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Physical Therapist, Outpatient - PRN

Mercyhealth · Freeport, IL · $38.80–$58.20 an hour · Per diem

Posted Sep 23, 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 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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The full job description

As published by Mercyhealth.

OVERVIEW Provides individualized physical therapy care by evaluating patient needs and developing treatment plans using exercise, manual therapy, and other therapeutic techniques. Collaborates with physicians and care teams, maintains accurate documentation, and supports quality improvement, staff mentoring, and education programs. SCHEDULE: PRN SHIFT: Days 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: $38.80 - $58.20 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 benefits, including retirement, time off, on-demand pay, access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and more. Click here for more details. 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

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