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Physical Therapist- Outpatient- Registry

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab · Northbrook, IL · Part time

Posted Oct 2, 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 whose progress stalled and how you changed your approach.

What they are checking: Clinical reasoning and flexibility when standard approaches fail.

Tell me about a time you worked with a team you had just met.

What they are checking: Collaboration skills when stepping into new teams as a registry therapist.

How do you keep up with current research in outpatient physical therapy?

What they are checking: Commitment to evidence-based practice in a research-focused organization.

What would you do

How do you get comfortable quickly in an outpatient clinic as a registry therapist?

What they are checking: Adaptability and fast learning across systems and teams.

How do you treat a patient seen by another therapist last week whose plan you did not write?

What they are checking: Respecting the existing plan while using judgment to adjust when needed.

A patient tells you their home exercises are not working and they want to stop. What do you say?

What they are checking: Motivational skill and willingness to adjust the program.

About the work

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

What they are checking: A thorough musculoskeletal evaluation with screening for serious conditions.

Which outcome measures do you use in outpatient, and how do they guide your decisions?

What they are checking: Whether they practice the outcome-driven care the posting stresses, using numbers to steer treatment choices.

How do you treat a patient with a neurological condition in a busy outpatient schedule?

What they are checking: Skill with complex neuro patients that this hospital sees often.

How do you keep your notes clear so the next therapist can follow your thinking?

What they are checking: Documentation that supports continuity in a registry model.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions. By joining our team, you’ll be part of our life-changing mission and vision. You’ll contribute to an innovative, multifaceted culture that is second to none — one that embraces collaboration, excellence, discovery and compassion. You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes — as we Advance Human Ability, together. Job Description Summary The Physical Therapist serves as a clinical expert in optimizing patient function and mobility through scientifically validated interventions. This role emphasizes the integration of current research, outcome-driven methodologies, and patient-centered care to promote recovery and adaptation to physical limitations. The Physical Therapist will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute. The Physical Therapist will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties. Job Description The Physical Therapist will: • Conducts advanced evaluations of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems using validated assessment tools to inform individualized treatment plans. • Determines suitability for treatment based on patient evaluation results. Delivers therapeutic interventions based on the latest clinical research and best practice standards. • Designs and continuously adapts rehabilitation programs based on patient progress, emerging evidence, and functional outcome measures. • Establishes patient centered and functional therapy goals utilizing evidence-based outcome measurement tools. • Discusses evaluation results, goals, and treatment plans with patient, providing education and support as needed. • Leads and participates in patient discharge planning including developing an in-home program when appropriate. • Documents patient evaluation and progress, maintaining compliant records for physician communication, insurance carriers, and regulatory agencies. • Prescribes and recommends appropriate devices necessary to assist patients in performing physical activities such as wheelchairs, mobility aides, bath equipment, and prosthetic and orthopedic devices. Partners with physicians and other providers to complete DME delivery and fitting. • Supports the development of future professionals by supervising and guiding physical therapy students in accordance with academic standards and evidence-based practice. • Supports innovation in rehabilitation by collaborating on research projects and integrating emerging evidence into clinical practice. • Performs all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Reporting Relationships • Reports directly to assigned Clinical Manager, Therapy Manager, or Supervisor. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required • Knowledge of anatomy and physiology and physical therapy treatments and modalities at a level normally acquired through completion of Doctoral degree from an accredited school of physical therapy. • Licensed to practice in the State of Illinois. • Current CPR or BLS certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross required. • Understanding of the growth and development of infant, child, adolescent and geriatric patients. • Interpersonal skills to interact with physicians, patients and families in providing therapy and exchanging patient progress information. • Analytical ability to determine priorities, provide input regarding the development of departmental policies, procedures and clinical best practices • Ability to lift 20 to 50 pounds occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds frequently to transfer and position patients. Working Conditions • Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature. • Some exposure to infectious diseases when working with patients. • May include exposure to community, home, work, school and off-site clinic settings. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Pay and Benefits*: Pay Range: Benefits: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab offers a comprehensive benefits program that is competitive with our industry peers in our geographic locations: https://www.sralab.org/benefits *Benefits and benefits’ eligibility can vary by position. Benefits Learn about the benefits of working at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, including vacation hour, healthcare plans, 401k and more. Benefits Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, order of protection status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other characteristics protected by law. EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law - Know Your Rights | View our Full Policy Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Affirmative Action Employer as required by law.

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