Physical Therapist Interview Preparation Guide

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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.

Reveals more about history.

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

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.

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.

Neuro Developmental Technique (Also Known As Bobath Technique)

drained of energy or effectiveness
The pelvic tilt alleviates tight or fatigued lower back muscles.

reduce to small pieces or particles by pounding or abrading
Partial sit-ups or crunches strengthen the abdominal muscles.

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.

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.

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.

Shows communication skills.

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.

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.

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.

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.

a program for restoring someone to good health
Beginning after 4 - 8 weeks of pain, however, a rehabilitation program may benefit the patient.

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.

Shows attention to detail.

This is one of the most common questions asked during an interview so you need to have your answer memorized. To determine your strengths, think of the job- related skills that others compliment you on. Are you a patient person? Good listener? Provide amazing customer service? Have a great clinical skill?

Small Base Quad Cane (Also Known As a Narrow Base Quad Cane (Nbqc))

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.

Tests interpersonal skills.

You should mention all therapy methods and treatments you have experience with. If you achieved something great in your last job, for example helping someone to overcome a seemingly hopeless situation (helping them to recover their full range of movement, or fitness), you can narrate this story in an interview. Everyone loves stories, and the HR managers will remember your answer better when it is a story.

This question is being asked to see your level of excitement during the interview. Tell the interviewer how being a Physical Therapist is very rewarding. You work with patients one-on-one, see them progress through treatment and know that you are really making a difference in their lives. Whether your patient's problem is a result of injury or disease your role is to foster the patient's return to maximal function. Talk about your current experience or where you see the career field going in the future. Be upbeat and positive and you’ll be sure to knock this one out of the park.