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Orthopedic physical therapist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Quoted experts

N. Travis Triplett Ph.D.,

N. Travis Triplett Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical orthopedic physical therapist skills. We ranked the top skills for orthopedic physical therapists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 44.4% of orthopedic physical therapist resumes contained patients as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills an orthopedic physical therapist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 orthopedic physical therapist skills for your resume and career

1. Patients

Here's how orthopedic physical therapists use patients:

Provided evaluation and treatment for orthopedic and neurological patients * Provided continuing education training to physical therapists in manual therapy techniques.
Developed and implemented an activity checklist for post-operative patients to reduce incidence rate of pneumonia.

2. Rehabilitation

Here's how orthopedic physical therapists use rehabilitation:

Supervised treatment conducted by physical therapist assistants and delegated appropriate tasks to rehabilitation technicians on a daily basis.
Facilitated open communication with members of interdisciplinary rehabilitation team.

3. Patient Care

Patient care entails the diagnosis, recovery, and control of sickness as well as the maintenance of physical and emotional well-being through the use of healthcare providers' services. Patient care is described as services provided to patients by health practitioners or non-professionals under guidance.

Here's how orthopedic physical therapists use patient care:

Promote safe and therapeutic interdisciplinary patient care through consultation, supervision, effective communication and training of direct care staff.
Performed ongoing inpatient/outpatient care assessment and data collection, focusing on emotional and cognitive status.

4. Home Health

Here's how orthopedic physical therapists use home health:

Evaluated and treated home health patients Communicated with physicians and case managers Coordinated care with nursing, speech and occupational therapy
Home Health physical therapy evaluations, treatments/discharges, instructed in home exercise programs, and supervised physical therapy assistants.

5. Discharge Planning

Here's how orthopedic physical therapists use discharge planning:

Developed individualized discharge planning for the residents by utilizing treatment team and written chart information to determine residents' aftercare needs.
Participated in weekly in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings to formulate individualized treatment plan and assisted in coordinating discharge planning.

6. Discharge Summaries

Here's how orthopedic physical therapists use discharge summaries:

Charted patient activities and prepared discharge summaries
Coordinated education calendar; supervised milieu; maintained client records; developed after-care plans and composed discharge summaries.

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7. Inpatient Services

Here's how orthopedic physical therapists use inpatient services:

Handle the care of outpatient services and inpatient services.

8. Program Development

Program development refers to a road for developers to guide them on creating and developing viable community programs. Since it provides an action plan for the project, it is a continuous process that only ends with the program's full implementation.

Here's how orthopedic physical therapists use program development:

Coordinate work flow, staffing patterns, program development, and inventory control.

9. Outpatient Clinic

Outpatient clinics are a part of a hospital and are set up for the purpose of treating outpatients - those who require treatment and diagnosis, but not a bed or overnight care.

Here's how orthopedic physical therapists use outpatient clinic:

Worked with adults and children in private outpatient clinic specializing in hand therapy, upper extremity rehabilitation and pediatrics.
Evaluated and treated adult and pediatric patients in an outpatient clinic under supervision of clinical instructors.

10. Injury Prevention

Injurу рrеvеntіоn іѕ аn асtіvіtу оr attempt tо prevent, trеаt, оr reduce thе severity оf bodily іnjurіеѕ or dіѕаbіlіtу аnd dеаth related tо іnjurіеѕ саuѕеd by external mесhаnіѕmѕ, ѕuсh аѕ accidents, before thеу оссur.

Here's how orthopedic physical therapists use injury prevention:

Implemented a wellness seminar Run Well which promoted injury prevention and education on proper biomechanics
Conduct strength training classes focused on improving athletic performance, muscular strength and endurance while emphasizing quality movement and injury prevention.

11. PTA

The Parent-Teacher Association, PTA, is a formal organization made up of parents, teachers, and staff that aims to facilitate parental involvement in a school, discuss issues that affect children, organize events to raise funds for the school supplies, and supporting school efforts in general. It is also a forum for parents to gain insight and express their views on what is happening at their school.

Here's how orthopedic physical therapists use pta:

Instructed the PTA's and other interdisciplinary support staff daily regarding interventions and treatment protocols for a number of residents.
Present in-services to PT's, PTA's, residents, PA's and interns as appropriate.

12. Functional Mobility

Here's how orthopedic physical therapists use functional mobility:

Observed and practiced physical therapy examination skills, functional mobility training, balance assessments, safe guarding techniques, vital signs monitoring
Provided goal directed, activity oriented treatment to promote optimum independence in functional mobility and daily life tasks.

