Top Physical Therapist Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Question Overview: This answer can help you understand how the candidate views customer service and how they would approach it in your facility. It can also give you an idea of how they view their role in the facility.

Sample Answer: Customer service is making sure that patients are happy with their experience at the facility. That means making sure they're comfortable and that we're addressing their needs.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Demonstrates a customer-focused approach
• - Willingness to go above and beyond for patients
• - Understanding of the importance of customer service

Question Overview: This question can help you understand the candidate's knowledge of medical documentation. The answer can also show their attention to detail and ability to follow policies and procedures.

Sample Answer: The correct documentation is important for home health care plans. It helps the patient understand what they need to do to heal and what the physical therapist will be doing.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Knowledge of medical documentation
• - Attention to detail
• - Ability to follow policies and procedures

Question Overview: This answer can help you understand the candidate's personality and how they view their role on the team. Are they willing to work with others? Do they see themselves as a leader? Do they want to be a part of a team or work independently?

Sample Answer: I'm a hard worker and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to help the team succeed. I'm also very compassionate and patient with patients, which will help them feel more comfortable during their treatments.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Team-oriented approach
• - Leadership skills
• - Desire to work with others

Question Overview: This question can help you understand the candidate's career goals and if they're a good fit for the position. Do they want to stay in physical therapy or move on to another field? Do they want to advance within your facility or move to another company?

Sample Answer: I'd like to stay in physical therapy and advance my career. I'd like to be a lead therapist in a few years and then eventually open my own clinic.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Desire to stay in physical therapy
• - Ambition to advance within your facility
• - Desire to advance within the field of physical therapy

Question Overview: This question can help you understand the candidate's interest in your facility. If they're not interested in the facility, they may not be as committed to the job. In addition, they may not be as interested in the position if they're not interested in the facility.

Sample Answer: I've heard great things about your facility and its services. I'm excited to work with you and your team to help patients heal.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Demonstrates interest in your facility
• - Knowledge of your facility and its services
• - Desire to work for your facility

Question Overview: This question can help you understand how the candidate reacts to difficult situations. Did they work well with others? Did they stay calm and collected? Did they take steps to resolve the issue?

Sample Answer: The most difficult situation I've faced was when a patient's family member became upset with me. I was able to work with them to find a solution that satisfied everyone.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to work well with others
• - Calmness in stressful situations
• - Willingness to take steps to resolve an issue

Question Overview: This question can help you determine if the candidate is willing to work outside of normal business hours. If they are, it can show their flexibility and willingness to go above and beyond for patients.

Sample Answer: I'd be happy to work on weekends. It's important for patients to have access to physical therapy services when they need them, and I'm willing to make that happen.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours
• - Willingness to work when other staff are not available

Question Overview: This answer can help you understand how the candidate will interact with other staff members. A physical therapist may be more comfortable with supervising a PTA than a COTA, for example. This can help you determine if they'll be a good fit for your facility.

Sample Answer: I'm very comfortable supervising PTA's. I've worked with them in the past and know that they're capable of doing the job. I also know that they can learn from me and benefit from my experience.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Comfort level in supervising other staff members
• - Ability to work well with others
• - Willingness to work as part of a team

Question Overview: This answer can help you understand how the candidate approaches new challenges. Did they learn from the experience? How did they approach the situation? How did they feel about it? This answer can give you insight into how they'll handle new situations in the future.

Sample Answer: I recently learned how to use a new piece of equipment in my practice. It was a little intimidating at first, but I was able to figure it out with some help from my co-workers. I learned that I need to be more patient with myself when learning something new.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Positive attitude toward new challenges
• - Ability to learn from mistakes
• - Desire to continue to learn and grow

Question Overview: This question can help you understand how the candidate views challenges and how they deal with them. Do they see them as obstacles or opportunities? Do they try to overcome them or do they give up? Understanding how a candidate views challenges can help you determine if they'll be able to handle the difficulties of the job.

Sample Answer: I've had a few patients who have been difficult to work with, but I've learned that it's important to be patient with them and help them understand what we're trying to do.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Positive outlook on challenges
• - Desire to overcome obstacles
• - Willingness to adapt to new situations

Question Overview: This answer can help you understand how the candidate interacts with other physical therapists. Do they work well with others? Do they have a tendency to be confrontational? The way they handle disagreements can give you insight into how they'll handle conflicts with patients and other staff members.

