Jobs › Sanford Health

Physical Therapist - Inpatient & Outpatient - FT

Sanford Health · Rice Lake, WI · $40.00–$57.00 an hour · Full time

Posted Jul 30, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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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 a time you changed a patient's plan of care because they were not progressing.

What they are checking: Willingness to reassess and modify rather than repeat a plan that is not working.

How do you bring current research into your daily treatment?

What they are checking: Whether evidence actually changes what they do, which the posting asks for directly.

Tell me about a time a patient or family disagreed with your recommendation. How did you handle it?

What they are checking: Respectful, honest communication while keeping patient safety central.

What would you do

An inpatient you saw yesterday is now on your outpatient schedule after discharge. How do you use that continuity?

What they are checking: Seeing the value of following a patient across settings and handing off clean information.

A patient's insurance limits the number of visits. How do you plan care around that?

What they are checking: Making the most of limited visits through prioritized goals and strong home programs.

About the work

You split time between inpatient and outpatient. How do your evaluation goals differ between the two settings?

What they are checking: Whether they shift from safe discharge and function on the floor to long-term goals in the clinic.

Walk me through your evaluation of a new outpatient with low back pain.

What they are checking: A structured exam with red-flag screening and a plan tied to the findings, not a stock protocol.

How do you build a home exercise program that a patient will actually do?

What they are checking: Practical patient education, which the posting names as part of the job.

How do you adjust your treatment for an older adult compared to a young athlete with the same injury?

What they are checking: Age-appropriate care, which the posting calls out as a required skill.

How do you supervise a physical therapist assistant who shares your patients?

What they are checking: Understanding of supervision rules and keeping the plan consistent across providers.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Sanford Health.

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. 

 Work Shift: 8 Hours - Day Shifts (United States of America)

 Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

 Compensation: Salary Range: $40.00 - $57.00

Sign on Bonus! $20,000 with a commitment

 Union Position: No

 Department Details Summary Plans, organizes and delivers physical therapy programs that help clients/patients/residents recover and improve their mobility, relieve pain, increase strength and prevent deformities. Conducts examinations, evaluations, and interventions clients/patients/residents who are affected by injury or disease. Job Description Utilizes tools and techniques to administer physical therapy interventions following safeguards. Documents client's/patient's/resident's information for evaluation; establishes therapeutic plans and modifies them if necessary. Educates clients/patients/residents and their family members about treatment plans/schedules and self-exercises to be continued at home. Knowledge of and utilizes appropriate age-related treatments and evaluations relating to the needs of clients/patients/residents. Demonstrate and incorporate knowledge of current research into daily treatment of clients/patients/residents. May treat individuals of all ages with varying diagnosis and disorders. Will demonstrate documentation in accordance with departmental guidelines and meet all regulatory requirements. Demonstrates level of treatment associated with their specialty provided to their clients/patients/residents. Follows and adheres to accepted clinical practice guidelines of professional organization. Exhibits flexibility with acceptance of variable work schedules/assignments. Participates in activities to promote the department, Good Samaritan Society and Sanford Health. Will be interacting with individuals outside of the department including but not limited to: providers, case managers, third party payers, public organizations, companies/contractual partners, etc. May be asked to supervise assistants, aides, and students as they provide client/patient/resident care, treatment, or other services. Will be expected to provide ongoing education and training to peers in the area(s) of expertise as determined by the department leadership. Performs other related duties as requested by manager. Based on facility needs and assigned locations, may focus on those receiving intervention in the post-acute, long term care and home health care environments. Qualifications Appropriate education level required in accordance with state licensure. Must be licensed in the state(s) of practice as a Physical Therapist. When applicable, may require valid driver's license. Obtains and subsequently maintains required department specific competencies and certifications. Basic Life Support (BLS) for health care providers required or within the first 60 days of employment. Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-949-5678 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.

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