How to Write a Strong Physiotherapist CV (Guide with Examples and Tips)
With more people spending their days at desks and staring at screens, the need for physiotherapists is on the rise. This career is perfect for those who want to help others and make a real difference in their lives through personalised healthcare interventions. That's why a good CV can be your most effective asset in navigating this dynamic field.
Whether you’re an undergraduate, considering a career change, or a seasoned professional at the pinnacle of your career, we provide you with the knowledge and practical tips to succeed in your job search, and with a professional physiotherapist CV format to download.
What's in this article?
Must-have CV sections for a physiotherapist position
Key skills to include in your physiotherapist CV
How to list work experience and education
CV examples for school leavers and entry-level physiotherapists.
Boost your CV with CVMaker, where you can find the perfect physiotherapist CV template to match your career ambitions.
Physiotherapist CV example
Download this free UK physiotherapist CV example in PDF.
This CV template features Emily Mitchell, a physiotherapist with 5 years of experience leading teams and improving patients’ wellbeing. She presents a comprehensive career overview, clearly and concisely describing her daily duties and measurable achievements. Emily has opted for the Columbia template with a two-column layout and a reverse chronological format.
What to include in a physiotherapist CV?
Your CV is a gateway to your professional journey, and it’s crucial to make it applicant tracking system (ATS)-friendly with clear sections that showcase your patient-centred approach and desire to assist others.
Contact information: Ensure your name, contact details, driving licence information, and LinkedIn profile are easily accessible.
Personal profile: Write a concise summary highlighting your clinical experience, areas of expertise, skills, and career goals.
Education: List your degree, postgraduate courses, relevant workshops, and professional development training.
Skills: Highlight technical and hard skills, like patient assessment, manual therapy, electrotherapy, exercise prescription, and gait analysis.
Regulations and professional standards: Showcase your knowledge of professional guidelines and your commitment to patient safety, safeguarding, and evidence-based practice.
Additional section: Optionally, include a section for publications or research, references, hobbies or interests, if relevant and aligned with physiotherapy job targets.
Must-have CV sections
To kickstart the CV writing process, include these essential sections:
Personal profile
Skills
Work experience
Education.
For a deeper understanding of specific roles (e.g., Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, Neurological Physiotherapist, Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapist, Paediatric Physiotherapist, or Geriatric Physiotherapist), explore various health careers in the UK through resources such as the NHS and the National Careers Service.
How to write a captivating personal profile for a physiotherapist CV
Your CV personal profile, also known as personal statement, is the first thing employers see when looking at your CV, so it’s essential to make it count.
CV personal profile tips
Summarise your professional history, qualifications, and career goals in 4-6 lines.
Highlight your expertise, such as musculoskeletal disorders, sports injuries, or neurological physiotherapy.
Align your profile with the specific job description, emphasising the skills your employer seeks.
Refer to our medical CV or healthcare CV examples for more inspiration.
Physiotherapist CV personal profile examples
Physiotherapist assistant CV personal profile example
Physiotherapist assistant with 3 years of experience in rehabilitation and patient care. Skilled in conducting musculoskeletal assessments, therapeutic exercises, and pain management techniques. Demonstrated track record in providing compassionate care and ensuring patient comfort. A dedicated team player with excellent communication skills, committed to contributing to positive patient outcomes.
Clinical physiotherapist specialist CV personal profile example
Highly skilled clinical physiotherapist specialist with 5 years of experience in complex musculoskeletal and neurological cases. Proven track record in developing and implementing advanced rehabilitation programmes tailored to individual patient needs. Skilled in hands-on therapy, pain management, and advanced assessment techniques. Exceptional communicator and leader within multidisciplinary teams focused on achieving optimal patient outcomes.
Senior physiotherapist CV personal profile example
Physiotherapist with 10 years of experience managing diverse patient cases. Adept at conducting comprehensive assessments, developing personalised treatment plans, and supervising junior staff. Proven expertise in manual therapy, exercise prescription, and pain management. Strong leadership skills, fostering a collaborative environment within the team.
