Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Physical Therapy Technician Roles – 2025

Are you ready for your upcoming interview for a physical therapy technician job? These 20 questions and answers will help you demonstrate your expertise in the field, your ability to handle challenging situations, and your cultural fit with the company. Whether you’re applying for a role in a hospital, rehab facility, or private practice, these questions will cover all the necessary aspects of the job.

Behavioral Questions

• 1. Tell us about a difficult patient you’ve worked with in the past. How did you handle the situation?
  A: As a physical therapy technician, I encounter challenging patients often. In one instance, I had a patient who was initially resistant to following the treatment plan. I took the time to listen to their concerns and address any fears or hesitations they had. I also collaborated with the physical therapist to modify the treatment plan to better suit the patient’s needs. By building a trusting relationship and adapting the plan, the patient eventually became more engaged in their therapy.
• 2. Describe a time when you had to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. How did you prioritize and manage your time?
  A: In my previous role, I was responsible for assisting multiple therapists in the clinic while also managing administrative duties. To prioritize my tasks, I used a to-do list and set realistic deadlines. I also communicated with the therapists to understand their immediate needs and timeline for each patient. This allowed me to efficiently manage my time and ensure all tasks were completed.
• 3. Can you tell us about a time when you had to handle a difficult coworker? How did you resolve the conflict?
  A: During my time as a physical therapy technician, I had a coworker who was frequently argumentative and uncooperative. I approached them calmly and addressed their behavior, expressing how it was impacting our team and the patients. I also suggested a more collaborative approach and offered to work together to find solutions. By open communication and finding common ground, we were able to resolve the conflict and improve our working relationship.

Situational Questions

• 4. Imagine a patient is becoming frustrated and agitated during a therapy session. How would you handle the situation?
  A: In this situation, I would remain calm and maintain a professional demeanor. I would try to understand the reason for their frustration and address it accordingly. If necessary, I would involve the physical therapist and collaborate on alternative strategies to ensure the patient is comfortable and progressing in their treatment.
• 5. If you notice a patient is not making progress, how would you adapt the treatment plan?
  A: In this scenario, I would communicate my observations with the physical therapist and offer suggestions for modifying the treatment plan. This could include adjusting exercises, incorporating new techniques, or increasing the frequency of therapy sessions. Collaborating with the therapist and regularly monitoring progress will ensure the patient is receiving the best care possible.
• 6. In a situation where a patient is feeling discouraged, how do you motivate them to continue with their treatment?
  A: I would begin by acknowledging their feelings and offering words of encouragement. I would also remind them of their progress so far and discuss the potential positive outcomes of completing the treatment plan. Additionally, I would collaborate with the physical therapist to modify the exercises or incorporate new techniques to keep the patient engaged and motivated.

Technical Questions

• 7. How do you ensure patient safety during therapy sessions?
  A: Patient safety is our top priority in physical therapy sessions. I make sure equipment is properly set up and sanitized before each use. I also closely monitor patients during exercises and provide assistance when necessary. In addition, I regularly check for any potential hazards in the therapy area and address them immediately.
• 8. Can you explain the difference between passive and active range of motion?
  A: Passive range of motion refers to movements performed by the therapist or technician on the patient’s body to improve joint flexibility and muscle strength. Active range of motion is when the patient performs the movements themselves. Both are important in rehabilitation, but passive range of motion is typically used when the patient is unable to do so on their own.
• 9. How do you document patient progress and treatment details?
  A: I use electronic medical records to document patient progress and treatment details. I ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date, including any changes in treatment plans or exercises. I also maintain thorough and organized records for easy access and reference.

Cultural Fit Questions

• 10. What motivates you to work in the field of physical therapy?
  A: I am passionate about helping people recover from injuries or improve their quality of life. Working in the field of physical therapy allows me to make a positive impact on patients’ lives, which is highly motivating for me.
• 11. How do you stay updated on industry developments and best practices?
  A: I regularly attend seminars, workshops, and conferences to stay up-to-date on the latest industry developments and best practices. I also network with other professionals in the field and participate in online forums to exchange knowledge and insights.
• 12. Describe a situation where you went above and beyond for a patient.
  A: In one instance, I had a patient who was struggling with motivation and consistently missing therapy sessions. I took the time to talk to them and understand their challenges. I then came up with a personalized plan and offered to do home visits to ensure they received the necessary care. This helped the patient become more engaged in their treatment and ultimately achieve their goals.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 13. What experience do you have working with patients who have mobility limitations?
  A: I have experience working with patients of all ages and varying levels of mobility limitations. I have assisted with exercises, used adaptive equipment, and collaborated with physical therapists to develop customized treatment plans that cater to each patient’s specific needs.
• 14. Do you have any experience working with pediatric patients?
  A: Yes, I have experience working with pediatric patients. I have helped children improve their motor skills, coordination, and strength through fun and engaging therapy sessions. I also have experience communicating with their parents or guardians to keep them updated on progress and provide at-home exercises.
• 15. Can you provide an example of a successful treatment plan you have implemented?
  A: I worked with a patient who had a severe knee injury and was struggling with mobility. By collaborating with the physical therapist, we developed a comprehensive treatment plan that included exercises, manual therapy, and the use of adaptive equipment. The patient made significant progress, and I continued to modify the plan to help them fully recover and regain their mobility.

Cultural Fit Questions

• 16. What quality do you think is most important for a physical therapy technician to possess?
  A: I believe empathy is the most important quality for a physical therapy technician. Understanding and connecting with patients on a personal level is crucial in helping them through their rehabilitation process.
• 17. How would your coworkers describe you?
  A: My coworkers would describe me as a team player who is reliable, detail-oriented, and always eager to help. I prioritize communication, organization, and efficiency in my work, and I believe this has earned me the respect and trust of my colleagues.
• 18. What values are important to you in a workplace?
  A: Respect, collaboration, and growth are important values to me in a workplace. I value a positive and inclusive work environment where everyone’s contributions are valued and opportunities for personal and professional development are available.
• 19. What attracted you to this company?
  A: I was attracted to this company’s reputation for providing excellent patient care and its commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry. Additionally, the company’s values align with my own, and I believe I would thrive in its culture.
• 20. What do you hope to achieve in this role?
  A: In this role, I hope to continually improve my skills and knowledge in physical therapy and help as many patients as possible on their journey to recovery. I also hope to contribute to the company’s reputation and growth through my dedication and hard work.