Top Physical Therapist Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Physical Therapist interview by going through these most asked Physical Therapist interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

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  • Question: What is customer service to you?
  • 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: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
  • 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: What was the most difficult situation you have faced and how did you handle it?
  • 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: What is the correct medical documentation for home health care plans?
  • 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: What challenges have you faced in the clinical environment?
  • 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: What was the last time you did something new for the first time and what did you learn?
  • 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: How comfortable are you with supervising a PTA?
  • 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: Why do you want to work for us?
  • 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: What can you contribute to our team?
  • 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: Would you be willing to work on weekends?
  • 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: What is one mistake you have made with a patient?
  • Question Overview: This answer can help you understand how the candidate handles mistakes. Do they take responsibility for their actions? Do they learn from their mistakes? How do they communicate with the patient about the mistake?

    Sample Answer: I didn't realize that a patient had a sensitivity to a certain type of tape. When I applied it to them, they had an allergic reaction. After that, I made sure to check with the patient before applying anything to them.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Takes responsibility for mistakes
    • - Learn from mistakes
    • - Communicates openly with patients about mistakes

  • Question: What would you contribute to the rehab team here at Spaulding?
  • Question Overview: This answer can help you understand what the candidate is looking for in a job and what they hope to get out of it. It can also help you understand how they view teamwork and if they'll be a good fit for your facility.

    Sample Answer: I'd like to contribute my knowledge and experience to the team. I'm willing to learn from everyone else on the team and share my own knowledge with them as well.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Desire to work with a team
    • - Willingness to contribute to the team
    • - Desire to learn from other team members

  • Question: How will you contribute to the growth of the company?
  • Question Overview: This answer can help you understand the candidate's goals and how they plan to achieve them. It can also give you insight into the candidate's long-term career goals.

    Sample Answer: I'd like to help the company grow by helping patients heal and become more independent. I'd like to contribute by helping patients reach their goals and be able to live independently.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Goals that align with your company's goals
    • - Desire to grow with the company
    • - Desire to contribute to the company's success

  • Question: Why did you choose to work in healthcare?
  • Question Overview: This question can help you understand the candidate's mindset about working in healthcare. Do they have a passion for helping others? Are they only interested in the paycheck? This answer can also give you insight into the candidate's personality and how they interact with others.

    Sample Answer: I love being able to help people who are going through a difficult time. I want to be able to help them get better and return to their normal lives.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Passion for helping others
    • - Desire to make a difference in people's lives
    • - Comfortable working one-on-one with patients

  • Question: What makes you think that you are qualified for this position?
  • Question Overview: This question can help you understand the candidate's confidence in their abilities and their desire to work for your facility. If they're not confident in their abilities, they may not be a good fit for the position.

    Sample Answer: I have a lot of experience working with patients and know how to help them achieve their goals. I've also worked with other physical therapists and have a good understanding of how the position works.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Confidence in their abilities
    • - Desire to work for your facility

  • Question: What do you want to tell me about yourself?
  • Question Overview: This question is a chance for the candidate to share anything they feel is important to their candidacy. This can be a chance for them to share their personality, their strengths, or any other information that may help you make a decision.

    Sample Answer: I'm a very compassionate person who enjoys working with others. I'm also very flexible and can adapt to different situations.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Personality traits
    • - Strengths
    • - Other information that may help you make a decision

  • Question: What do you want to be in future?
  • Question Overview: This question can help you understand the candidate's career goals and how they see themselves in the future. This can help you determine if they'll be happy with the position and if they'll stay with the company for a long time.

    Sample Answer: I want to continue working in health care. I enjoy helping people, and I want to continue doing that as long as I can.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Desire to continue working in health care
    • - Willingness to stay with the company for a long time
    • - Desire to learn more about the field

  • Question: What are your strengths in diagnosing?
  • Question Overview: This question can help you understand how the candidate approaches diagnosing patients. Do they focus on objective measures or do they rely on their own observations? This can help you determine if they're a good fit for your facility and if they'll be able to work well with your other staff members.

    Sample Answer: I like to use objective measures when diagnosing patients. That way, I can be sure that I'm making the right call and that we're not missing anything.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Focuses on objective measures
    • - Observational skills
    • - Compassionate approach to patients

  • Question: What would you do if someone told you that another therapist lied about treating a patient?
  • Question Overview: This answer can help you understand how the candidate will handle a difficult situation. Will they confront the other therapist? Will they report the incident? Will they try to resolve the issue internally? This answer can give you insight into how they'll handle difficult situations in the future.

    Sample Answer: I would confront the other therapist and ask them why they lied about treating a patient. I would also report the incident to my supervisor so that we could take appropriate action.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Confrontation of another therapist
    • - Reporting of the incident
    • - Resolving the issue internally

  • Question: What is your availability?
  • Question Overview: This question can help you determine if the candidate is available to work the hours you need. It can also show how flexible they are in terms of scheduling.

    Sample Answer: I'm available to work full-time Monday through Friday, but I can also work weekends if needed.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Availability to work the hours needed
    • - Flexibility in scheduling
    • - Willingness to work overtime if needed