Physical Therapy Assistant Interview Questions
Next, the interviewer may shift the focus to the candidate's technical skills and knowledge of physical therapy treatments and modalities, including their ability to perform therapeutic exercises, provide manual therapy, and use equipment such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation. The interviewer may also ask the candidate about their understanding of patient care techniques and goal setting, as well as their experience working with patients of various ages and physical conditions.
The interview may also include questions about the candidate's communication skills, including their ability to work effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals. The interviewer may also ask about the candidate's ability to handle challenging situations and work with patients who are experiencing pain or discomfort.
Finally, the interview may conclude with a discussion of the candidate's career goals and how they see themselves contributing to the success of the physical therapy department. The interviewer may also provide an overview of the job duties and expectations, as well as compensation and benefits.
Interviewer: Good morning/afternoon, can you tell me a little bit about your experience working as a physical therapy assistant?
Candidate: Sure, I have been working as a PTA for the past two years in a rehabilitation center. My responsibilities include assisting the physical therapist in patient treatment, exercises, and documenting patient progress.
Interviewer: Can you describe your knowledge and experience in anatomy and physiology?
Candidate: Yes, I have a solid understanding of human anatomy and physiology. I completed relevant coursework during my associate degree program in physical therapy assistant, as well as continuing education courses to stay current with new medical advances.
Interviewer: Can you tell me about a clinical challenge you have faced in your role as a PTA and how you overcame it?
Candidate: There have been several clinical challenges I’ve faced in my role as a PTA. For instance, I once had a patient who was not seeing any progress in her rehabilitation. I consulted with the physical therapist, and together we came up with a new treatment plan that ultimately helped the patient achieve her goals.
Interviewer: How do you manage your time effectively to ensure that you meet all patient care needs and documentation requirements?
Candidate: I plan my day out in advance, prioritize my tasks, and ensure that I allocate the appropriate amount of time for each one. I also communicate with the physical therapist and other team members to ensure that we are working together effectively.
Interviewer: Can you explain how you ensure patient safety during treatments?
Candidate: Patient safety is critical, and I always ensure that the patient is comfortable and secure during the treatment. I ensure that the equipment is functioning correctly, and I follow recommended safety protocols while administering care.
Interviewer: How do you communicate with patients who may be scared or resistant to treatments?
Candidate: I make an effort to explain the treatment process to the patient in a way that they can understand. I also try to build rapport and trust with the patient to reduce any anxiety or fear they may have.
Interviewer: Can you describe your experience working with patients who have mobility issues, such as those who are wheelchair-bound?
Candidate: I have worked with many patients who have mobility issues, including those who are wheelchair-bound. I am experienced in helping such patients with range of motion exercises, as well as wheelchair transfers.
Interviewer: How do you handle patient non-compliance or resistance to treatment?
Candidate: I try to understand why the patient is resistant, first by having an open conversation with them about their concerns. Then, we can work together to come up with a plan that works for them and encourages their participation.
Interviewer: Can you explain your approach to documentation and medical charting?
Candidate: I ensure that I document all relevant information in a timely manner and follow all state and federal regulations when it comes to documentation. I also ensure that the information is legible, accurate, and thorough.
Interviewer: How do you maintain professionalism and boundaries with patients?
Candidate: I follow patient confidentiality guidelines and maintain professional relationships based on mutual respect with patients. I remain courteous, empathetic, and maintain healthy professional boundaries while ensuring positive patient outcomes.
Interviewer: How do you educate patients on exercises and techniques they can do outside of physical therapy sessions to enhance their recovery?
Candidate: I ensure that patients are informed of specific at-home exercises, show them how to perform the exercises correctly, and provide educational materials, such as brochures or instructional videos.
Interviewer: Can you describe your ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists or nurses?
Candidate: I work well as part of a team and am always willing to collaborate with other healthcare professionals. I make an effort to keep the lines of communication open, share information and ensure that we are all working towards the same goals.
Interviewer: How do you stay current with new advancements in physical therapy and rehabilitation?
Candidate: I attend continuing education courses, read relevant literature, and attend conferences and seminars to stay informed about any new advancements in physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Interviewer: Can you tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision regarding patient care, and how you handled it?
Candidate: I once had a situation where a patient's care was not improving, and after consulting with my supervisor and healthcare team, we decided together to change the patient's treatment plan. We did the change in progress notes and had a conversation with the patient and their family to inform them of the change.
Interviewer: What is your approach to building rapport with patients and helping them feel comfortable during therapy sessions?
Candidate: I listen carefully to the patient's concerns and ensure that I provide a safe, comfortable and supportive environment during the therapy session. I am also friendly and approachable, making an effort to build rapport with patients and ensuring that they feel heard and supported throughout the process.
Scenario Questions
1. Scenario: A patient comes in unable to fully extend their knee due to quadriceps weakness. What exercises would you prescribe to improve their knee extension?
Candidate Answer: I would prescribe straight leg raises, squats, and lunges to improve quadriceps strength and knee extension range of motion.
2. Scenario: A patient has a knee injury and experiences pain when performing a squat. How would you modify their exercise program?
Candidate Answer: I would modify their program by decreasing the range of motion of the squat or using a different type of exercise, such as leg presses, to strengthen the same muscle groups without aggravating their knee pain.
3. Scenario: A patient has recently undergone spinal surgery and is experiencing limited mobility due to pain. How would you modify their exercise program to accommodate their condition?
Candidate Answer: I would modify their program by starting with low-impact exercises and gradually increasing intensity and duration as they build strength and mobility. I would also closely monitor their pain levels and adjust their program accordingly.
4. Scenario: A patient has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and is experiencing poor balance and coordination. What exercises would you prescribe to improve their balance and stability?
Candidate Answer: I would prescribe exercises such as single-leg stands, heel-to-toe walking, and side steps with a resistance band to improve their balance and stability.
5. Scenario: A patient has a shoulder injury and is experiencing pain during overhead movements. How would you modify their exercise program to alleviate their pain?
Candidate Answer: I would modify their program by avoiding overhead movements and focusing on exercises that target the rotator cuff, such as internal and external rotations using resistance bands or light dumbbells. I would also incorporate stretching and range of motion exercises to help alleviate their pain and prevent further injury.
Sample numeric data:
6. How many hours of direct patient care experience do you have as a Physical Therapy Assistant?
Candidate Answer: I have approximately 500 hours of direct patient care experience as a Physical Therapy Assistant.
Other question specifications:
7. Can you describe a time when you had to communicate with a difficult patient or family member? How did you handle the situation?
Candidate Answer: Yes, I had a patient who was resistant to participating in their therapy sessions and didn't seem to understand the importance of the exercises we were prescribing. I took the time to have a one-on-one conversation with them to address their concerns and understand their motivations. I also provided education and demonstrated the benefits of the exercises we were prescribing. Through regular communication and encouragement, I was able to help the patient make progress towards their goals.