If you’re applying for your next, or first, role as a physical therapist, preparing for the interview is just as important as having the right qualifications. I’ve been in this field long enough to know that hiring managers ask more than just about education and licenses. They want to understand how you think, how you treat patients, how you communicate, and how you fit into a healthcare team. This guide will walk you through the top physical therapist interview questions, what they aim to evaluate, and how to prepare strong, clear answers.

General Interview Format: What to Expect

Most physical therapy interviews are structured to evaluate both technical knowledge and interpersonal skills. Depending on the setting, the process may include:

• Phone screening with a recruiter
• In-person or panel interviews with supervisors and team members
• Case-based or situational questions related to patient care

Before the interview, make sure you bring or prepare:

• Your updated resume
• Copies of your relevant certifications
• A short list of your past clinical experience
• Research on your potential employer

Categories of Physical Therapist Interview Questions

1. Career Motivation & Goals

Interviewers want to understand why you chose this field and what drives your interest in physical therapy.

Examples:

• Why did you become a physical therapist?
• What do you enjoy most about treating patients?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?

These questions assess your long-term goals, values, and your fit with the team. Speak clearly about what brought you to the field of physical therapy, whether it was a personal injury, a volunteer experience, or a natural interest in how the human body works.

2. Clinical Experience & Patient Care

Your answers here should reflect how you approach treatment and how you handle different patient needs.

Common questions:

• How do you create patient treatment plans?
• How do you measure patient progress?
• How do you assess when to change or adapt treatment?

What they’re looking for:

• Evidence of personalized care
• Use of both subjective and objective tools
• Understanding of treatment flexibility

Tips: Include examples from your clinical experience. Describe how you set achievable goals and track progress across visits. Mention if you use paper notes or digital tools. Make it clear how your method benefits patient care and outcomes.

3. Working With Different Patient Populations

Physical therapists often work with a wide range of patients, from children to seniors.

Interview questions may include:

• Have you worked with pediatric patients or geriatric patients?
• How do you approach patients with chronic conditions or chronic pain?

What this tells employers:

• Your comfort level with specific age groups
• Your ability to adapt treatment to different physical and emotional needs

Use this opportunity to explain how you build rapport with different patient groups. Talk about techniques that help you connect with families, children, or elderly patients, especially when they may be discouraged or frustrated.

4. Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Communication is an integral part of physical therapy. You’ll need to work with patients, family members, and other healthcare providers.

Expect questions like:

• How do you encourage patients to follow their home exercises?
• How do you communicate effectively with other healthcare providers?
• Describe how you explain treatment plans to non-clinical family members.

These questions assess how you handle collaboration and education. Be ready to give examples of how you use simple language to explain complex therapy methods. Share how you use empathy and compassion to support patient understanding.

5. Handling Difficult Situations

Interviewers want to know how you handle setbacks, resistance, or conflict.

Common prompts:

• Describe a time a patient was non-compliant. What did you do?
• What if a patient refuses treatment?
• How do you handle conflict with coworkers?

These questions gauge your problem-solving skills and emotional control. Share a time when you had to adjust your strategy for a patient with chronic pain who stopped showing progress. Or describe how you worked through a scheduling issue with a teammate. Focus on solutions, not just problems.

6. Lifelong Learning & Staying Current

The field of physical therapy changes with research and policy updates. Employers want candidates who stay current.

Interview questions often include:

• How do you keep up with the latest advancements?
• Do you attend industry conferences or continuing education courses?
• Are you a member of any professional associations?

Mention your participation in CEU courses, reading current literature, or membership in APTA. Show that you understand the importance of research, ethics, and evidence-based care.

Sample Answers Using the STAR Method

What Employers Are Looking For

Most potential employers want more than clinical knowledge. They’re looking for candidates who can:

• Communicate clearly
• Build patient trust
• Work well with other healthcare providers
• Show compassion and empathy
• Track patient progress effectively
• Manage time and documentation

They may also watch for red flags like vague answers, lack of examples, poor communication, or signs of burnout.

Questions to Ask the Employer

Your interview is also your chance to assess the fit. Here are questions that show preparation and insight:

• What is the patient-to-therapist ratio?
• How are treatment plans developed, independently or as a team?
• Are there mentorship or training opportunities?
• How do you track patient outcomes?
• What is the most common patient population at your facility?

These questions demonstrate your values, curiosity, and focus on patient care.

Tips for New Grads vs Experienced Therapists

For Recent Graduates:

• Emphasize clinical experience and internships
• Talk about the soft skills you’ve developed, communication, empathy, attention to detail
• Be honest about what you’re eager to learn, and how you’re preparing

For Experienced PTs:

• Share examples of measurable results from patient care
• Talk about your ability to lead, train, or support new therapists
• Highlight your continued learning and certifications

Final Interview Checklist

Use this checklist to prepare:

• Print copies of your resume and certifications
• Practice answering 10–15 top interview questions
• Prepare a few STAR stories
• Research your potential employer
• Dress professionally
• Prepare 2–3 questions to ask the hiring team
• Bring a notebook for notes if needed

Conclusion

Preparing for a physical therapy interview means being ready to explain how you treat patients, track progress, communicate with healthcare providers, and adapt to different patient populations. By using clear examples, focusing on patient care, and showing your knowledge of treatment plans and professional growth, you’ll stand out as a strong candidate. Whether you’re a recent graduate or have years of experience, the goal is to show how you bring value to the team. If you’re ready for your next role, Flagstar Rehab can connect you with the right opportunity.

Ready to Start?

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, Flagstar Rehab helps physical therapists find the right opportunities across clinical and specialty settings. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced clinician, we connect you with teams that match your strengths and values.

FAQs

Why should we hire you as a physical therapist?

You should hire me because I focus on patient care, communicate effectively with both patients and other healthcare providers, and have strong problem-solving skills. I create clear treatment plans based on each patient’s goals, track their progress, and adjust as needed. I also value lifelong learning and keep up with the latest research and techniques in the field of physical therapy.

What type of questions are asked in a physiotherapy interview?

Physiotherapy interviews usually include a mix of behavioral, clinical, and communication-based questions. You may be asked about how you create patient treatment plans, how you measure success or patient progress, and how you work with pediatric patients, geriatric patients, or those with chronic pain. Employers also ask about your ability to communicate effectively, handle unique challenges, and work with other healthcare providers.

What questions do physical therapists ask?

Physical therapists often ask questions to better understand the patient’s goals, symptoms, and lifestyle. For example:

• What activities or movements cause your pain?
• What are your goals for therapy?
• How has this injury or condition affected your daily life?
• Do you have any previous treatment history?