Entry-level physiotherapist CV personal profile example
Aspiring physiotherapist with a degree in Physical Therapy, specialising in neurology and passionate for patient-centred care. Skilled in musculoskeletal assessment, exercise prescription, and evidence-based interventions gained through rigorous coursework and hands-on internships. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to empathetically connect with patients.
New graduate physiotherapist CV personal profile example
Newly qualified physiotherapist with a strong academic foundation and hands-on placement experience. Skilled in patient assessment, exercise prescription, and rehabilitation planning under supervision. Committed to evidence-based practice and delivering compassionate, patient-centred care.
Band 5 physiotherapist CV personal profile example
Fully qualified physiotherapist with experience managing diverse patient caseloads in musculoskeletal and neurological settings. Proficient in assessment, treatment planning, and delivering evidence-based interventions independently. Strong team player with excellent communication skills and a commitment to professional development.
Band 6 physiotherapist CV personal profile example
Experienced physiotherapist with advanced clinical skills in specialist musculoskeletal and neurological care. Demonstrated ability to manage complex caseloads, supervise junior staff, and lead service improvement initiatives. Committed to evidence-based practice, professional development, and delivering high-quality, patient-focused care. Recognised for strong leadership, problem-solving, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Football physiotherapist CV personal profile example
Physiotherapist with expertise in sports injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance optimisation for athletes. Skilled in assessment, treatment planning, and return-to-play protocols specific to football. Experienced in delivering evidence-based interventions under high pressure in competitive environments. Committed to supporting player health, recovery, and peak performance through tailored care.
Neuro physiotherapist CV personal profile example
Compassionate and skilled physiotherapist specialising in neurological conditions, including stroke, spinal cord injury, and Parkinson’s disease. Proficient in assessment, mobility training, and developing personalised rehabilitation programmes. Experienced in multidisciplinary team settings and committed to evidence-based practice. Dedicated to improving patients’ functional independence and quality of life.
Paediatric physiotherapist CV personal profile example
Dedicated physiotherapist specialising in paediatric care, supporting children with developmental, neurological, or musculoskeletal conditions. Skilled in assessment, tailored exercise programmes, and family-centred interventions. Experienced in creating engaging, age-appropriate rehabilitation plans. Committed to improving children’s mobility, confidence, and overall wellbeing through compassionate care.
Pro tip
Your "About Me" section isn’t just a summary; it’s your personal pitch! Think of it as your professional handshake. Show off your passion for helping people move better, drop in your favourite area (like sports rehab or neuro), and let a bit of your personality shine through.
Key skills to add to your physiotherapist CV
Remember to go beyond listing basic proficiencies when considering which key skills to put on a CV. You need to strategically integrate hard and soft skills, carefully selected to align with the employer's language and showcase the most sought-after skills for employers.
Pro tip
Include your hard skills in a dedicated Skills section, while integrating your soft skills into your personal profile and work experience. Always provide context to support and illustrate these skills effectively.
5 essential skills for a physiotherapist CV
Clinical reasoning: Ability to assess, diagnose, and create tailored treatment plans based on evidence and patient needs.
Communication: Clear and empathetic communication with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams is key to building trust and encouraging progress.
Manual therapy skills: Hands-on techniques like joint mobilisation and soft tissue manipulation are fundamental to effective patient care.
Problem-solving: No two patients are the same, so physiotherapists must think critically and adapt treatments as conditions evolve.
