Have you ever hosted a truly outstanding student for a clinical rotation or fieldwork and been surprised to learn that it took him or her several attempts to be admitted into a program?
Have you ever hosted a student for a clinical rotation or fieldwork and found yourself speculating about that year’s applicant pool?
The admissions process for occupational therapy and physical therapy programs often begins with observations, applications, and letters of recommendation. Applicants often submit more than one letter of recommendation. Ideally, each letter definitively and persuasively establishes why the individual stands out in the applicant pool and should be admitted.
Last year as a member of an admissions committee, I read letters from family friends, business owners, employers, co-workers, political figures, faculty, and academic leaders. While many were incredibly passionate letters, I would have traded them all for just one insightful letter from a therapist who hosted the student for an observation. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I am reading for qualities that might indicate the potential to be a good student, a great employee, and a fabulous therapist. These are the ABCs of what I am searching for in letters of recommendation.
The Complete Guide to Physical Therapy Letters of Recommendation
Landing a spot in a competitive physical therapy program requires a standout application. One of the most important components is strong letters of recommendation. These letters allow admissions committees insight into an applicant’s skills, experience, and potential for success from the perspective of someone who has worked with them closely.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about physical therapy letters of recommendation, from who to ask to how to request them tactfully. Follow these tips, and you’ll be equipped to obtain compelling recommendation letters that help propel your application to the top of the pile.
The Importance of Letters of Recommendation for PT School
A physical therapy letter of recommendation is a crucial part of the admissions process, Here’s why they matter so much
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They provide an outside perspective. Letters allow the admissions committee insight into your abilities, character, and potential from people who have worked with you in an academic or professional setting. Their perspective carries more weight than your own assertions.
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They fill in gaps. Your transcripts and test scores only reveal part of the story. Recommendation letters highlight important intangibles like your communication skills, empathy, work ethic, and professionalism.
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They bring you to life. Rather than just a name and test scores on paper, compelling letters help admissions officers understand you as a whole person with unique skills, passions, and experiences.
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They set you apart. A generic letter does little to distinguish you from the hundreds of other applicants. Thoughtful, enthusiastic letters from credible sources demonstrate your interpersonal skills and potential for success.
Clearly, physical therapy recommendation letters can make or break an application. Crafting a strategic list of recommenders and requesting meaningful letters from them early is crucial.
Who to Ask for a Physical Therapy Letter of Recommendation
The impression your letter writer gives of your qualifications plays a major role in admissions decisions. You want to choose someone who will portray your strengths in the best possible light. Consider asking:
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A professor or academic advisor who has worked with you closely and can speak in-depth about your academic abilities, knowledge, critical thinking skills, and potential to succeed in a graduate program.
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A physical therapist you have shadowed or worked with who can describe your clinical skills, bedside manner, and understanding of the field. Clinical exposure and direct PT interaction are huge assets.
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An employer or supervisor from a PT aide job, hospital volunteer position, or other healthcare-related work experience who can elaborate on your reliability, professionalism, teamwork, communication abilities, and patient care skills.
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A coach, faculty advisor, or leader from a campus organization who has witnessed your leadership, collaboration, and interpersonal skills firsthand.
Avoid asking family friends, politicians, or community leaders who don’t know you well professionally. Stick to those familiar with your academic and healthcare qualifications.
How to Request Physical Therapy Letters of Recommendation
- Ask Early
Give your recommenders at least one month’s notice, more if possible. Writing comprehensive, thoughtful letters takes significant time and effort. Asking early demonstrates professional courtesy.
- Ask Permission First
Before assuming someone will write your letter, ask politely if they feel they know you well enough to write a strong recommendation. This allows them to decline if they don’t feel comfortable endorsing you.
- Provide Key Details
Tell your recommender which school(s) you are applying to, relevant deadlines, how to submit the letters, and any submission forms or instruction sheets. Providing clear guidelines makes the process smooth for them.
- Share Your Resume
To jog their memory and provide talking points, provide your resume detailing your relevant coursework, skills, roles, and accomplishments. Refresh their mind of your key achievements.
- Highlight Specific Skills
Give your recommender a list of your top strengths and competencies you hope they’ll emphasize, such as your reliability, work ethic, communication abilities, or clinical experience. This focuses the letter.
- Send Polite Reminders
About a week before your deadline, politely check in to confirm they’ve submitted the letter. If not, gently ask if they need any additional information from you.
- Express Gratitude
Thank them graciously for taking the time and effort to support your application. Send a handwritten thank you note reiterating how much you appreciate their endorsement.
Physical Therapy Letter of Recommendation Template and Examples
To give your recommenders an idea of what to cover in their letter, provide them with a letter of recommendation template as a suggested format. Here are two template examples they can follow:
Template #1
To Whom It May Concern:
I am pleased to strongly recommend [Your Name] for your [physical therapy program name] at [University Name]. As [his/her] [teacher, supervisor, advisor, etc] at [name of company or school], I have known [him/her] for the past [number of months/years]. During this time, I have witnessed [his/her] impressive skills and potential to succeed in your rigorous program.
In my role as [position name], I have had the opportunity to observe [his/her] abilities in [academics, employment, extracurricular activities, etc]. In particular, [he/she] possesses skills in [1-3 key skills—work ethic, communication abilities, clinical competence etc] that reflect [his/her] passion for physical therapy and potential to excel in your program.
[Give 1-2 specific examples demonstrating these skills and abilities.]
Moreover, [his/her] [1-2 standout qualities—problem-solving, research skills, integrity, compassion etc] consistently impressed me and reflect the personal characteristics necessary to thrive in your program’s fast-paced, challenging environment.
