Physiotherapist CV: Professional Writing Guide and Examples
Also known as: Chartered Physiotherapist, MSK Physiotherapist, Senior Physiotherapist, Sports Physiotherapist, Neurological Physiotherapist, Respiratory Physiotherapist, Paediatric Physiotherapist, Physical Therapist, Community Physiotherapist
A professional Physiotherapist CV must demonstrate a sophisticated blend of clinical expertise and soft skills. As an autonomous health professional, your CV should highlight your ability to develop and restore motor function while adhering to evidence-based practices. This guide provides the structure needed to showcase your specialised knowledge in treating physical impairments and empowering patients to manage their conditions.
Recruiters look for candidates who can quantify their impact on patient recovery times and long-term wellness. Whether you specialise in sports medicine, neurological rehabilitation, or geriatric care, your physiotherapist CV needs to reflect your commitment to the HCPC standards and your ability to work across multidisciplinary teams. We will break down how to document your certifications, clinical placements, and professional achievements to secure your next role.
What does a Physiotherapist do?
Physiotherapists are skilled clinicians who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. They utilise a variety of techniques, including therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and functional training, to improve mobility and reduce pain. Beyond direct treatment, they serve as educators, helping patients understand their conditions to prevent further injury.
Working in settings ranging from NHS hospitals and private clinics to sports teams and occupational health, physiotherapists must adapt their approach to the specific needs of each patient. They are responsible for creating comprehensive management plans that focus on restoring independence. Their work is deeply rooted in science, requiring them to stay updated on the latest clinical research and technological advancements in rehabilitation equipment and software.
Key Responsibilities:
- ➜ Perform comprehensive physical examinations and assessments of patients' functional limitations.
- ➜ Develop individualised treatment plans using evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
- ➜ Administer manual therapy techniques including joint mobilisation and soft tissue manipulation.
- ➜ Educate patients and caregivers on home exercise programmes and lifestyle modifications.
- ➜ Monitor and document patient progress using standardised health outcome measures.
- ➜ Collaborate with GPs, occupational therapists, and other healthcare providers for holistic care.
How to write a Physiotherapist CV
A successful CV for this role focuses on clinical outcomes and specialised expertise. You should prioritise your most relevant certifications and any niche areas of practice, such as paediatrics or musculoskeletal health. The goal is to prove you can manage complex caseloads while maintaining high standards of patient safety and satisfaction.
01 CV Structure
Your CV should follow a reverse chronological format. Start with a header containing updated contact information, followed by a professional summary. Include sections for clinical experience, core competencies, education, and professional registrations. Ensure your HCPC registration and CSP membership (if applicable) are prominently displayed near the top to immediately verify your right to practice in the UK.
02 Professional Summary
Focus on your years of experience, primary clinical specialisation, and the specific patient groups you have treated. Mention one or two significant achievements, such as improving clinic efficiency or achieving high patient recovery rates. Keep it concise, serving as a high-level pitch of your professional identity.
Example Summary
Senior Chartered Physiotherapist with over 10 years of experience specialising in orthopaedic and sports-related injuries. Proven track record of reducing patient recovery times by 15% through the implementation of advanced manual therapy and personalised rehabilitation protocols. Recognised for exceptional patient education and collaborative care within multidisciplinary NHS hospital environments.
Example Achievement Bullets
- ➜ Reduced average post-surgical recovery time by 20% for ACL reconstruction patients through bio-feedback integration.
- ➜ Managed a weekly caseload of 45+ patients while maintaining a 98% patient satisfaction rating.
- ➜ Introduced a new geriatric fall-prevention programme that decreased related hospital readmissions by 12% in the first year.
Experience Guidelines
Focus on what you achieved rather than just listing tasks. Use metrics like patient volume, percentage of successful outcomes, or improvements in clinic documentation efficiency. Highlight your experience with specific equipment or software used in modern physiotherapy clinics.
Education Guidelines
Include your degree in Physiotherapy first. List the institution, location, and graduation date. If you have recently graduated, you may include specialised clinical rotations or relevant research projects/dissertation topics.
Top Professional Skills for Physiotherapists
Showcase a mix of hard clinical abilities and the interpersonal skills required for patient management and team collaboration.
Clinical Expertise
Soft Skills & Patient Care
Technical & Operational
Physiotherapist CV Example
This example demonstrates how an experienced professional can highlight clinical leadership and quantifiable successes in a UK clinical setting.
Notes for adapting this example:
Adjust the clinical specialisations in this example to match the specific job description you are targeting. If the role is paediatric-focused, emphasise your experience with developmental milestones and family-centred care.
Key CV Tips for Physiotherapists
Include your HCPC registration number to demonstrate your professional readiness and legal right to work.
Use action verbs like 'Restored', 'Optimised', and 'Rehabilitated' to lead your bullet points.
Highlight any specialised equipment experience, such as hydrotherapy tanks or shockwave therapy units.
Tailor your keywords to match the specific clinical setting, whether it is acute care, outpatient, or community health.
List your Professional Body memberships, such as the CSP (Chartered Society of Physiotherapy).
Common Physiotherapist CV Mistakes
Listing only duties instead of clinical outcomes and patient successes.
Forgetting to specify the EPR systems (like SystmOne or EMIS) you are proficient in.
Failing to highlight professional registrations, specifically your HCPC status.
Including outdated clinical practices that are no longer supported by current evidence-based guidelines.
Neglecting to mention soft skills, which are vital for building patient rapport and treatment adherence.
FAQ about Physiotherapist CVs
Should I include my clinical rotations if I am an experienced therapist?
If you have more than three years of experience, you should generally remove detailed clinical rotations and focus on your professional employment. However, if a rotation was at a world-renowned specialist facility or in a very niche area that matches the job you are applying for, a brief mention may still be beneficial. Use that space instead for quantifiable achievements in your recent roles.
How long should a physiotherapist CV be?
For most UK professionals, a two-page CV is ideal. This allows enough space to detail your clinical experience, HCPC registration, and specialised skills without overwhelming the hiring manager. If you are a recent graduate, a two-page CV is still standard to allow room for your clinical placement details.
What is the average salary for a Physiotherapist?
The average salary for a physiotherapist in the UK typically ranges from £28,407 to £54,000 yearly. This depends largely on whether you work in the NHS (Bands 5 through 8) or the private sector, as well as your level of seniority and location. (Source: Estimated market data)
Vitae.
Stop getting ghosted
Fix the usual CV mistakes and tailor to each posting so your experience lands in the first 10 seconds.
Fix my CVLast updated: 12/21/2025