Pre-Employment Tests For Physical Therapists
Top Skills and Abilities:
- Oral Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Critical Thinking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
Top 3 Tasks:
- Perform diagnostic exams to identify patient problems
- Plan and design personalized treatment routines to improve functioning, prevent injury, and alleviate pain in patients
- Evaluate patient progress and instruct patients in how to continue the treatment process at home
Overview
The demand for physical therapists is growing dramatically as a large proportion of the population ages, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting an extraordinary 25% increase in physical therapy jobs between 2016 and 2026. Physical therapy plays an integral role in both preventative medicine and rehabilitation. Physical therapists examine and evaluate a patient’s physical functionality and provide treatment plans to decrease pain, improve mobility, and mitigate symptoms related to disease or injury. Working with patients to improve physical health can be a rewarding career for those with a service orientation who enjoy enriching the lives of others. Physical therapists also need to possess critical thinking ability so that they can evaluate and solve the problems of their patients.
Requirements
All states require physical therapists to be licensed, and many require a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. DPT programs are generally 3-years, and most of these programs require applicants to have completed a bachelor’s degree. Some physical therapists may go on to complete a residency in physical therapy, after which they may decide to become more specialized through a fellowship. After completing training, physical therapists must be licensed by passing the National Physical Therapy Examination.
Assessments for Physical Therapists
Aside from in-depth scientific knowledge and problem solving abilities, physical therapists need to be patient, relaxed, and cooperative around their patients. Two tests that employers most frequently administer to physical therapy candidates are the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) and the Employee Personality Profile (EPP). The CCAT measures general intelligence, or the ability to solve problems, learn new skills, and think critically. The EPP is a personality test that evaluates how well-suited a candidate’s personality traits are for a position requiring heavy interaction with customers.
If you're an employer interested in previewing these tests, start a 14-day free trial or book a consultation to learn more.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor