8 Must-Ask Interview Questions for Physical Therapists

Hiring a talented physical therapist (PT) is one of the most important investments a healthcare organization can make. These professionals play a vital role in delivering high-quality care, improving patient outcomes, and fostering a supportive team environment. To ensure you hire the right person, it’s essential to ask the right interview questions for physical therapists.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into eight must-ask physical therapist interview questions designed to uncover their clinical expertise, interpersonal skills, and ability to align with your organization’s values. We will also discuss some physical therapist hiring tips.

Interview Questions for Physical Therapists

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of rehabilitation and preventative healthcare, with PT being the #3 fastest-growing career, according to a 2025 LinkedIn article. Whether you’re managing a hospital, outpatient clinic, or private practice, finding a candidate who can thrive in this fast-paced, patient-focused environment is key to your organization’s success.

The following interview questions for physical therapists will help you identify candidates with the right mix of technical skills, emotional intelligence, and cultural fit.

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in physical therapy?

This physical therapist interview question goes beyond credentials to explore a candidate’s passion and personal connection to their profession. PTs with a strong “why” often bring a level of dedication and empathy that translates into better patient care.

What to Listen For:

Candidates motivated by a personal experience, such as helping a loved one recover from injury, often bring a deeper commitment to their work. That deeper commitment is likely to translate to better patient outcomes and an internal motivation to excel at patient care.

Follow-Up Questions:

• How do you translate your passion for physical therapy into daily patient interactions?
• What aspects of the job are most rewarding for you?

These questions can help you better understand what this candidate will be looking for as an employee and gauge if your organization is the right fit.

2. Can you describe your experience working with [specific patient population]?

Specialization is increasingly important in physical therapy. Whether your practice focuses on pediatric care, sports injuries, or geriatrics, this interview question for physical therapists helps determine if the candidate has the relevant expertise and knowledge.

What to Listen For:

• Specific examples of conditions treated (e.g., post-operative recovery, neurological conditions) or how they have completed continuing education to bridge the gap in experience.
• Ability to adjust techniques for diverse patient needs.

Follow-Up Questions:

If your practice has a unique approach, such as offering aquatic therapy, ask about their experience with specific treatment modalities.

3. How do you handle a patient who is not progressing as expected?

Patient progress isn’t always linear, and a great PT must be able to adapt. This physical therapist interview question uncovers how a candidate approaches setbacks with creativity, empathy, and collaboration.

What to Listen For:

• Do they re-evaluate treatment plans and consult with other professionals?
• Are they skilled at maintaining patient motivation and trust?

Follow-Up Questions:

Ask for a specific example of a time they successfully turned around a challenging case. This question in your physical therapy interview reveals their problem-solving and communication skills in action.

4. What is your approach to developing individualized treatment plans?

A tailored treatment plan is the cornerstone of effective physical therapy. This interview question for physical therapists explores how well a candidate can balance evidence-based practice with individual patient goals and needs.

What to Listen For:

• A structured approach to assessments.
• Collaboration with patients to establish realistic, meaningful goals.
• Flexibility to adjust the plan as needed based on progress.

Follow-Up Questions:

Ask the candidate to talk about specific examples of times when they needed to balance evidence-based practice and client-centered care. This question in your physical therapy interview will help you understand how they navigate this difficult balance.

5. How do you stay updated on the latest advancements in physical therapy?

Healthcare evolves rapidly, and staying informed is critical for PTs to provide top-tier care. This physical therapist interview question gauges the candidate’s commitment to professional growth.

What to Listen For:

• Attendance at workshops and conferences.
• Membership in organizations like the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
• Reading peer-reviewed journals and engaging in online courses.

Follow-Up Questions:

Consider asking about specific techniques or technologies they’ve recently adopted. This question in your physical therapy interview can give insight into their proactive approach to learning. It may also help you choose between multiple stronger candidates, if you know that one has a specialized skill relevant for your patient population.

6. Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult colleague or team member. How did you handle the situation?

Team dynamics can significantly impact patient care and workplace morale. This interview question for physical therapists assesses the candidate’s ability to navigate interprofessional challenges.

What to Listen For:

• Strong communication skills.
• A focus on interprofessional collaboration and conflict resolution.
• Emotional intelligence and self-awareness.

Follow-Up Questions:

Ask something like, “What steps did you take to maintain a positive working relationship?” This question in your physical therapy interview can help you better understand their process if their initial answer is vague.

