10 Basic Questions to Ask When Observing a Physical Therapist
It can be a bit nerve-wracking when it is time to find a place where you can acquire observation hours. However, it is (most of the time) a necessary component of the application process for many health professions. Asking solid introductory questions is a great way to break the ice and get to know the PT you are observing. In this post, I’ll discuss 10 basic questions to ask when observing a physical therapist.
1. Where did you go to PT school and what did you like/dislike about the program?
This could be a great opportunity to learn about your programs of interest and maybe even add a few to your list.
2. What got you initially interested in physical therapy?
This is a great way to break the ice when first observing.
3. What was your favorite part of PT school?
If you are looking forward to PT school, asking this question can really give you some perspective about pursuing an additional degree. As well as giving pre-PTs something to look forward to.
4. How do you think I should prepare for PT school?
This is a great question to ask all PTs you encounter, they might have great advice for you and could help you avoid making their mistakes.
5. What does physical therapy mean to you?
As a future PT, you want to hear about their love for the career and why they continue to pursue it. I think that hearing other people’s reasonings for loving physical therapy can unlock inspirations for you that you weren’t even aware of. I found it a lot easier to be able to clearly convey why I was interested in physical therapy once I had spoken to a multitude of people that gave me their own perspectives.
6. What is your ultimate goal in this field?
This is the best opportunity to hear about aspects of the field separate from traditional practice.
7. What kinds of PT settings have you worked at and how did you like them?
This is the best opportunity to hear about various PT settings and what they’re like to work in. Check out my blog post: Top 12 Physical Therapy Observation Locations.
8. Are you interested in any other jobs in the future?
Similar to number 6, this question is a great way to learn about more opportunities that are at your disposal after PT school. Oftentimes, you learn about people working in different settings than planned, maybe they thought they would be working in pediatrics, but eventually found themselves pursuing travel therapy and really loving it. There are also some clinicians who decide to pursue residencies in specific subjects, and even some who decide to further their education and become instructors for other PT students. Some, after practicing as a PT for a while, decide that they want to immerse themselves in advocacy and legal rights within the physical therapy community. There’s a multitude of options and I believe that learning about this is a great way to further your knowledge about the field as a whole and how you might fit into it.
9. What would you say are the pros/cons of the career?
This question is really important because it highlights some of the potential downsides of the field (really in any healthcare profession). I believe that when deciding on your career, you should be well-informed about both the positives and the negatives.
10. What questions do you think I should be asking you and other therapists?
I think this is a great question to ask when you really don’t know. They have all been in your position at one time and might have advice for what important questions they think you should be asking.
Those are 10 basic questions to ask a PT while observing! I hope you find these questions interesting. Feel free to include your own questions down below, I would love to hear your thoughts! For more unique questions to ask, check out my previous post: 14 Unique Questions to Ask While Observing a Physical Therapist. Be on the lookout for more information about gaining observation hours!
Best of luck to everyone applying!