[Give an example illustrating these personal strengths.]
[Your Name] has my highest recommendation for your physical therapy program at [University]. I am confident [he/she] possesses the academic ability, clinical exposure, and personal characteristics to succeed and contribute meaningfully to your program. Please contact me if you need any further information on this exceptional candidate.
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Title]
Template #2
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing this letter to enthusiastically recommend [Your Name] for admission to your [Doctorate/Masters] of Physical Therapy Program. As [his/her] [teacher, employer, advisor, etc] I have known [him/her] for the past [number of months/years] during [his/her] time at [name of school or company]. During our time working together, I have come to know [him/her] as an exceptional candidate with the skills and qualities needed to excel in your program.
As [his/her] [teacher, supervisor, etc], I have had the opportunity to witness firsthand [his/her] strengths in [1-3 key areas—academic abilities, clinical competence, communication skills etc]. [Give 1-2 examples that demonstrate these strengths.] What’s more, [he/she] possesses essential personal characteristics including [1-2 standout qualities—integrity, problem-solving, compassion etc] that are integral for success in the field of physical therapy. [Give a specific example.]
[Your Name] has my highest recommendation for the [Doctorate/Masters] of Physical Therapy Program at [University Name]. I am confident that [his/her] academic record, clinical experiences, and personal strengths make [him/her] an ideal candidate for your program. Please feel free to contact me if you need any additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Title]
What to Include in a Physical Therapy Letter of Recommendation
Beyond the format above, what should a physical therapy letter of recommendation include? Be sure your recommenders touch on these key elements:
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An explanation of their relationship with you and the duration they have known/worked with you. This establishes their credibility.
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Specific examples of your academic abilities including key relevant coursework, research projects, presentations, grades/honors that illustrate your knowledge base and motivation to learn.
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Mention of any healthcare-related work or volunteer experience and your application of academic concepts in clinical settings.
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Your interpersonal skills including communication abilities, empathy, professionalism, collaboration, work ethic, integrity, and leadership. Provide 1-2 examples.
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Personal strengths like problem-solving, resilience, dedication, independence, intellectual curiosity that point to your emotional maturity and fitness for the demands of PT school.
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Confidence in your potential to excel in the program and make meaningful contributions as a future physical therapist.
Securing Strong Physical Therapy Letters of Recommendation
Getting into a top physical therapy program means presenting your qualifications in the best possible light. Superb letters of recommendation from professors, PTs, employers, and advisors who know your strengths are key for admissions success. Follow these best practices for obtaining persuasive letters that make you stand out from the competition. With compelling endorsements, you’ll move one step closer towards achieving your PT school dreams!
Added Examples of How/Why This Student Earned Your Very Valuable Recommendation
I was completely intrigued when therapists began letters with “In all my _#_ years of being a therapist, I have never seen a student who should be admitted more/will make a better therapist than _name_.” Wow! I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the next sentence with a compelling situation or specific example that impressed this very experienced therapist. Sometimes that sentence never came.
Help the reviewer see the student as you did. Include a specific example that supports why you are leveraging your good name and professional reputation on behalf of the student.
Occasionally I reviewed what I called “down and dirty” letters (just the facts) with date range, total hours, and name of student without examples or comments. I wondered why these letters were so restrained, especially if the writer indicated highly recommend. Sometimes the letter failed to support the level of recommendation. Since the reviewer can’t see what you saw, he or she may wonder if the writer was simply incredibly busy with the day’s caseload, or if something pertinent was intentionally left unsaid.
Behaviors: What Professional Behaviors Were Observed?
Several letters emphasized a selective process for approving observations. Since the observer becomes a walking billboard for the practice or site (even if only for a short-term observation), this tells me that he or she earned the opportunity. I appreciate having that information. Regardless of the approach to approving observations, I am hoping for a few specifics in a letter that point out the applicant’s professional behaviors to substantiate the recommendation.
• Was the student reliable and punctual, yet flexible when schedules changed? • Was he/she respectful of your site’s “rules,” including dress code, cell phone usage, privacy, and confidentiality? • Did the student appropriately interact with clients, families, and co-workers? This might include volume and tone of voice and ability to make eye contact, along with actively listening, and not intruding into therapist/client interactions. • Did he/she treat every team member on staff with respect and appreciation? Did the receptionist, facilities staff, techs, or aides in the clinic express the same positive impressions as the therapists, rehabilitation manager, or clinic owner?
Getting the BEST Letter of Rec for Physical Therapy School
What is a good PT school letter of recommendation?
Here’s an example of a PT school letter of recommendation that you can use as a reference: My name is Mark Selby, and it’s my pleasure to recommend Julia Green for your physical therapy school. I was Julia’s anatomy professor and lab supervisor during her senior year at West Columbus University.
How do you write a letter of recommendation for physical therapy?
Introduction: To establish who you are and your credibility, it’s important to include an introduction in your letter of recommendation. State your name, your role and how you know the candidate. Summary: Typically, letters of recommendation include a summary of the candidate’s qualifications relating to physical therapy.
Why is a physical therapy school letter of recommendation important?
A physical therapy school letter of recommendation is important because it allows the admissions committee to gain insight into an applicant’s skills, work ethic, and personal qualities from a third-party perspective. What should be included in a physical therapy school letter of recommendation template?
How many letters of recommendation do physical therapists need?
As a physical therapist, a well-written recommendation could help you find employment when switching practices or moving up in your current practice. A physical therapy school recommendation letter sample is often provided to students as they are entering the work world. Employers usually request two or three letters of recommendation.
