What Employers Look for in Physical Therapists: Top Skills You Should Develop

The field of physical therapy is undergoing a transformation. In addition to a focus on evidence-based practice, specialized training, and emerging technologies, physical therapists are also expected to have an array of soft skills to collaborate more effectively with patients and their care teams.

The job market for physical therapists is expected to expand at an unprecedented rate of 14% over the next decade. With such strong demand, PTs must learn to stand out in an increasingly competitive job market. If you are a PT looking to secure your next role, this blog will help you understand what skills employers desire and how you can develop them for increased career success.

What Employers Look For in Physical Therapists

Employers expect that today’s physical therapists will have more than just clinical skills. They seek well-rounded professionals who can blend their expertise in therapeutic modalities with the emotional intelligence needed to motivate patients and make them feel comfortable.

The soft skills employers prioritize in physical therapists often vary based on the care environment and patient population.

However, regardless of where you deliver care, employers expect you to adapt to dynamic patient needs, communicate and collaborate effectively with coworkers, and align with the practice culture to succeed long-term.

Top Clinical Skills for Physical Therapists

Today’s physical therapists need a strong foundation in clinical practice to effectively support patient well-being.

Here are five of the most important career skills employers look for in physical therapists.

1. Musculoskeletal and Neurological Assessment

PTs must observe and assess the structure and movement of the patient’s body, documenting issues such as range of motion, joint pain and swelling, and stability. You will also assess neurological function, including mental status, motor and sensory function, reflexes, coordination, and gait.

With this data, you can accurately diagnose patients and provide an evidence-based treatment plan for them to follow.

2. Manual Therapy and Modalities

Physical therapists must be proficient in therapeutic exercises and hands-on techniques such as soft tissue and joint mobilization, myofascial release, strain-counterstrain, and trigger point therapy. You should also be familiar with ultrasound and electrical stimulation equipment, traction devices, and various exercise equipment, including pulleys, exercise balls, and balance boards.

3. Patient Education and Goal-Setting

Physical therapists must measure patient progress against established goals to determine whether the treatment plan is effective and identify any areas that may need adjustment. They must also teach patients essential skills for self-managing their treatment and continuing their progress between or after their sessions.

4. Functional Movement and Mobility Training

After completing your physical therapy program, you should be able to articulate how specific therapies will positively impact the patient’s ability to carry out activities of daily living (ADLs). Therapists should be familiar with the basics of return-to-function care and the exercises that help patients resume ADLs after an injury or illness.

5. Documentation and EMR Proficiency

All healthcare professionals must know how to document patients’ care plans, activities, and progress through accurate, timely, and compliant charting. This documentation is usually done electronically, so you must be familiar with electronic medical record (EMR) platforms.

Essential Soft Skills for Physical Therapy Careers

Premier PT work takes more than just clinical skills. Consider the following soft skills for physical therapists, you will need to be competitive in the job market and provide excellent patient care.

1. Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Physical therapists work directly with patients each day. Clear communication is key to ensuring patients and their families understand treatment plans and feel comfortable throughout care.

2. Empathy and Patience

Healing does not happen overnight. As a physical therapist, you will need the patience to see your plan of care through to the end as you support patients through long recovery processes.

3. Time Management and Multitasking

Due to the increasing demand for physical therapy and the current physical therapist workforce shortage, you will likely be managing a significant caseload. Time management and multitasking skills are essential for meeting documentation deadlines for a larger number of patients.

4. Collaboration and Teamwork

Those in allied health careers must know how to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams that may include physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, surgeons, and other medical providers.

5. Adaptability and Lifelong Learning

Every patient’s trajectory will be different, which means you must be ready to adapt to their needs. You will also need to stay current with research and evolving practice guidelines.

How to Highlight and Improve These Skills

Continuing education courses allow you to actively improve the skills that physical therapists need to be effective in their work. These courses are required for licensure renewal, and some can help you earn specialty certifications from the American Physical Therapy Association and other organizations. For example, you might specialize in pediatrics, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, or women’s health.

Additionally, consider asking for mentorship and feedback from experienced PTs who can share their career trajectory, connect you with opportunities, or help you develop skills through job shadowing.

As you gain experience, track your clinical outcomes to highlight your achievements on your physical therapist resume, and practice mock interviews to refine your ability to articulate what employers look for in physical therapists.

How GHR Healthcare Supports Physical Therapy Career Growth

GHR Healthcare provides physical therapists with personalized support, matching them with opportunities that align with their strengths and career goals. Recognizing the importance of ongoing education, we help new grads secure mentorship-focused placements so they can continue to hone their skills.

We connect physical therapists with roles in schools, outpatient clinics, acute care settings, home health agencies, and more. Our expert recruiters provide 24/7 support, guiding you through onboarding and credentialing to ensure a strong foundation for long-term success.

Build the Skill Set Employers Are Looking For

Physical therapists must have robust clinical skills, including the ability to assess complex musculoskeletal and neurological disorders and use evidence-based therapies to treat them effectively.

However, today’s employers expect PTs to blend those capabilities with soft skills like communication, collaboration, empathy, adaptability, and time management as they work with care teams toward better patient outcomes. By actively building and communicating these competencies, you can land a role that fits with your skillset and goals.

Are you ready to take the next step in your professional journey? Explore physical therapy jobs with GHR Healthcare and take your career to the next level.