Jobs › Mercyhealth

Physical Therapist, Outpatient

Mercyhealth · Freeport, IL · $80,717–$121,075 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 23, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

Apply at Mercyhealth

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 patient where you found something that needed to go back to the physician, like a red flag.

What they are checking: Whether they recognize problems outside PT's scope and refer back quickly.

Tell me about a time you mentored a student or new therapist.

What they are checking: Whether they can teach and support others, which the posting lists as part of the role.

What PI or CQI project have you been part of in an outpatient clinic?

What they are checking: Whether they contribute to improving outcomes and processes, not just treating their own caseload.

What would you do

A post-op knee patient is not meeting range of motion goals at four weeks. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they adjust the plan and talk with the surgeon before the window for gains closes.

A patient keeps missing appointments and is not improving. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they address attendance directly and find out what barriers are in the way.

How do you handle a patient who wants passive treatments only and resists exercise?

What they are checking: Whether they can educate and motivate patients toward active participation in recovery.

About the work

Walk me through your evaluation of a patient with low back pain who was referred for therapy.

What they are checking: Whether they evaluate thoroughly, screen for red flags and build a plan from their findings.

How do you decide which manual techniques or physical agents to use, and when to stop using them?

What they are checking: Whether they use passive treatments with purpose and move patients toward active care.

How do you keep up with documentation on 10-hour days with a full schedule?

What they are checking: Whether they finish timely, accurate notes that support coding and billing.

How do you communicate progress to a referring physician in a way that is useful to them?

What they are checking: Whether they share clear, relevant updates that help the physician make decisions.

How do you set up a home exercise program that patients will actually follow?

What they are checking: Whether they design simple, realistic programs that build independence after discharge.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Mercyhealth from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Mercyhealth.

OVERVIEW Provides comprehensive physical therapy evaluations and develops individualized treatment plans using exercise, manual techniques, and other therapeutic interventions to improve patient outcomes. Collaborates with physicians and other healthcare professionals, maintains accurate documentation, and contributes to performance improvement, staff mentoring, and education initiatives. SCHEDULE: 40 hours per week, approximately five weekends per year SHIFT: 10-hour shifts, 9am-6pm ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Integrates subjective and objective data to establish a treatment plan. • Utilizes exercise, physical agents, and manual techniques to address deficits. • Maintains a thorough record of services provided with appropriate coding and billing. • Communicates with other disciplines and referring providers to enhance outcomes. • Performs thorough and timely electronic documentation • Strengths in care delivery as evidenced by peer review feedback; consistently demonstrates advanced evaluation and treatment techniques • Participates actively in the PI and CQI process • Assists in the orientation, training and mentoring of new partners • Participates in cost saving initiatives within the department • Takes an active role in the performance improvement process • Maintain a high standard of patient care and provide effective communication between physical therapists, assistants and the physician group • Plans and conducts lectures and training programs on physical therapy and related topics for medical staff, students and community groups. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE Graduate of an accredited school of Physical Therapy CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE Licensed as a physical therapist in WI, IL or both if required CPR/BLS required within 90 days of hire LEVEL OF SUPERVISION Some independent judgement is required, based upon scope of practice and within professional standards. PAY RANGE: $80,716.59 - $121,074.89 Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including: • Medical, Dental, Vision • Life & Disability Insurance • FSA/HSA Options • Generous, accruing paid time off • Paid Parental and caregiver leave • Career advancement and educational opportunities • Tuition and certification reimbursement • Certification Reimbursement • Well-being Programs • Employee Discounts • On-Demand Pay • Financial Education • Annual recognition/awards events • Partner appreciation days • Family entertainment/attractions discount • Community service/improvement opportunities Click here for more details regarding Mercyhealth Careers Benefit Information. At Mercyhealth, we don’t simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including: • #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50 • One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers • A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women

Apply at Mercyhealth

More physical therapist outpatient roles