Okay, so you got an interview for a physical therapist job that you think might be your dream job. Now what? We’re here to help you whether you’re new to the industry or want to move up in your career.
We’ve put together a list of common physical therapy interview questions and how to answer them to help you show off your skills and make a good impression on recruiters and employers.
So you’re aiming to become a sports physical therapist huh? Awesome choice! It’s a rewarding career path filled with challenges learning, and the satisfaction of helping athletes reach their peak performance. But before you can start taping ankles and designing rehab programs, you need to ace that interview.
Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. This guide will equip you with the essential questions to ask during your sports physical therapist interview, helping you stand out from the crowd and land your dream job.
Top Questions You Must Ask
1. What percentage of your clientele would self-identify as athletes?
This is a crucial question to assess the clinic’s true focus on sports. Don’t be fooled by fancy names or marketing claims. Get the real picture by asking about the patient population.
2. How much time is allocated to one-on-one care?
Quality patient care is paramount in sports physical therapy Ensure the clinic prioritizes individual attention by inquiring about the typical session duration and the therapist-to-patient ratio.
3. What is an aspect of the company that has been improved upon or added in the last few years?
This question reveals the company’s commitment to growth and innovation Look for a dynamic environment that constantly strives to enhance its services and employee experience,
4. What advice would you give should I be offered the job?
This open-ended question allows the interviewer to share valuable insights into the company culture and expectations. It also demonstrates your eagerness to learn and adapt.
5. What is the most challenging part of your role with your company?
Learning about the problems your potential coworkers are having can help you understand the company’s priorities and work environment better.
6. Is there any type of rehab that your facility does not accommodate?
This question ensures the clinic has the necessary equipment and resources to provide comprehensive care for your future patients.
Bonus Tip:
Ask about opportunities for career advancement and continuing education.
Demonstrate your ambition and commitment to professional development. This shows the interviewer you’re invested in long-term growth within the company.
Remember:
Position your salary inquiries strategically.
Focus on the value you bring to the table and how you can contribute to the company’s success. Avoid leading with salary questions.
Avoid these interview faux pas:
- Don’t compare salary offers from competitors.
- Don’t focus solely on money.
- Don’t ask irrelevant or inappropriate questions.
By asking the right questions, you can gain valuable insights into the company culture, expectations, and opportunities. This will help you make an informed decision and land the sports physical therapist job that’s the perfect fit for you.
Additional Resources:
- Common Physical Therapy Interview Questions: https://yourfuture.urpt.com/blog/common-physical-therapist-interview-questions/
- Why Do You Want to Be a Physical Therapist?: https://www.truesportsphysicaltherapy.com/podcast/qs-you-must-ask-when-interviewing-for-sports-pt-positions
Remember, preparation is key. Research the company, practice your answers, and be confident in your skills and experience. Good luck!
Are you interested in specific areas of physical therapy? Do you like working with certain patient populations?
At this time, the APTA offers 10 physical therapy specialties through the APTA specialist certification program. Obviously, if you’re applying for a position in any of these specialties, it’s clear where your interests and skills lie. But even if you aren’t certified in a specialty, you may have a passion for working with a certain patient population, whether that is athletes, children, or seniors, for example.
Talk about how you developed your interest and why you find working with certain patients gratifying. This will make you stand out from other applicants and help you make sure that your career goals are a good fit for the job.
How do you stay on top of the latest technology and treatments?
The field of physical therapy is continually evolving as new, evidence-based therapies and treatments become available. It’s part of your job to make sure that your patients can get these treatments and benefit from these new discoveries.
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) asserts that as health care professionals, physical therapists are, “obligated to engage in lifelong learning.” Do you belong to the APTA and other professional associations? Do you attend industry conferences and read the latest research? Do you have a mentor or serve as a mentor yourself? Respond to this question by sharing these and other ways you stay active and engaged in the physical therapy industry.
How to ACE your INTERVIEW for a Physical Therapy Aide Position | PT Tech | PT Volunteer
FAQ
How to answer why you want to be a PT?
What is a good weakness for a physical therapist interview?
What are the most asked physical therapist interview questions?
Here are the top 10 most asked physical therapist interview questions along with suggested answers that will help you prove you are the right person for the job. 1. Why did you decide physical therapy was the career for you? The interviewer wants to understand what has motivated you to choose physical therapy as a career.
How long after tunnel carpal surgery should one wait to resume shooting sports?
After carpal tunnel surgery, you might need to wait about 4-6 weeks before resuming shooting sports. Your hand needs time to heal, and you’ll likely wear a splint initially. Once your doctor gives the green light and you regain strength and comfort, you can gradually ease back into shooting while avoiding strain on the operated hand.
What does a physical therapist look for in an interview?
The interviewer wants to know that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to accurately assess a patient’s physical abilities and create an effective treatment plan. How to Answer: Physical therapists are responsible for assessing a patient’s range of motion and strength in order to create an effective treatment plan.
What skills do sports physical therapists need?
Sports physical therapists need to have a strong understanding of biomechanics, which is the study of human movement. This question allows you to show the interviewer how your knowledge of this subject can help athletes recover from injuries and return to their sport.
