriate treatment
  • Ability to communicate/coordinate care and findings with referring providers
  • Ability to use Cerner Applications
  • Outpatient orthopedic experience within a private clinic or hospital 
  • Outgoing and energetic personality

7. BS in Anatomy with 4 years of Experience

  • Working knowledge of child development, disabilities, family systems, and special education methods
  • Ability to interact with a wide variety of people
  • Ability to provide individual and group services in a variety of settings and models
  • Ability to establish an effective rapport/relationship with children and parents
  • Ability to work collaboratively as a member of an early childhood team
  • Ability to effectively communicate, orally and in writing
  • Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations
  • Ability to adapt therapy techniques to varying personalities and environments
  • Ability to travel to a variety of locations to deliver services
  • Ability to motivate young children

8. BS in Health Sciences with 6 years of Experience

  • Proven work experience as a Physical Therapist
  • Ability to manage patients with different types of personalities
  • Current knowledge of treatment practices
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills
  • Must have a valid license to practice physical therapy
  • Ability to provide instructions clearly and pay close attention to detail
  • Must be able to collaborate with other patient care team members
  • Ability to remain encouraging and motivating to patients who experience pain and frustration, physical therapists should be compassionate and encouraging
  • Ability to remain flexible, adaptable and calm in unexpected situations
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment in stressful circumstances

9. BS in Exercise Science with 5 years of Experience

  • Work experience as a physical therapist
  • Demonstrates knowledge of rehabilitation techniques related to complex neurological injury
  • Demonstrates strong organization skills and attention to detail
  • Experience with acute inpatient rehab or outpatient neuro rehab
  • Must have LSVT BIG or PWR certifications for Parkinson's 
  • Exceptional customer service skills, passionate, outgoing, flexible, organized and exhibits amazing interpersonal skills
  • Prior experience in a Physical Therapy clinic 
  • Knowledge of the use of office equipment 
  • Knowledge/understanding of the human musculoskeletal system 
  • Must have and maintain current CPR/BLS certification

10. BS in Biology with 2 years of Experience

  • License in Washington State as a Physical Therapist
  • Must have certification in CPR
  • Working knowledge of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, wound healing, and disease progression
  • Understanding of the base components, both physical and cognitive, of ADLs (assisted daily living) and levels of ADL independence
  • Ability to customize, adapt, and graduate to a home or work site environment or to adapt to a given treatment plan and equipment
  • Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and time management skills
  • Experience and a Vestibular Specialty
  • Experience in an inpatient acute care setting 
  • Strong focus on patient satisfaction
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