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As healthcare professionals who specialize in working with physical disabilities and injuries with the goal of restoring functional abilities, physical therapists help millions of people across the US each year. Given the importance of this role, those looking to start a career in physical therapy should go into their interview prepared.
Luckily, we've got some tips to help you interview better, some common physical therapy job interview questions, and advice that can help you land your new career.
Key Takeaways:As a candidate, your interviewer will assess your problem-solving and communication skills, as well as want to ensure you have anatomy, physiology and clinical expertise.
As an interviewer, look for candidates who know how to communicate effectively and manage their time, as well as have an adequate background in healthcare.
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Commonly asked interview questions can help you prepare, but only up to a point. Many of the questions you will be asked depend on the job you are applying for.
To help you ace your next interview, we have compiled a list of questions you may encounter when interviewing for a physical therapist position.
Tell me about yourself.
In the context of being a physical therapy, you should focus on your professional background in treating clients, as well as any major skills you have and accomplishments you've made.
Example Answer:
I have over 10 years of experience evaluating, diagnosing, and treating patients with a variety of physical injuries and disabilities. My experience has given me an impressive foundation in anatomy, physiology, and rehabilitation techniques, which allows me to provide effective care and promote positive patient outcomes.
I also have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, which enables me to collaborate with, motivate, and provide the patience my clients need to succeed.
Overall, my passion for helping individuals regain their physical function and improve their quality of life drives me to excel as a physical therapist.
Why did you choose a career in physical therapy?
With this question, employers want to understand why you're gone down this career path. Passion is an important aspect of being a successful therapist, so ensure your answer expresses your passion for helping others.
Example Answer:
I chose a career in physical therapy because I have a passion for helping people, and I wanted to have a hand in making people feel better.
I chose physical therapy specifically because I wanted to work closely with individuals over extended periods and develop relationships.
Completing surgeries and conducting treatments is one thing, but physical therapy is where patients find a new normal and return to their everyday lives. I knew that I wanted to be a part of this critical step in the healing process.
What conditions have you treated successfully?
This question gauges how much experience you have and also tests your clinical expertise. Provide relevant examples of conditions you treated, or if you've never treated someone before explain how you would treat common conditions.
Example Answer:
I have treated various conditions successfully, including chronic conditions such as arthritis, chronic pain, and mobility issues. I have also treated injuries that resulted from a traumatic incident, such as a stroke, a sports injury, or an accident.
The person who has the most comprehensive perspective on their performance as a physical therapist is the candidate themselves. That’s why an interviewer usually asks them, “Why should we hire you?”.
When answering, a candidate should outline the aspects of their personality and experience that make them an ideal fit for the role. The hiring manager wants the applicant to sell themselves succinctly when posing this blunt question.
Example Answer:
You should hire me because I have certified clinical expertise and a patient-centered approach to providing effective care and achieving optimal results. My strong communication skills and empathetic nature also allows me to establish a strong therapeutic relationship with patients, helping them feel comfortable and motivated throughout their treatment journey.
What training or certificates do you have?
This is a simple question with a simple answer. The best way to answer it correctly is to ensure you have the proper training or certificates required for the position before you apply.
Example Answer:
I have a doctorate in physical therapy and a license to practice in this state.
How do you stay up-to-date on best practices?
Physical therapy and the healthcare industry on the whole is always changing and coming out with updated treatments. Therefore, explain how you will keep up with new advancements.
Example Answer:
I am a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, and I use their resources to stay current with industry standards.
Why do you want to work here?
A good answer to this question will be specific to the company you're applying for. This is why it's important to research the company before the interview, so you can use that knowledge to explain why you want to work there.
Example Answer:
I want to work here because I’ve seen your organization's exceptional reputation for providing high-quality care first hand. I believe my skills and passion align well with your mission, and I am excited about the potential to contribute to the team and make a positive impact on patients' lives.
How do you keep patients motivated?
Physical therapy can often be stressful, difficult, and even disheartening for patients struggling with physical disabilities, injuries, and other ailments. This is why it's essential for physical therapists to have excellent communication skills, to help keep these patients motivated to keep trying.
If possible, provide an example of how you've motivated patients in the past.
Example Answer:
I keep patients motivated by reminding them of the end goal and reminding them that achieving this goal is within their reach.
I find that patients tend to lose motivation because they believe their treatment is not producing results quickly enough or that their treatment’s effectiveness has plateaued.