Sample Answer: I talked to my coworker about the disagreement and found a solution that worked for both of us. We were able to continue working together without any issues.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to work well with others
• - Ability to resolve conflicts without confrontation
• - Willingness to compromise

Question Overview: This answer can help you understand how the candidate views the company and how they may fit in with the organization. It can also help you determine if the candidate is willing to work with the company's core values or if they feel they're not important.

Sample Answer: I think all of the core values are important. They help me understand how I can be a good fit for the company and what I need to do to succeed.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - In-line with company values
• - Willingness to work with company values
• - Desire to work for the company

Question Overview: This answer can help you understand the candidate's experience with home health and how they view it. The way they talk about it can also give insight into how they interact with patients and their families.

Sample Answer: I've worked with a few patients who have been treated at home. I really enjoy the freedom of being able to work with them in their own environment. It's a great way to help them feel more comfortable and relaxed.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Positive attitude toward home health
• - Comfort working with patients in their homes
• - Willingness to work with patients who are more independent

Question Overview: This answer can help you determine if the candidate has taken the necessary tests to become a physical therapist. If they haven't, it may indicate that they're not serious about the position or that they're not qualified to work as a physical therapist.

Sample Answer: I've taken the PT-ASTP and PTCE. I'm willing to take additional tests if needed.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - List of standardized tests taken
• - Willingness to take additional tests if needed

Question Overview: This question can help you understand the candidate's mindset and how they view their role in the facility. Do they see themselves as part of a team or as an individual contributor? Do they see themselves as part of a larger organization? This answer can help you understand how the candidate will fit into your facility.

Sample Answer: I see myself as a member of the team. I want to work with everyone to help patients get better and achieve their goals.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Team-oriented mindset
• - Desire to be a part of a larger organization
• - Willingness to work with others

Question Overview: This answer can help you understand why the candidate is interested in working with your facility. If they're not interested in working with you, they may not be as motivated to work hard or stay with your team.

Sample Answer: I like that your facility is a leader in the community. I want to be part of a team that's helping people, and I know that I can make a difference here.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Interest in the facility's mission
• - Desire to work with the team and patients
• - Willingness to learn about the facility's goals and how they can contribute

Question Overview: This answer can help you understand how the candidate interacts with others. Do they get along with everyone? Do they have a tendency to be confrontational? This answer can also help you identify potential problems that may arise in the future.

Sample Answer: I didn't get along with the other physical therapist in my program. We were both very competitive and wanted to be the best. We eventually realized that we were both better off working together and helping each other succeed.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to resolve conflict
• - Ability to work with others
• - Willingness to compromise

Question Overview: This answer can help you understand how the candidate views their prior work experience and how it can be applied to the position. If they can't find a connection, it may be a sign that they're not as interested in the position as they initially appeared.

Sample Answer: My previous experience working with patients in a similar setting has taught me a lot about what works and what doesn't. I know what patients need to feel comfortable and confident in their recovery, and I'm ready to apply that knowledge here.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Demonstrates awareness of prior experience and how it relates to the position
• - Ability to explain how prior experience can be applied

Question Overview: This answer can help you understand the candidate's knowledge of your facility and how well they'll fit in. They may have heard of the company or have worked with a physical therapist who works for ATI. They may also have heard of the company from a friend or family member who works for ATI.

Sample Answer: I've heard of ATI and know that it's one of the leading providers of physical therapy services. I'm excited to work for a company that has such a great reputation.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Knowledge of company
• - Familiarity with company
• - Positive associations with company

Question Overview: This question can help you understand how the candidate has handled previous work situations and if they have any experience that can be beneficial to your facility. For example, if they've worked in a similar setting, they may already know some of the staff and have relationships that can help them fit in more quickly.

Sample Answer: I've worked at a physical therapy clinic for the past three years. I've also worked with patients who have similar needs to those you serve.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Previous work experience in a similar setting
• - Previous work experience with staff at your facility
• - Previous work experience with patients who are similar to those you serve