Physical Therapist, Outpatient - PRN
Posted Sep 23, 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 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.
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Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by Mercyhealth.