I help them keep in mind that progress is not necessarily linear, but that does not mean their treatment is not working. I also help remind them that the practices we are doing help them heal and prevent further pain and injury down the road.
What was the hardest case you worked on, and how did you handle it?
This question is a test of your skills and experience. Be sure to think about an example for this question before your interview, so that if you're asked it you have a clear and concise memory to portray.
Example Answer:
The hardest case I worked on involved a teenage girl who had gotten into a severe accident while texting and driving. She sustained significant injuries to both of her legs and was wheelchair-bound for most of her senior year.
This case was challenging as she had psychological injuries as well as physical. She felt guilty for causing her injury, and she was also restricted from doing the things an uninjured teen would be able to do, like going out with friends and going to prom.
I handled this particular case by listening as best I could to her issues. She was willing to discuss where she was having trouble, and together we were able to find solutions that made the situation better. For example, we discussed how she could still participate in prom, in the dress she wanted, without running into issues with her wheelchair.
I found that listening to a patient’s problems is sometimes the best medicine. People will tell you what is bothering them, which opens the door for you to help.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Companies hiring a physical therapist want to know that you will be loyal and dedicated to keeping up with the industry. Talk about how you plan to advance your physical therapy career, and how you intend to have a positive impact on the patients you'll be treating.
Example Answer:
After 5 years, I see myself growing my clinical skills and expertise, and potentially specializing in a specific area within physical therapy. I also aspire to take on leadership roles and contribute to the development and implementation of innovative treatment approaches. Ultimately though, forming positive relationships with patients and helping them to achieve optimal results will always be my number one goal.
How do you set and manage patient expectations?
This question provides a great opportunity for you to show your communication skills. Outline your approach to this topic thoroughly and with a step-by-step approach.
Example Answer:
Before I begin treatment, I always review their case and the treatment they have already undergone, such as surgeries and other medical procedures. Then, I sit down with them one-on-one and discuss the steps we will take and how each of these steps helps them recover.
I explain the proposed timeline and let them know that with hard work on both our parts, we will be able to adhere to this timeline and get them feeling better as soon as possible.
For some patients, the time it will take to heal seems too long, which can be discouraging. I like to remind them that the body heals fastest when it heals properly, and though it may take a little bit of time now, it will prevent future issues from springing up, which could lead to more surgeries, more treatment, and more physical therapy.
How do you track a patient’s success?
Understanding where a patient stands requires extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology. Explain how your experience and education allows you to accurately track the progress made by patients.
Example Answer:
I track a patient’s success using a combination of their training data, such as session times, mobility, and agility. I also use their mood as a way of determining their success.
Successful clients tend to have more faith in their treatment and more readily complete their treatment. The patients who are wary of their treatment tend to forget or avoid doing their at-home exercises, and these are the patients who will have a more challenging time healing.
I believe all of my patients can succeed if they are given the proper attention and encouragement.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
This question is all about balance and positivity. Start off by talking about your biggest strength. Then, even after you honestly transition to your biggest weakness, ensure that you discuss how you manage and improve that weakness.
Example Answer:
My greatest strength is my ability to motivate patients and establish a strong therapeutic relationship, which allows me to foster a positive treatment experience.
As for my weakness, I have been known to be overly critical of myself. However, I have been actively working on embracing constructive feedback and using it as an opportunity for growth and improvement.
How do you handle a client who does not follow treatment suggestions?
Physical therapists need to be patient with clients and maintain appropriate treatment even when clients fall behind on their homework. Show that you have the ability to be caring and consistent even with clients who are struggling in this way.
Example Answer:
If a client does not follow my treatment suggestions, I try to have patience with them. Especially when it comes to traumatic injuries, patients may be frustrated that their body no longer performs as it once did. They may want to give up trying to heal themselves.
I remind them that they are not alone in this process, that I am here to help, and that I will not give up on them. I tell them that this is the best way to recover and that this process is meant to help them get better and prevent future injury.
I tell them that their exercises should be like brushing their teeth, a daily routine to prevent other issues from arising.
How well do you work in teams?
Whether it's communicating with others in the office, keeping a patient's family members updated, or forming a game plan with patients themselves, it's crucial for physical therapists to work in teams. Use this opportunity to explain why you're a team player.
Example Answer:
I work very well in teams, especially when team members share a common goal or passion. I find a heightened level of accountability when working on a team and that I work harder to avoid disappointing my team members or those who depend on me.