Teamwork & collaboration: Physios often work alongside doctors, occupational therapists, and nurses, so being a reliable team player is crucial.
| Hard skills | Soft skills |
|---|---|
| Patient assessment and diagnosis | Empathy and compassion |
| Musculoskeletal and neurorehabilitation techniques | Active listening |
| Manual therapy | Verbal and non-verbal communication |
| Exercise prescription and progression | Time management |
| Use of electrotherapy equipment | Teamwork and collaboration |
| Gait analysis and posture correction | Patience and emotional resilience |
| Report writing and clinical documentation | Adaptability |
| Knowledge of anatomy and physiology | Confidence under pressure |
| Proficiency with clinical software | Motivational skills |
| Understanding of UK health and safety and GDPR compliance | Professionalism and integrity |
How to include practical work experience on your physiotherapist CV
Your work experience is the core of your CV, demonstrating your practical expertise and the impact you've made on patients' lives. Make sure you use action verbs and incorporate CV keywords from a job description to make this section easy to follow.
What should each work experience entry include?
Job title of current or previous role
Organisation name and location
Dates of employment (month/year)
A concise paragraph detailing your duties
Followed by 2–3 bullet points that highlight your key achievements or measurable impact.
Learn more about the CV work experience section.
Examples of work experience
Physiotherapist, HealthCare Plus Clinic, London | 2023 - Present
Conduct comprehensive patient assessments and develop tailored treatment plans for various musculoskeletal conditions. Implement evidence-based physiotherapy interventions, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and pain management techniques. Collaborate with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to optimise patient care and enhance treatment outcomes.
Enhanced clinic efficiency by 25% through a streamlined patient assessment process.
Received recognition for achieving a 15% improvement in patient satisfaction scores through personalised treatment plans and an empathetic care approach.
Physiotherapist, London Sports Rehabilitation Centre, London | 2022- 2025
Conducted assessments of athletes' injuries and designed customised rehabilitation programmes to expedite recovery and prevent future injuries. Administered manual therapy techniques and implemented progressive exercise regimens tailored to individual needs, focusing on sports-related injuries. Collaborated closely with coaches and trainers to ensure seamless integration of physiotherapy with athletes' training programmes.
Facilitated the recovery of professional athletes, enabling them to return to their respective sports 30% faster than the average rehabilitation timeline.
Implemented specialised injury prevention workshops for local sports teams, resulting in a 20% reduction in sports-related injuries during the competitive season.
Physiotherapist, Community Health Services, Birmingham | 2020 - 2025
Conducted comprehensive home assessments for elderly patients, identified mobility issues, and created tailored exercise plans to improve their quality of life. Provided specialised physiotherapy for patients recovering from surgeries or managing chronic conditions, focusing on pain management and enhancing functional abilities. Collaborated with community nurses and social workers to ensure holistic care, addressing physical and psychological aspects of patients' wellbeing.
Developed a community-based fall prevention program, leading to a 25% reduction in fall-related hospital admissions among elderly residents.
Recognised for outstanding patient care, receiving the Patient Choice Award in 2018 for consistently exceeding patient expectations and improving their overall quality of life.
Refer to nurse, care assistant, and personal trainer CV examples for more details.
Relevant qualifications and education for a physiotherapist CV
To effectively present your CV education section, focus on formal education and accredited certificates that can boost your CV.
Pro tip
Start by listing your formal education, such as your university degree or high school diploma, followed by any specialised training or courses you have finished.
The most common pathway to enter this profession is to complete a bachelor’s degree or integrated master's in physiotherapy or related subjects, such as sports science, biology, or healthcare.
Additionally, consider internships or apprenticeship programmes to increase your chances of landing your dream job.
How to format educational qualifications for a physiotherapist CV
Degree
[Degree title], [Institution], [Location], [Year of graduation]
Bachelor's Degree in Physical Therapy | King's College London, London | 2015 - 2019
Master's Degree
[Master's title], [Institution], [Location], [Year of graduation]
Master's Degree in Physiotherapy | University College London, London | 2019 - 2021
PhD
[PhD's title], [Institution], [Location], [Year of graduation]
Doctorate in Physiotherapy | Imperial College London, London | 2021 - 2025
A-Levels
[Qualification name], [Institution], [Location], [Years completed]
A-Levels: Biology (B), Physical Education (B), Psychology (C), Greenfield Sixth Form College, Leeds, 2019
GCSEs / Equivalent
[Qualification name], [Institution], [Location], [Year completed]
10 GCSEs with grades A–C, including English, Mathematics, and Science, Windham College, Norfolk, 2017
Apprenticeships and diplomas
[Qualification name], [Institution], [Location], [Year completed]
Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy (Merit), London School of Sports Massage, London, 2021
Refer to NHS or Chartered Society of Physiotherapy for more detailed information about entry requirements and role descriptions.
