Top Physical Therapist Interview Questions with Example Answers [2020]

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