What do you hope to accomplish as a physical therapist with our organization?
This question allows you to express your goals. Think about what accomplishments you've made in the past and how you intend to push those accomplishments further going forward.
Example Answer:
As a physical therapist with your organization, I hope to help others as much as I can. With your resources, there will be nothing preventing me from helping my clients to the best of my ability.
What is stressful for you as a physical therapist? How do you handle this stress?
Working with patients who are struggling can take a toll on physical therapists, and it's important to be honest about the stress you experience. However, it's also important for you to explain the strategies you use to relieve and mitigate that stress.
Example Answer:
The most stressful part of this job is the tendency for physical therapists to view their clients’ success as their own. I feel that I am on a journey with my patients, and as a result, their frustrations and stresses become my own.
I handle this stress by reminding myself that I am here to help them on their journey, but I cannot do the work for them. It is my job to give them the tools they need to succeed, but no one can force them to succeed.
Which of your patients has affected you the most and why?
This question is another opportunity for you to express your passion for your role as a physical therapist. Think about a patient that touched your heart in a positive way, and use that example to explain who you love your work.
Example Answer:
The patient that affected me most was a little boy who had one of his legs amputated. He approached each session with such joy and positivity that it became infectious, and seeing someone so young be so resilient was genuinely inspiring to me. I feel honored to have helped him.
What makes a good physical therapist, in your opinion?
When answering this question you should focus on the importance of the patients. After all, a good physical therapist always puts their patients first.
Additionally, be sure to keep your answer concise, as employers want to know that you have a clear vision of what you think a good physical therapist is.
Example Answer:
In my opinion, a good physical therapist is someone who puts the patient first always. A good physical therapist treats all their patients as individuals and serves as someone to lean on, both literally and metaphorically.
The best of our practice is those who want to see their patients succeed and treat their patients as human beings.
How would you describe the role of a physical therapist?
This question is all about knowing why physical therapists do what they do. Briefly explain both the caregiving and medical role you would play as a physical therapist.
Example Answer:
I believe a physical therapist should fulfill the role of the post-op caregiver and motivator, coach, and friend. Many emotions come with chronic pain, injuries, and traumatic events, and physical therapy is often where patients first see the consequences of what happened to them.
A physical therapist needs to be prepared to help patients through emotional roadblocks and help them overcome their physical and emotional obstacles.
How do you create personalized treatment plans for patients?
What is your strategy for working with challenging or difficult patients?
Has there ever been a situation where you had to adapt your treatment approach to meet the unique needs of a patient?
How do you prioritize and manage your caseload to ensure timely and effective care for all patients?
How do you ensure that your patients understand goals and objectives?
Have you ever had one of your employees approach you with an innovative idea? How did you respond?
How do you collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care for your patients?
Tell me how you would incorporate educating patients and family members into your treatment plans.
How do you maintain patient confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in your practice?
What is your educational background?
All of the possible Interview questions for the Physical Therapy job might seem overwhelming at first, but there are some effective steps you can take to prepare:
As a Candidate:Research. Look into the company you're applying for and try to discover what equipment they have available, the types of clients they take on, etc. Going into your interview with this knowledge will make it easier to talk about your relevant skills.
Communication Skills. Successful physical therapists know how to communicate effectively with patients, family members, and other healthcare professionals, so showcasing your communication skills in your interview is essential. Ensure you know key terminology, prepare examples, and find ways to condense complex ideas into an easy-to-understand package.
Be Knowledgeable. Think about ways you can express your knowledge of anatomy and physiology when answering questions. Doing this will be an effective way of showing your an interviewer you're capable of undertaking the position.
Review the Job Description. Use the job description to construct your ideal candidate, but do not overlook candidates who are proven to be good communicators and have a history of positive results.
Explain Responsibilities. Ensure your candidates are aware of the responsibilities they would have as a physical therapist. This includes things like how the facility typically operates, how many clients they'll manage, and more.
Provide a Timeline. Provide your prospective physical therapist with an accurate hiring process timeline.
Interviews can often feel like high-stakes interrogations, especially if you are like so many of us who find it difficult to talk about ourselves.
While they can be difficult questions to answer, by preparing responses to these questions, you will find yourself feeling more relaxed and more confident in the interview, which no doubt helps your performance. Using the questions above as a study guide, you will be prepared for whatever the interviewer throws at you.