Nervous for your upcoming physical therapy aide interview? You’re not alone. One way to feel less nervous is to practice answering relevant questions.
You can also feel less nervous by knowing that your interviewers need someone like you. In the next 10 years, employment for physical therapy aides and assistants may increase by 19%. This means that if you’re prepared for your PTA interview, you have a great chance of succeeding.
7 common questions in physical therapy aide interviews
Physical therapy interviews focus on aspects beyond your education. These aspects may include your interpersonal and ethical communication. Here are seven common questions in physical therapy aide interviews:
- What inspired you to want to work as a physical therapy aide?
This question helps an interviewer understand your driving force. Your driving force also highlights what you hope to get out of working as a physical therapy aide.
You can prepare for this question by reflecting on your journey toward this interview. You may ask yourself the following questions: (1) “What aspects of being a physical therapy aide interest me the most?” and (2) “What do I find most rewarding about being a physical therapy aide?” Challenge yourself to go beyond the common answer of “helping people” — what about being a physical therapy aide speaks to you? For example, you may value improving patient outcomes. According to research, physical therapy aides can play a key role in maintaining positive patient outcomes.
- Can you describe an experience you’ve had in a physical therapy or health care environment?
This question helps an interviewer determine whether you can do the job in an effective way, so the experience you discuss should connect with the job requirements of a physical therapy aide.
To prepare for this question, you can ask yourself, “When have I used similar skills listed in the job posting for a physical therapy aide?” For example, you may have had a memorable experience caring for a specific patient or while doing administrative work. If you have limited experience, think about past internships and college courses that are relevant to the skills for a PTA position.
To answer this question, identify your key responsibilities going into the experience. You should also discuss any patient interactions that were a part of the experience. Additionally, you should mention any specialized training or certifications from your experience. Finally, you should discuss the qualities you have that helped you navigate the experience.
- Can you describe a time when you worked as a member of a team? What was your job and how did you help your team meet their goal?
This question helps an interviewer determine whether you can work well in a team setting. This is important for your interview because physical therapy involves significant collaboration.
To prepare for this question, you may ask yourself, “What skills have I demonstrated as a team member that align with those of a physical therapy aide?” For example, you may have recorded a patient’s medical history and then communicated that to your team.
- Can you describe a time when you experienced a sudden change in your work environment and adapted to it?
This question helps an interviewer assess your ability to problem-solve and adapt to changes in an efficient manner.
To prepare for this question, you may ask yourself, “Have I ever filled in for an absent colleague or helped a patient in an emergency?”
When answering this question, you should consider describing how you rank assignments. For example, your process may involve time sensitivity or order of importance. You may also describe how you managed several patients at once.
- How would you define patient safety in a physical therapy environment? How would you ensure it?
This question helps an interviewer assess whether you understand physical therapy safety procedures. This question also helps an interviewer determine if you can help maintain the safety of a physical therapy environment.
To prepare for this question, consider times when you have had to handle equipment and/or helped patients move.
When answering this question, consider how you have handled technical problems with equipment. The goal is for you to emphasize your ability to manage equipment efficiently. You should also mention the safety procedures that you are familiar with, which may include observing patients for signs of pain. Finally, you should consider stating any safety training that you have had and why this knowledge is important for patient health.
- How would you communicate with a patient who is unsatisfied with their treatment?
This question helps an interviewer assess your ability to handle a standard health care situation. In particular, it is important for a physical aide to explain information to a patient in a concise and relatable manner. Your interpersonal and problem-solving skills are key aspects of being a physical therapy aide.
To prepare for this question, consider times when you’ve interacted with people unsatisfied with their care. You may ask yourself, “What do I value most when communicating with others?” and “How do I make sure that I understand a person’s message?” If you haven’t interacted with patients directly, then you can discuss experiences in which you effectively communicated information to someone else.
When answering this question, you should highlight why it is important for a patient to follow their treatment plan for their health. Next, consider discussing ways to more effectively communicate with the patient. For example, you may describe asking the patient why that patient is unsatisfied with the treatment plan. You may also discuss recommendations you could make to the patient’s physical therapist to help meet the patient’s expectations. For instance, if a patient is unsatisfied because they feel their treatment plan is overwhelming, you could discuss how you might recommend that the patient’s treatment plan be updated with more easily manageable goals.
- How would you communicate with a patient who is going through emotional difficulties?
This question helps the physical therapy aide interviewer assess your ability to show empathy.
To prepare for this question, you may ask yourself, “How do I use communication to help a patient have a better experience?”
When answering this question, you should focus on how you emphasized with a patient in a particular situation. Then you may describe why the kind of emotional support that you provided was effective.
Interested in interviewing for a physical therapy aide position? Join our team at Peak Performance
Considering interviewing for a physical therapy aide position? At Peak Performance, our team values competent, compassionate care. We welcome those who accept challenges and are passionate about helping patients.
As an Alliance Physical Therapy Partner, Peak Performance forms a part of a network of physical therapy clinics. Our growing practice can offer you the opportunity for education and experience.
Call us today for more information about a physical aide therapy interview.
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