Applying to a physical therapy (PT) program is a significant step in your journey towards becoming a healthcare professional. One of the most crucial aspects of the application process is the interview, where you get to showcase your knowledge, skills, and passion for the field. To help you prepare for this pivotal moment, we’ve compiled 20 sample PT school interview questions and provided insightful answers to guide you.
General Questions
- Tell us a little about yourself?
This is an opportunity to share your background, interests, and what motivated you to pursue a career in physical therapy. Highlight any relevant experiences, such as volunteering, internships, or extracurricular activities that have shaped your journey.
- What made you decide to apply to our program?
Research the program thoroughly and highlight specific aspects that resonate with you. Discuss the program’s reputation, faculty, curriculum, or clinical opportunities that drew you to apply.
- There are many health-related careers. Why do you want to become a PT?
Explain your passion for the field and how physical therapy aligns with your interests, values, and goals. Share any personal experiences or inspirations that influenced your decision.
- What can you offer to the graduate program and/or the profession?
Highlight your unique strengths, experiences, and perspectives that could contribute to the program and the profession. Discuss your ability to work in teams, your problem-solving skills, or your commitment to continuous learning.
- Can you provide an example of how you have handled a stressful situation in the past?
Share a specific experience where you faced a challenging situation and describe how you approached and resolved it. Emphasize your problem-solving skills, resilience, and ability to remain calm under pressure.
Experience and Knowledge-Based Questions
- What strengths do you have that will enable you to become a successful Physical Therapist?
Discuss your relevant skills, such as strong communication abilities, attention to detail, empathy, or a passion for lifelong learning.
- What courses do you feel have helped to prepare you in becoming a PT?
Highlight courses that provided you with a solid foundation in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, or other relevant subjects. Explain how these courses have equipped you with the knowledge and skills necessary for a PT program.
- What kind of volunteer or shadowing experience do you have?
Share your experiences observing or assisting physical therapists in clinical settings. Discuss what you learned about the profession, patient interactions, and the impact of PT on individuals’ lives.
- What did you learn from your PT shadowing experience?
Reflect on the insights you gained from your shadowing experience, such as the importance of patient-centered care, the interdisciplinary nature of healthcare, or the various treatment approaches used by physical therapists.
- Tell us about your experiences in working with a diverse group of people.
Describe situations where you interacted with individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, or abilities. Discuss how you adapted your communication style, showed respect, and provided inclusive care or support.
Personality and Ethical Questions
- What are the greatest challenges you’ve overcome personally?
Share a significant challenge you faced and how you overcame it. Highlight your resilience, determination, and personal growth through the experience.
- Can you speak about a time you struggled (during college or work) and what you did to overcome that challenge?
Provide a specific example of a struggle you encountered and the steps you took to address it. Emphasize your problem-solving skills, perseverance, and ability to seek support when needed.
- What do you think your biggest challenge will be in graduate school?
Reflect on potential challenges, such as balancing academic demands, clinical rotations, or personal responsibilities. Discuss your strategies for time management, stress management, or seeking support resources.
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
Share your long-term goals and how a PT degree aligns with your career aspirations. Discuss your interest in specializations, research, or leadership roles within the profession.
- Give me an example of a time when you had to think outside the box.
Provide a specific situation where you had to approach a problem creatively or employ innovative thinking. Discuss the process you followed and the successful outcome.
- Tell me about a time when you had to deal with conflict and how was it resolved.
Share an experience where you encountered a conflict, whether in a team setting, with a colleague, or in a personal situation. Explain how you approached the conflict, communicated effectively, and reached a resolution.
- What makes you think you’ll be a good Physical Therapist?
Highlight your personal qualities, such as empathy, patience, attention to detail, and strong communication skills, that will contribute to your success as a physical therapist.
- What is/was your favorite subject in your current studies?
Discuss a subject you particularly enjoyed and explain why it resonated with you. Relate it to your passion for physical therapy and how it has prepared you for the field.
Ethical, Philosophical, and Current Issues
- In your opinion, describe the qualities of a great Physical Therapist.
Discuss the essential qualities you believe are necessary for a successful physical therapist, such as strong ethical principles, excellent communication skills, commitment to evidence-based practice, and a passion for patient-centered care.
- What do you feel are the greatest challenges for Physical Therapists today?
Demonstrate your awareness of current issues and challenges facing the profession, such as healthcare policy changes, reimbursement challenges, or the integration of new technologies. Share your thoughts on how these challenges can be addressed.
Remember, the interview is an opportunity to showcase your passion, knowledge, and commitment to becoming an exceptional physical therapist. Prepare thoroughly, practice your responses, and remain confident and authentic in your answers. Best of luck!
Most Commonly Asked PT School Interview Question – SAMPLE ANSWER
FAQ
What is a weakness interview question for physical therapy?
