Writing a letter of recommendation for a student applying to physical therapy school can be a rewarding and meaningful experience. As a former physical therapist, I am often asked by colleagues and community members to provide feedback on potential candidates for physical therapy school. As any educator knows, it is essential to provide a fair, accurate, and comprehensive assessment of each student’s qualifications, abilities, and accomplishments when writing letters of recommendation.
In this blog post, I will discuss the important elements to consider when writing a letter of recommendation for physical therapy school. I will discuss the qualities that make an exceptional candidate stand out from the crowd, and provide advice on the best ways to craft a letter of recommendation that will be meaningful, impressive, and effective. I’ll also provide examples of how to discuss the student’s experience, skills, and qualities in the letter of recommendation. With the right guidance, you can write a professional and compelling letter of recommendation that will help the student gain
How to write a PT school letter of recommendation
Here are five steps to writing a letter or recommendation for PT school:
1. Ask the candidate for information
It’s crucial to obtain the candidate’s details, such as their academic record and GPA, before you write your letter. You could also inquire about the PT program they are applying to so you know to whom to address the letter. Consider requesting their resume so you can review it and learn more about their qualifications. You can write a recommendation letter that is accurate if you have this information.
2. Create a header
Start your letter of recommendation by creating a header. This can help your document seem more professional and credible. It can also help the recipient receive the letter. At the top left corner of the document, include the recipients name, title, and company. You can also include the date on a separate line. Add a salutation to the header that addresses the reader after creating it. Write “Dear” then the recipient’s first and last name to accomplish this. If you are unsure of their name, just type “Program director” “.
3. Add an introduction
In your first paragraph, write a brief introduction. Your first and last name, as well as your position title, are included. Also, incorporate how you know the candidate. For instance, if the applicant was a pupil of yours, mention the course in which they were enrolled. Writing an introduction establishes your credibility to the admissions board. They must be aware that you are a dependable reference who has worked with the applicant in a professional capacity.
4. Overview of the candidates qualifications
Next, write a paragraph that overviews the candidates qualifications. This is crucial because PT programs typically seek applicants with strong credentials. Briefly summarize the candidates qualifications. Try to limit your qualifications to those that are pertinent to physical therapy. For example, you could include their education or professional experience. You could also discuss their volunteer work or accomplishments. Use specific examples to demonstrate why the person is the best candidate in this paragraph.
5. Write a conclusion
Finally, write a conclusion to your letter of recommendation. You can emphasize your support for the candidate in the letter’s closing paragraph. List a few ways, if you’d like, for the admissions committee to get in touch with you, like your phone number or email address. This enables them to get in touch with you if they have any additional inquiries about the candidate. It’s important to include a strong conclusion because it might persuade the PT school to choose the applicant. Your last name, job title, company, and the words “Sincerely” or “Warm regards” should be written after you’ve concluded the letter.
What to include in a PT school letter of recommendation
A physical therapy school letter of recommendation has several components. Heres what to include in one of these letters:
Template for a PT school letter of recommendation
When writing your own, follow this model for a letter of recommendation for a PT program:
[Recipients name]
[Recipients job title]
[Recipients organization]
[Date]
[Dear recipients name],
[Compose a succinct introduction that includes your name, your position title, and your connection to the applicant. ].
[In one to two paragraphs, write about the candidates qualifications. Use concrete examples to demonstrate the candidate’s impressive character whenever you can. ].
[In your conclusion, restate your support for the student. Include a way for the admissions committee to reach you if they have any additional questions. ].
[Sincerely],
[First and last name]
[Job title]
[Organization]
Example of a PT school letter of recommendation
You can use the following sample letter of recommendation for PT school as a guide:
Mitchell Willhite
Program director
Hanover School of Physical Therapy
September 27, 2021
Dear Mr. Willhite,
Julia Green is highly recommended by me for your physical therapy program. My name is Mark Selby. During Julia’s senior year at West Columbus University, I served as both her anatomy professor and lab director. Julia has demonstrated exceptional academic performance during the time I have been her teacher and mentor, and she has a passion for physical therapy.
During the first few weeks she was in my class, I first became aware of Julia’s enthusiasm and drive. She consistently participated in class discussions, asked thoughtful questions, and went to all of the study sessions. She cared about her classmates and tutored them when she had time in addition to her academic performance. In my class, Julia received the best grades, and her 3 9 GPA reflects her strong academic achievements. I also supervised her during her anatomy labs. To no surprise, she excelled in her labs. Because Julia is a bright student, I think she would make a wonderful candidate for physical therapy school.
Overall, I think Julia is a superb candidate who would put in a lot of effort and significantly improve the Hanover School of Physical Therapy. Please contact me at (555) 555-5555 or Mark. Shelby@email. com if you have additional questions that I can answer.
Sincerely,
Mark Selby
Anatomy professor
West Columbus University
Getting the BEST Letter of Rec for Physical Therapy School
FAQ
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.
How many letters of recommendation do you need for PT school?
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.
How do you ask for a letter of recommendation for PT?
They won’t be surprised when you ask them to fill out the recommendation form because they understand why you are there, so just ask them directly. Choose the PT you are most comfortable working with, and if they decline, you will have to settle for the next best thing.
How do I make my PT school application stand out?
- Boost Your GPA. Let’s get the most obvious point out of the way.
- Land a PT Aide/ Tech Job. …
- Higher GRE Scores. …
- Attend Open House Events. …
- PT Volunteer Experience. …
- Non-PT Volunteer Experience.
