Physical Therapist - Acute Care
Posted Sep 29, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026
Likely interview questions for this role
Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.
About your past
Tell me about working with a patient who had a lot of lines and tubes. How did you keep them safe?
What they are checking: Whether they are careful with lines and equipment during mobility.
How do you work with nurses and case managers on the unit?
What they are checking: Whether they communicate well with the team so discharge plans move forward.
You'll cover a weekend every five or six weeks and some holidays. How does that work for you?
What they are checking: Whether they can reliably cover the schedule the department depends on.
Tell me about a patient whose emotional state affected their recovery in the hospital.
What they are checking: Whether they bring the psychological sensitivity the posting asks for to acutely ill patients.
What would you do
You have a long list of patients and not enough time. How do you choose who gets seen first?
What they are checking: Whether they prioritize by discharge plans and medical need rather than convenience.
A patient's heart rate jumps and they get short of breath when you stand them up. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they recognize warning signs and respond safely in the moment.
A patient refuses therapy. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they find out why and try to engage the patient while respecting their right to refuse.
About the work
Walk me through how you decide whether a patient in the ICU is safe to get out of bed today.
What they are checking: Whether they check vitals, labs and lines and know when mobility is safe or should wait.
How do you recommend a discharge setting, like home, rehab or a skilled nursing facility?
What they are checking: Whether they combine function, home support and medical status into a sound recommendation.
How do you supervise PTAs and rehab techs in an acute setting?
What they are checking: Whether they delegate safely and stay responsible for the patients they assign.
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Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by Trinity Health.