Physical Therapy Assistant Cover Letter Example and Template for 2023

Updated August 15, 2023

Physical therapy assistants have an important job that involves helping physical therapists work with clients aiming to recover from injuries or improve their mobility. Pursuing this career path requires several years of studying and gaining experience. Learning about how to write a cover letter that highlights your skills and professional experiences is important for getting a job as a physical therapy assistant.

In this article, we outline what to include in a physical therapy assistant cover letter, list tips for writing cover letters and provide an example cover letter to help you write your own. In addition to writing an effective cover letter, you can use a resume sample to complete your application documents effectively.

When you're ready, upload a resume file or build an Indeed resume to start applying for physical therapy assistant jobs.

Clint Cartwright
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
770-555-4231
clint.cartwright@email.com

April 23, 2023

Dear Hiring Manager,

My name is Clint Cartwright and I'm applying for the Physical Therapy Assistant position at Fox River Valley Pediatric Clinic. I received a referral to this position from Alexis Boyd, one of the current Physical Therapists at your clinic. As a passionate practitioner with over five years of experience working as a Physical Therapy Assistant for pediatric clients, I feel that I would be an excellent fit for your organization.

In my previous position as a Pediatric Physical Therapy Assistant at Green Bay Allied Health Care, I managed a caseload of 30 patients between the ages of 3 and 18. I have extensive experience working with pediatric patients in diverse age groups, and I'm passionate about helping child and adolescent patients gain confidence through improved mobility and independence. I strongly believe that assisting children in overcoming physical challenges early in their lives can set them up for healthier futures.

Along with my responsibilities working directly with my patients, I also work closely with their families. Educating families about physical therapy techniques and the importance of continuing them at home improves continuity of care and health outcomes for patients. When patients have the support of their family, they may be more consistent in performing at-home exercises and communicating with caregivers when they notice changes in their health. Family involvement is a central component of my professional philosophy, and I hope to bring this perspective to your clinic.

Based on my years of professional experience, pediatric specialty and passion for my role, I feel that I would be an exceptional candidate for your clinic. Please contact me by phone or email if you have questions about my application or would like to schedule an interview. I look forward to talking to you further about this opportunity. Thank you kindly for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Clint Cartwright

Download Cover Letter Template With Example

To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file.

What to include in a physical therapy cover letter

A physical therapy cover letter typically has the same parts as a standard cover letter. Here are the components to include in your cover letter:

Header

Before you begin the body of your cover letter, it's important to format your header. The header of your cover letter includes details like your first and last name and your contact information. Including your contact information at the top of the cover letter makes it easy for the hiring manager to find, which also helps them know how to contact you with questions or schedule an interview.

List details like your phone number, email address and the city and state in which you live. Also, include the date as part of your header.

Introduction

After the header, start the letter with an introduction paragraph. Greet the reader with a polite salutation, such as "Dear Hiring Manager." If you know the name of the recipient, you can address them directly.

Use this paragraph to introduce yourself, state the title of the position to which you're applying and outline your most relevant skills and experiences. If you're applying based on a referral or if you know someone who currently works at the company, mention them in your introduction.

Body

It's typical to write one to two paragraphs in the body of your cover letter. Use these paragraphs to describe your professional skills and most relevant experiences. When possible, use specific examples to highlight your accomplishments. For example, as a physical therapy assistant, you likely work with diverse clients every day.

Describe a time when you made a connection with a client and helped them overcome a challenge. Another option is to discuss your ability to work well as part of a team or in collaboration with the lead physical therapist.

Conclusion

In the conclusion paragraph, emphasize your enthusiasm for the job opportunity. You may restate your most relevant qualifications for the position to highlight the value you can bring to the company.

Additionally, issue a call to action by stating how the reader can contact you to schedule an interview or discuss your application. Make sure to thank the reader for their time and consideration. Conclude the letter with a polite closing, such as "sincerely" or "best wishes." Sign your first and last name at the end of the letter.

Tips for writing cover letters

Here are three additional tips for writing an effective cover letter:

Fully read the job description

When applying for a new job, it's important to read each job listing carefully. The job description can help you gain insight into the needs, preferences and values of the company. This allows you to align your application with the position.

For example, if the job listing states that the company needs an enthusiastic and team-oriented physical therapy assistant, you can use your application to show these qualities. By matching your abilities and goals to the position, you can express your value to the company.

Proofread carefully

After writing your cover letter, make sure to proofread it for accuracy and professionalism. Look for any minor mistakes in grammar or spelling so you can correct them. When you submit an application that's free from minor mistakes, it shows your attention to detail, genuine interest in the position and professionalism.

When proofreading, try reading your letter backward. Start by reading the final sentence and read through the document one sentence at a time to the top. This strategy can help you focus on the mechanics of your writing rather than the meaning.

Reference your resume

Most positions require candidates to submit both a resume and cover letter as part of their application. You can use your cover letter to elaborate on the details included in your resume. For example, if you stated on your resume that you use massage therapy techniques to improve patient outcomes, use your cover letter to give an example of a time when you used this technique to help a patient.