5 Interview Questions For a Physical Therapist That You Should Definitely Be Ready For

Interviewing for a new job can be intimidating, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. The best way to prepare for any job interview is to research your potential employer and practice answering a variety of questions that your interviewer may ask. The PT industry is rapidly growing at a projected rate of about 17% by the year 2031, which means that the interview process for physical therapists will likely be very competitive. These are some of the most common interview questions that you can anticipate being asked by physical therapy employers. 

What are some interview questions that you should be ready to answer during an interview for a physical therapist’s position?

A potential PT employer may ask you  a variety of questions during an interview. These are a few examples of general questions that may help you feel more prepared:

• “What do typical sessions with a patient look like for you?” — During the interview process, your interviewers may ask you questions about your processes during a PT session. It helps them gain a better understanding of how you work with your patients and your standards in the clinic. It also gives them insight into which conditions you have the most experience dealing with. 

• “How do you keep patients engaged during sessions and motivated to stick to a treatment plan?” — Employers are likely to ask interviewees what they do to keep their patients engaged during their PT sessions. It’s important that physical therapists be ready to name the ways that they communicate and interact with their patients to keep them actively participating in their treatment from start to finish.

• “How do you deal with difficult patients?” — A prospective employer may ask a question regarding how you deal with patients who present challenges. It’s important for an employer to know that you have experience working with a variety of patients and that you can handle challenging patients with compassion and professionalism. 

• “Where do you see yourself in five years?” — Another commonly asked question regards where you see yourself in the future, whether that be five or even 10 years from now. Your answer to this question will give your interviewers a clearer idea of your personal goals and vision for your future. It can help them determine if you’d be a good fit for their clinic. It also helps them determine if your goals align with what they can provide as an employer, like promotion opportunities or benefits.

• “What do you believe the hardest part of being a physical therapist is?” — If this isn’t your first physical therapy job, your employer will likely ask you an interview question similar to this one. Future employers want to know if you can answer this question truthfully while also showcasing how you address the challenges that come with being a physical therapist. Your answer will also help interviewers gain a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. 

What kinds of questions can a physical therapist ask a potential employer during an interview? 

While interviewers want you to be ready to answer all of their PT-related questions, many also expect you to have your own questions about the job prepared. Here are some suggestions:

• “How would you characterize your clinic’s culture?” — Asking this question to a prospective employer signals that you are interested in how their company promotes a positive and professional work culture. It can also give you a better idea of what to expect the work environment to be like if you were to work there.

• “What opportunities for professional development are there within your company?” — If you hope to advance your career in five to 10 years, it’s important that you ask an employer what opportunities they have for growth within their company and what types of professional development opportunities they provide. It may also be worth asking if there are any nearby locations that may provide opportunities for growth in the future.

Are you excited to pursue new career opportunities? Look no further than Peak Performance Sports and Physical Therapy

Peak Performance Sports and Physical Therapy firmly believes that partnership means creating something greater than the sum of its parts. Peak Performance is proud to be part of the Alliance Physical Therapy Partners partnership that brings together physical therapy clinics around the nation to help people get the kind of treatment they’re looking for and then exceed their expectations. 

We believe that in order to provide exceptional physical therapy care to our community, we first need an exceptional group of team members and admin staff. We always look for professionals who are in search of:

• A less hectic daily schedule than most PT providers require. 
• Great health, retirement and wellness benefits.
• Professional development opportunities, such as mentorships.
• A team-oriented and dedicated work environment.

Want to learn more about the current career opportunities at Peak Performance? Check out our Careers page.