7. How do you balance administrative tasks with hands-on patient care?

Physical therapists juggle a range of responsibilities, from patient treatment to documentation and billing. This physical therapist interview question evaluates their organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.

What to Listen For:

• Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, current billing requirements, and point-of-care documentation (if applicable).
• Efficient time management strategies and ability to maintain work hours during a typical day.
• Commitment to ensuring administrative tasks don’t detract from patient care.

Follow-Up Questions:

It may be helpful to ask the candidate how they handle patients arriving or being seen later than expected, unexpected or abnormal documentation requirements, and interprofessional communication. This question in your physical therapy interview will help you gauge both how well they understand the realities of the healthcare landscape and their ability to adapt their time management approach.

8. What do you believe makes an exceptional physical therapist?

This interview question for physical therapists allows candidates to articulate their professional philosophy and what they value most in their work.

What to Listen For:

• A blend of technical expertise and empathy.
• Dedication to continuous learning.
• A commitment to patient-centered care.
• A consideration of interprofessional dynamics and collaboration opportunities.

Follow-Up Questions:

Ask how they embody these qualities in their day-to-day work and/or how they strive to be this version of an exceptional PT. Their answer to this question in your physical therapy interview can provide insight into their alignment with your organization’s mission and culture.

Healthcare interview questions are unique among industries, and physical therapist interview questions are no exception.

Telehealth Requires Tailored Physical Therapist Interview Questions

In addition to traditional in-person roles, telehealth is reshaping the physical therapy landscape. If your practice is integrating telehealth services, you might also want to ask candidates about their experience with virtual care platforms and their comfort with remote patient interactions.

Example Telehealth Interview Questions for Physical Therapists:

• How do you engage and motivate patients during virtual sessions?
• What strategies do you use to assess progress remotely?

Telehealth requires PTs to adapt their communication style, use technology effectively, and think creatively about treatment delivery – skills that should be part of your evaluation process.

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Physical Therapist Hiring Tips

Finding and securing the right physical therapist for your organization requires a well-thought-out approach. A highly skilled PT not only provides excellent patient care but also strengthens your team’s morale and reputation. Here are some actionable physical therapist hiring tips to streamline your hiring process and attract top talent, drawing on proven strategies for success.

1. Clarify Job Requirements

Before posting a job, clearly define the role’s responsibilities, required certifications, and experience. Ensure your job description highlights essential qualifications such as:

• State licensure and a degree from an accredited program.
• Specialized certifications (e.g., orthopedics, geriatrics, sports).
• Proficiency with EHR systems.

A well-crafted job description attracts candidates who align with your needs, reducing the time spent reviewing unqualified applications.

2. Offer Competitive Compensation

With a growing demand for physical therapists, competitive salaries and benefits are crucial for attracting and retaining talent. Research local market rates and consider offering:

• Sign-on bonuses or relocation assistance.
• Professional development opportunities, such as funding for continuing education.
• Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance.

Highlighting these perks in your job ad can set your organization apart in a competitive market.

3. Leverage Employee Referrals

Current team members can be your best resource for finding exceptional PT candidates. Implement an employee referral program with incentives to encourage staff to recommend qualified professionals from their network.

4. Engage Passive Candidates

Top PTs may not actively seek new roles but are open to better opportunities. Use online resume databases like iHireTherapy’s and attend industry events to connect with passive candidates. Showcase your organization’s culture, growth opportunities, and patient care philosophy to entice them.

5. Prioritize Cultural Fit/Add

Beyond technical skills, assess whether candidates align with your organization’s mission and values. A PT who shares your commitment to patient-centered care and teamwork will likely thrive in your environment.

6. Focus on Retention

Hiring is just the first step. Foster an environment where PTs feel valued and supported to reduce turnover. Strategies include:

• Offering mentorship programs for new hires.
• Conducting regular performance reviews with constructive feedback.
• Providing opportunities for career growth within your organization.

By following these physical therapist hiring tips, you can streamline your hiring process, attract top-tier talent, and build a team of physical therapists who excel in delivering high-quality patient care.

Asking the Right Physical Therapist Interview Questions Matters!

Hiring the right physical therapist is a critical decision that impacts your team, patients, and practice reputation. Thoughtful interview questions for physical therapists can help you uncover a candidate’s technical skills, interpersonal abilities, and cultural alignment.

Looking for more healthcare hiring tips and resources? Visit the iHire Resource Center to access tailored advice for building a strong, skilled, and compassionate healthcare team.