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Resume example

Physiotherapist resume example

In France, physiotherapists are called masseurs-kinésithérapeutes, or simply kinés.

Most work in private practice, often sharing premises with other kinés, and see patients every half hour or so: a knee after ligament surgery, a lower back pain that will not settle, an elderly patient after a fall, a baby with bronchiolitis in winter. Each treatment starts with a physiotherapy assessment (bilan-diagnostic kinésithérapique), followed by manual therapy, exercises and advice the patient can repeat at home. Home visits are common for patients who cannot travel. Salaried physiotherapists work in rehabilitation centres (SMR), hospitals, nursing homes and sports clubs, where the work is more team-based, for example with neurological or cardiac patients. Newcomers to private practice usually start as locums (remplaçants) or assistant collaborators before setting up on their own.

Resume example

[First name Last name]

Physiotherapist (Masseur-kinésithérapeute) | Sports and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

[City] · [phone] · [email]

Profile

Physiotherapist with [x] years in private practice, specialised in post-operative knee and shoulder rehabilitation. I work closely with the orthopaedic surgeons in the area and follow athletes from a local rugby club during the season.

Experience

Masseur-kinésithérapeute, assistant collaborator, private practice, [City]

[month year] to present

  • Treated a mixed caseload with a focus on knee ligament and shoulder surgery rehabilitation
  • Wrote assessment reports sent to prescribing surgeons and adjusted programmes after their review
  • Ran home visits for older patients after falls, including balance work and home safety advice
  • Followed players from a local club during the season and organised return-to-play tests
  • Covered winter respiratory physiotherapy sessions for infants with bronchiolitis

Resume headlines

  • Physiotherapist (Masseur-kinésithérapeute) | Sports and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
  • Kinésithérapeute, Neurological Rehabilitation in an SMR Centre
  • Physiotherapist, Locum and Collaborator, Respiratory and Paediatric Care

Summaries for your profile

Entry level

Recently qualified masseur-kinésithérapeute (DE, [year]) with placements in a sports practice, a neurological rehabilitation centre and a hospital respiratory unit. Looking for a locum or salaried position in [City].

Experienced

Physiotherapist with [x] years in private practice, specialised in post-operative knee and shoulder rehabilitation. I work closely with the orthopaedic surgeons in the area and follow athletes from a local rugby club during the season.

Career change

Former sports coach who retrained as a physiotherapist. My years on the training field give me a practical understanding of injury prevention and return to sport, which I now combine with clinical assessment and manual therapy.

Tips

  • State your diploma (DE de masseur-kinésithérapeute) and your Ordre registration, or your recognition status if trained abroad.
  • Show your clinical areas clearly: musculoskeletal, sports, neurological, respiratory, paediatric, geriatric.
  • List continuing education by technique (McKenzie, Mulligan, vestibular rehabilitation) since practices advertise them.
  • Say whether you are looking for a locum, collaborator, salaried or partnership position.
  • Mention a driving licence if you can do home visits.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Translating your title as 'massage therapist' instead of physiotherapist or kinésithérapeute.
  • Listing every placement with the same description.
  • Forgetting to mention the equipment you know, such as isokinetic machines or shockwave therapy.
  • Hiding a period in a non-clinical job instead of explaining it.

Working as a physiotherapist in France

Physiotherapy is regulated in France. You need the Diplôme d'État de masseur-kinésithérapeute, obtained after a first university year and training in an IFMK institute, or an authorisation to practise if you trained abroad, then registration with the Ordre des masseurs-kinésithérapeutes. Most patients arrive with a doctor's prescription, but the choice of techniques and the number of sessions follow your own assessment, and direct access is opening up in coordinated practice settings. Starting in private practice as a locum is common. Search for « masseur-kinésithérapeute », « kinésithérapeute », « kiné remplaçant » or « kiné collaborateur ».

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Frequently asked questions

Can a physiotherapist trained abroad work in France?

Yes, after obtaining an authorisation to practise. EU graduates go through a recognition procedure that may include compensation measures, such as an adaptation period or a test, if their training differs. All physiotherapists then register with the Ordre des masseurs-kinésithérapeutes and need sufficient French to treat patients.

What is the difference between a locum and a collaborator?

A locum (remplaçant) treats the patients of a physiotherapist who is absent, and the fees are split between the two under a rétrocession agreement. An assistant collaborator has their own patients in another kiné's practice and pays a fee for the premises and equipment. On your CV, write which status you held.

Do I need a photo on my CV?

It is not required. For private practice it is quite common because colleagues like to see who they will share premises with, but it has no effect on your qualification. If you add one, keep it simple and professional.

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