How to add additional certificates to your CV
Bolstering your core sections with additional courses and certificates is a great way to highlight your commitment to continuous learning and further validate your qualifications.
How to format courses & certificates
[Course Name], [Issuer], [Issued Date]
Acupuncture & Dry Needling for Physiotherapists, British Medical Acupuncture Society, 2021
Additional courses include:
Kinesiology Taping Practitioner Course, 2022
Clinical Pilates Instructor Training, 2022
First Aid at Work, St John Ambulance, 2023
Manual Therapy & Joint Mobilisation Workshop, 2024
Sports Rehabilitation & Injury Prevention, 2024
Examples of course providers:
If you have extra space in your CV, you could also include awards, workshops, seminars, or contributions to research or publications in the field.
How to write a physiotherapist CV with little to no experience
If you have no experience in physiotherapy, opt for a student CV, skills-based CV, or simple CV template to help you efficiently showcase your achievements and projects.
Start with a personal statement reflecting your transferable skills, passion for healthcare, and desire to learn.
Highlight relevant coursework or mention any internships, part-time and volunteer work.
For more information, check out these tips on how to write a CV with little to no experience.
Physiotherapist CV example with no experience
Download this free physiotherapist CV example with no experience in PDF.
Physiotherapist CV essentials
Showcase clinical expertise clearly: include your specialisms (e.g., musculoskeletal, neurological, sports rehab) and outline how you’ve applied them in practice.
Highlight measurable achievements: such as "improved patient outcomes", "reduced recovery times", or mention successful rehabilitation programmes.
Emphasise patient-centred skills: communication, empathy, and teamwork are as important as technical knowledge.
Include ongoing training and certifications: list relevant short courses to demonstrate commitment to professional development.
Tailor to the role: adapt your profile, skills, and examples to match the requirements of the job description.
Next steps?
If you want to improve your career documents, visit our CV Writing Services. Our AI-powered CV builder provides over 20 professional templates to create an eye-catching CV. To strengthen your job application, delve into our guides on creating a good cover letter, preparing for job interviews, and things to avoid during an interview to significantly boost your chances of progressing to the next stage.
FAQ
What is the best format for a physiotherapist CV?
We suggest using a reverse chronological format, starting with your most recent positions and working your way backwards. Choose a simple template with a good CV font and clear headings. Remember, the contents of your CV are way more impactful than heavy visuals. Avoid listing outdated or irrelevant information.
Are physiotherapists doctors in the UK?
No, physiotherapists are not qualified as doctors. They are clinicians or healthcare professionals with specialised training in physiotherapy. Nonetheless, you can still get a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPhysio) degree that could help you advance in your career or receive a higher degree. For more insights, explore the doctor CV example.
What physiotherapist qualifications do I need?
To become a physiotherapist in the UK, you need a bachelor's degree in physiotherapy from a recognised university. Additionally, registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is mandatory for legal practice.
What is the job description for a physiotherapist?
Physiotherapists assess patients' physical conditions, develop treatment plans, and provide hands-on therapy. They also educate patients about managing their conditions and preventing future injuries. Explore our article on how to answer the "tell me about yourself" interview question for inspiration.
What is a ‘Band 5 physiotherapist’ job description?
A Band 5 Physiotherapist is an entry-level position according to NHS. The job includes working under supervision and treating various patients and conditions. The daily duties include patient assessment, implementing treatment plans, and assisting senior physiotherapists in complex cases.
If you're unsure about what job to apply for, explore the National Career Service page and research your desired salary, depending on your experience and band within your field. Additionally, take a look at our article on how to negotiate salary during a job interview.
