What to include in a recommendation letter for physical therapy
In a letter of recommendation for a candidate, you have the chance to praise their abilities, qualities, and accomplishments. Here are some things to mention in a letter of recommendation for physical therapy:
Why is it important to write a letter of recommendation for physical therapy?
For applicants seeking a physical therapy position, promotion, or admission to a PT school or program, a physical therapy letter of recommendation is crucial. Along with a resume and cover letter, this document serves as official proof of a candidate’s credentials, skills, and work ethic for employers and admissions committee members and is a necessary component of an application for a job or program. Additionally, it plays a big role in hiring decisions and aids employers in selecting the ideal applicant for a position. Many benefits can be had by all parties involved from composing an interesting, business-like letter.
Here are some benefits that recommendation letters provide to candidates:
The following are some advantages recommendation letters can give to the managers, instructors, mentors, or other industry experts who write them:
How to write a physical therapy recommendation letter
Here are eight guidelines for writing a letter of recommendation for physical therapy:
1. Ask the candidate for information
Gather as much information as you can from the candidate. Request their resume, cover letter, and any essays they may have written so you can learn about their experience and comprehend why they are looking for a PT job. If you are the candidate’s professor, you might also review their prior academic work. Review their assignments, papers, and reports to refresh your memory of how they performed in class.
2. Include a topic sentence
Your letter should begin with a compelling topic sentence that explains why you are writing to the committee. Give the candidate’s name so the employer can keep track of the applicant’s application materials. The company or program name that the applicant is applying to can also be useful.
3. Mention your qualifications
You can demonstrate that you have the necessary qualifications to evaluate performance and success by briefly mentioning your own qualifications as a professional in the fields of physical therapy, health care, or education. Give a brief description of your own professional background, including your educational background, professional achievements, and practical skills. You can create a stronger case for your candidate by giving your letter more credibility.
4. Describe your relationship with the candidate
Discuss the relationship you have with the candidate. You may be their professor, supervisor or another mentor figure. Describe your relationship with them in detail, mentioning when you first met them. Clarifying your relationship with them demonstrates your ability to assess their capabilities.
5. Discuss 2 or 3 examples of the candidates skills
Include two to three instances where the applicant used their abilities to achieve measurable outcomes in a professional or academic setting. Consider describing the situation, task, action, and outcome of the activity using the STAR method. Examine the job description to determine the qualifications required by the employer. Then, highlight that the candidate possesses those.
6. Add a powerful concluding statement
Write a strong closing sentence at the very end of the letter’s body to make sure the employer will remember your recommendation. Use a phrase like “Without a doubt” or “Unequivocally” to emphasize how enthusiastic you are about recommending the candidate for the school. “You could also conclude the letter by praising the applicant’s commitment, tenacity, and other strengths.
7. Mention that youre available to provide additional information
An employer might occasionally ask the writer of a recommendation letter for additional information. They might look for more information about a previous position, project, or another aspect of your application. In order to avoid this, be sure to emphasize that you can be reached. At the top or bottom of your letter, put your contact information, including your phone number and email address. To make it simple for the committee to contact you, consider including your office hours or available times.
8. Address and sign the letter
Because a recommendation letter is a formal application document, it’s imperative that you know how to properly address and sign it. Outline your name, job title, and home or school address at the top of the document. Include the recipient’s name, job title, and address after the date. Sign your name in both print and signature form to conclude the letter. Include your contact information (phone, email) and your job title again. Use company or school letterhead, if you can.
Template for a physical therapy recommendation letter
Here is a sample recommendation letter that you can use when creating your own:
[Writer’s full name] [Writer’s job title] [Writer’s school or employer name] [Writer’s school or employer address]
[Date]
[Full name of recipient]
[School or company address]
Dear [Recipient],
I’m writing to suggest [applicant name] for the position of [job title or program position]. I’ve known [candidate’s name] as my [student or employee] at [school or company name] for [amount of time you’ve known the candidate]. I’ve found [candidate name] to be [a description of the top, positive, and pertinent qualities of the candidate] throughout our relationship.
[Two to three examples highlighting the candidate’s academic and professional abilities ].
I have worked with [number of students or employees you have supervised] as a [your job title] with [years of experience or other noteworthy qualifications]. [A comparison of the candidate to similar students, workers, or industry professionals ].
In conclusion, [concluding statement]. Please get in touch with me if I can offer any additional information on [candidate name]’s behalf.
Sincerely, [Writer’s Full Name] [Writer’s Job Title] [Writer’s Phone Number] [Writer’s Email]
Example of a physical therapy recommendation letter
You could improve your writing by looking over the example of a PT recommendation letter provided below:
Luke Colson
Clinic director
Green Grass Health
1111 North St., Richmond, VA 23224
21 December 2021
Johnson Physical Therapy
2222 South St., Seattle, WA 25143
Dear Johnson Physical Therapy,
I’m submitting this letter to Johnson Physical Therapy to recommend Barbara Smith for the position of physical therapist. Ive known Ms. Smith has been working for me at Green Grass Health for more than four years. After completing PT school, she began as a summer administrative intern and later worked as a PT assistant. Barbara has consistently impressed me with her intelligence, organization, and compassion throughout our relationship. She devotes a lot of time to developing her professional network and helping others.
Barbara’s high level of performance in the clinic demonstrates her excellent medical care and customer service skills. Every client she has helped has provided a positive review using our electronic survey system. In addition, Barbara’s dedication to overcoming obstacles is one of my favorite traits. One time, she worked with a client who was upset about their pain to calm them down and set specific goals for pain reduction. “Barbara listened to my concerns, addressed them, and made me feel more optimistic about my treatment plan,” the client remarked. “.
I’ve worked with more than 100 employees in the PT industry as a clinic director with more than 10 years of experience. Barbara has stood out among all of them for her kindness and optimism. I can assure you that she excels in her tasks no matter which career path she chooses. Without hesitation, I suggest you select her for this position. Please get in touch with me if I can offer her any more details if necessary.
Sincerely,
Luke Colson
Clinic director
555-555-5555
[email protected]
Getting the BEST Letter of Rec for Physical Therapy School
FAQ
How do I write a letter of recommendation for a physical therapist?
Recommendation letters should have a formal tone and concentrate on showcasing your abilities and experience. Recommendations should include strong vocabulary and be persuasive in tone. The letter should induce the recipient to employ the subject matter. Personal anecdotes are helpful.
What should a letter of recommendation include for PT school?
- Physical therapists (the majority of programs demand a letter from at least one you’ve shadowed)
- Physical Therapy Assistants.
- Advisors.
- Professors/Teaching Assistants.
- Employers/Supervisors.
- Co-workers.
- Healthcare Professionals.
- Politicians.
Do you need letters of recommendation for physical therapist?
As part of the admissions process, many physical therapist programs demand one to four letters of recommendation (also known as “letters of evaluation” or “recommendations”). References from a specific person, such as a physical therapist, science professor, or academic advisor, may be required.
Are therapists allowed to write recommendation letters?
The therapist-client relationship is not a professional, academic, relationship. Contact with a therapist is based on a therapeutic relationship. A therapist’s main responsibility is to provide services; it is not to make recommendations. A therapist cannot give you an unbiased assessment of your professional abilities.
