1⟩ Tell me some of your most challenging cases. What therapies did you use?
Reveals more about history.
Physical Therapist
Home Medical Physical Therapist
“Physical Therapist related Frequently Asked Questions by expert members with job experience as Physical Therapist. These questions and answers will help you strengthen your technical skills, prepare for the new job interview and quickly revise your concepts”
52 Physical Therapist Questions And Answers
2⟩ Tell us when was a time you had to deal with a disagreement with a co-worker?
Conflict with co-workers is a common occurrence. So when asked, be sure you have a story to tell that proves you have conflict resolution skills.
3⟩ Please tell us what is your approach to developing a treatment plan for patients?
This answer can give you an idea of the techniques the interviewee is comfortable with as well as how the individual views treatment in general. The way they develop a plan can help you understand how they interact with patients at a first session and if their approach will fit with your facility. In addition, they may bring a new approach that can be beneficial for the current staff. What to look for in an answer:
Ideas that blend well with your facilitys approach
Patient-focused mindset
Flexibility based on patients' needs and limitations
4⟩ Explain me something more about your education?
The most important part are the practical subjects. Speak abut your internship or residency–if you went through one of them. Tell them that you enjoyed your education, but can’t wait to start working on the position of a physio.
5⟩ Tell me what are your salary expectations as Physical Therapist?
Physical therapists earn a lot of money. It is one of the best paid jobs in most of the developed countries, and you can be sure you’ll earn more than enough money. For this reason, you should say that the salary is not the deciding factor for you, and that you’ll accept their offer. If they press you and want to hear a number, go for an average salary of physios in your country (this information can be typically found online). For example, in 2018 the average salary for physical therapists in the US was more than $100,000.
6⟩ What is NDT?
Neuro Developmental Technique (Also Known As Bobath Technique)
7⟩ What is fatigued?
drained of energy or effectiveness
The pelvic tilt alleviates tight or fatigued lower back muscles.
8⟩ Explain me what is crunch?
reduce to small pieces or particles by pounding or abrading
Partial sit-ups or crunches strengthen the abdominal muscles.
9⟩ What is physical therapy?
therapy that uses physical agents: exercise and massage and other modalities
Exercise and Physical Therapy
The Role of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy with a trained professional may be useful if pain has not improved after 3 - 4 weeks.
10⟩ Explain me about the patients or services you’ve previously worked with?
This is a very common question and one when asked you should be able to answer easily. Be prepared to answer a brief history of your experience. If you don’t have much experience that is okay. Just be honest. The good news is that many physical therapy jobs, especially those looking for travel therapy, take new grads or those with not a lot of experience. So no need to worry if you don’t have years of experience. Again, just be honest.
11⟩ Please explain what are ways you’ve found to be successful tracking a patient’s progress?
Attention to detail is a very critical skills as a physical therapist. It’s very important especially when it comes with monitoring a patient’s progress. Do you track progress online allowing for patients to monitor their progress as well? Do you have a chart that you write down and review with your patient at the beginning and end of every session? Be prepared to speak to this during the interview.
12⟩ Tell us how do you set expectations for family members/caregivers and provide status updates? How do you keep them engaged throughout recovery?
Shows communication skills.
13⟩ Explain me why do you want to work as a physical therapist?
Focus on your motivation to help the others. Tell them that you enjoy doing what physical therapists do on a daily basis. Speak about your passion for physical therapy, and for the things you can achieve with the patients, helping them to return to their full level of fitness.
14⟩ Tell us how would your co-workers describe you as Physical Therapist?
This question may be asked for a few different reasons. The interviewer may compare your self-assessment to what your references said about you or the interviewer might actually want to see how you view yourself. Now is an opportunity for you to be honest with your interviewer on your skills in working with others and how your co-workers view you. Don't come across as smug or gloating in your answer and try to talk about direct feedback that you've received.
15⟩ What is disk?
something with a round shape resembling a flat circular plate
At that time, the disks are more fluid-filled and more vulnerable to pressure from this movement.
16⟩ What is enhance?
Generally, these exercises attempt to strengthen the abdomen, improve lower back mobility, strength, and endurance, and enhance flexibility in the hip, the hamstring muscles, and the tendons at the back of the thigh.
17⟩ Please explain how do you set expectations and provide status updates to patients and their family members?
This is a question where you can really highlight your organizational and communicational skills. Talk about how you communicate when working in a fast environment and with many patients.
18⟩ Tell us how do assess a patient’s condition? How do you track progress?
Shows attention to detail.
19⟩ What is SBQC?
Small Base Quad Cane (Also Known As a Narrow Base Quad Cane (Nbqc))
20⟩ What is toned?
having or distinguished by a tone; often used in combination
Patients should avoid exercises that put the lower back under pressure until the back muscles are well toned.