13. Crutches

Here's how orthopedic physical therapists use crutches:

Participated in wound-care treatment and helped patients adapt to the use of wheelchairs, braces, canes, crutches and walker.
Educated patients on performing daily living activities and the use of supportive equipment such as crutches, wheelchairs and canes.

14. Treatment Techniques

Here's how orthopedic physical therapists use treatment techniques:

Achieved high level of competence with specialized treatment techniques including: aquatic therapy, LiteGait, and pressure mapping.
Share new Information with staff on treatment techniques through in-service teaching.

15. Therapeutic Exercises

Patients who have experienced physical injuries through accidents or medical conditions are assigned therapeutic activities to regain their physical health and body functions. E.g., If a person has had knee injuries, the therapist will suggest specific knee exercises to bring the knee back to normal. These exercises can be as simple as walking, stretching, lifting, or balancing.

Here's how orthopedic physical therapists use therapeutic exercises:

Progressed highly motivated out-patient orthopedic patient population through therapeutic exercises based on patient's status and plan of care.
Managed multiple orthopedic outpatients by going through therapeutic exercises as well as operating therapeutic equipment for various treatments.

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What skills help Orthopedic Physical Therapists find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on orthopedic physical therapist resumes?

N. Travis Triplett Ph.D.

Professor of Exercise Science, Exercise Science Undergraduate Program Director, Appalachian State University

Some of the most important items on a Kinesiology graduate's resume include certifications and hands-on experience. There are several certifications in the Health and Fitness field, where many Kinesiology graduates find employment, and these can include Personal Training, Special Populations, Group Exercise Instructor, Exercise Physiologist/Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Cancer and Exercise, and Inclusive Fitness, among others. Certifications should be chosen wisely and fit the population with which the student would most prefer to work. Hands-on experience before employment is most often gained through an internship or other types of field experiences before graduation. Sampling a few different work environments will help the student find which field they are most interested in.

What soft skills should all orthopedic physical therapists possess?

N. Travis Triplett Ph.D.

Professor of Exercise Science, Exercise Science Undergraduate Program Director, Appalachian State University

Kinesiology is a people-oriented field, so good people skills are a must. Careers in kinesiology often focus on the health aspects of fitness and not just peak or sports performance, so exercise recommendations must be based on science and need to fit the individual. Being able to obtain essential information from a client in a non-threatening and respectful manner is important. Also, being a sincere motivator is critical.

What hard/technical skills are most important for orthopedic physical therapists?

N. Travis Triplett Ph.D.

Professor of Exercise Science, Exercise Science Undergraduate Program Director, Appalachian State University

Having a thorough understanding of the scientific aspects of exercise and training is essential, and the ability to perform various tests of physical performance safely and correctly. Also, kinesiology graduates may be expected to understand the business or legal aspects of the fitness industry and apply those, so a good understanding of basic concepts in those areas is very helpful.

What orthopedic physical therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Yuri Feito Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Exercise Science, Kennesaw State University

When you mention a "graduate," you refer to an undergraduate student, not a graduate student. If so, I would say the best thing to do would be to "work in the field." Although some jobs require a Master's degree, the reality is that most only need a bachelors. So, obtaining a career in the industry would be most valuable and would position students well for a graduate degree. However, if the student is interested in pursuing a graduate degree outside of the Kinesiology (i.e., Physical or Occupational therapy, Physician Assistant, Medical School, etc.), it would be wise to address any academic deficiencies they may have, for example, taking prerequisites for those graduate programs, or improving any grade that they think may not be adequate. With professional programs becoming exceedingly competitive, it is paramount that students have the highest GPA possible.

What type of skills will young orthopedic physical therapists need?

Michael Mucedola Ph.D.

Department Chair, Longwood University

While numerous skills can assist a new graduate as they navigate the upcoming workforce, some proven skills from the past will still serve them well. Working hard, perseverance, positive attitude, effective communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and so on can help lay a pathway for students to enter the workforce. Skills related to technology, adaptability, being trained in multiple areas, and not becoming complacent are all keys. The ability to spot value and opportunity is vital, and being cognizant that everyone has to start somewhere. If a person is willing to relocate and live anywhere, there is a job available.

Do you want to know more?

List of orthopedic physical therapist skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for an orthopedic physical therapist resume and required skills for an orthopedic physical therapist to have include:

Patients
Rehabilitation
Patient Care
Home Health
Discharge Planning
Discharge Summaries
Inpatient Services
Program Development

Outpatient Clinic
Injury Prevention
PTA
Functional Mobility
Crutches
Treatment Techniques
Therapeutic Exercises
Patient Education

Traction
Orthotics
Patient Load
Cervical
Chronic Pain
Athletic Trainers
Sports Injuries

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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Orthopedic Physical Therapist Skills

Updated January 8, 2025

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