Physical Therapist Assistant & Aide Interview Questions & Answers

Physical therapist assistants and aides are supervised by physical therapists to help patients regain movement and manage pain after injuries and illnesses.

Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail
• Physical stamina
• Compassion
• Dexterity

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for Physical Therapist Assistant & Aide positions. We also discuss the qualities that interviewers look for in successful candidates. In other words, we’re here to help you out!

Also, read more about frequently asked job interview questions here and check our job interview preparation checklist.

Skills Interviewers Look For In Successful Candidates

Below we discuss the skills you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.

Compassion

Why interviewers are interested in how compassionate you are:

Physical therapist assistants and aides should enjoy helping people. They work with people who are in pain and must have the empathy to help their patients.

Attention to detail

Why interviewers are interested in your attention to detail:

Physical therapist assistants and aides should be organized, keep accurate records, and follow written and verbal instructions carefully to ensure quality care.

Dexterity

Why interviewers are interested in your dexterity:

Physical therapist assistants should be comfortable using their hands to provide manual therapy and therapeutic exercises. Aides should also be comfortable working with their hands to set up equipment and prepare treatment areas.

Interpersonal skills

Why interviewers are interested in your interpersonal skills:

Physical therapist assistants and aides spend much of their time interacting with patients, their families, and other healthcare practitioners; therefore, they should be courteous and friendly.

Learn more about interpersonal skills interview questions and how to answer them!

Physical stamina

Why interviewers are interested in your physical stamina:

Physical therapist assistants and aides are frequently on their feet and moving as they work with their patients. They must often kneel, stoop, bend, and stand for long periods.

(source: bls.gov)

Physical Therapist Assistant & Aide Job Interview Questions & Answers

During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:

• Employment history
• Skills and abilities
• Accomplishments
• Job qualifications
• Educational background
• Career goals
• Personality

Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.

Examples Of General Physical Therapist Assistant & Aide Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. How would you describe yourself?
3. Why do you want to work here?
4. What interests you about this position?
5. Walk me through your resume.
6. What motivates you?
7. Why are you leaving your current job?
8. Describe your work ethic.
9. What is your greatest strength?
10. How does your experience qualify you for this job?
11. What is your greatest weakness?
12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
13. Tell me about a challenging work situation and how you overcame it.
14. What are your expectations for this position?
15. What are your career goals?
16. Why should we hire you?
17. What did you like most about your last position?
18. What did you like least about your last position?
19. How do you handle stress?
20. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Learn how to answer these common job interview questions!

Examples Of Specific Physical Therapist Assistant & Aide Behavioral Interview Questions

Learn more about answering behavioral interview questions by using the STAR interview technique.

1. What is your approach to keeping accurate records and carefully following written and verbal instructions to ensure quality care for patients?
2. How do you plan, organize, and prioritize your workday? Can you give me an example of a typical workday?
3. Give me an example of how you provide personal assistance to a colleague or physical therapist.
4. What would you do if a patient decides to stop working with you? Can you give an example?
5. How would you work with a patient who suffers from a mental disorder or dementia?
6. What is your approach to keeping the treatment areas and treatment equipment clean?
7. Tell me about a time you failed. What happened, and why?
8. How would you make sure a patient would get the right treatment if you had to travel to their home to perform your duties?
9. What methods do you use to overcome difficulties when you’re working with patients. Can you give me an example?
10. Tell me how you deal with stubborn patients who do not listen to your instructions or treatment? Can you give me an example?

Learn more about questions to ask the interviewer during your job interview.