Top interview questions to expect

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why physical therapy?
3. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a PTA?
4. How do you handle difficult patients?
5. What are your career goals?
6. Why do you want to work for this clinic/hospital?
7. How do you stay updated on the latest physical therapy techniques?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR framework is a structured way to answer interview questions that helps you clearly and concisely communicate your skills and experiences. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

When answering a question using the STAR framework, first describe the Situation or context in which the event took place. Then, explain the Task or challenge you were faced with. Next, describe the Actions you took to address the challenge. Finally, share the Result or outcome of your actions.

By using the STAR framework, you can provide concrete examples of your skills and experiences that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Tell me about yourself.

Question: Can you tell me a little about yourself?

Answer: I am a highly motivated and compassionate physical therapist assistant with 5 years of experience in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practice. I have a strong passion for helping people improve their physical function and quality of life. In my previous role, I successfully treated patients with a wide range of conditions, including orthopedic injuries, neurological disorders, and chronic pain. I am confident that I have the skills and experience necessary to be a valuable asset to your team.

This answer is strong because it uses the STAR framework to provide a concise and informative overview of the candidate’s skills and experiences. The candidate starts by stating their motivation and passion for physical therapy, which immediately grabs the interviewer’s attention. They then go on to describe their work experience in a variety of settings, which demonstrates their versatility and adaptability. Finally, they highlight their successful track record of treating patients with a wide range of conditions, which shows that they are a competent and experienced physical therapist assistant.

2. Why physical therapy?

Question: Why did you choose a career in physical therapy?

Answer: I have always been fascinated by the human body and how it moves. When I was in high school, I had a physical therapist who helped me recover from a sports injury. I was so impressed by her skill and compassion that I decided to pursue a career in physical therapy myself. I love being able to help people improve their physical function and quality of life. It is incredibly rewarding to see my patients make progress and achieve their goals.

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s passion for physical therapy and their desire to help others. The candidate also provides a specific example of how a physical therapist helped them, which shows that they have a personal connection to the field. Additionally, the candidate highlights the rewarding aspects of being a physical therapist, which shows that they are motivated by more than just a paycheck.

3. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a PTA?

Question: What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses as a physical therapist assistant?

Answer: My greatest strengths as a physical therapist assistant include my strong clinical skills, my compassion for patients, and my ability to work well with a team. I am also a quick learner and I am always eager to take on new challenges. My weakness is that I can sometimes be a bit too detail-oriented, which can lead to me spending too much time on minor tasks. However, I am aware of this weakness and I am working on improving it.

This answer is strong because it provides a balanced overview of the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses. The candidate starts by listing their greatest strengths, which are all relevant to the job of a physical therapist assistant. They then acknowledge their one weakness, but they also explain how they are working to improve it. This shows that the candidate is self-aware and that they are committed to professional development.

4. How do you handle difficult patients?

Question: How do you handle difficult patients?

Answer: When I encounter a difficult patient, I first try to understand their perspective and build rapport with them. I listen to their concerns and try to address them in a compassionate and empathetic manner. I also try to involve the patient in their care as much as possible, as this can help them feel more empowered and invested in their recovery. If the patient is still being difficult, I will consult with my supervisor or another member of the team to get their input.

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s ability to handle difficult patients in a professional and compassionate manner. The candidate starts by explaining how they try to understand the patient’s perspective and build rapport with them. They then go on to describe specific strategies they use to deal with difficult patients, such as listening to their concerns, involving them in their care, and consulting with other members of the team.

5. What are your career goals?

Question: What are your career goals?

Answer: My short-term goal is to become a licensed physical therapist assistant. I am currently enrolled in a PTA program and I am on track to graduate in May of next year. My long-term goal is to work in a pediatric rehabilitation setting. I am particularly interested in working with children with cerebral palsy, as I believe that I can make a real difference in their lives.

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s ambition and their commitment to the field of physical therapy. The candidate starts by stating their short-term goal of becoming a licensed PTA, which shows that they are taking the necessary steps to advance their career. They then go on to describe their long-term goal of working in a pediatric rehabilitation setting, which shows that they are passionate about helping children.

6. Why do you want to work for this clinic/hospital?

Question: Why do you want to work for this clinic/hospital?

Answer: I am impressed by your clinic’s/hospital’s reputation for providing high-quality care to patients. I am also drawn to your clinic’s/hospital’s focus on teamwork and collaboration. I believe that my skills and experience would be a valuable asset to your team, and I am confident that I could make a significant contribution to your clinic/hospital.

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s interest in the clinic/hospital and their desire to contribute to the team. The candidate starts by complimenting the clinic’s/hospital’s reputation for providing high-quality care, which shows that they have done their research. They then go on to explain how their skills and experience would be a valuable asset to the team, which shows that they are confident in their abilities.

7. How do you stay updated on the latest physical therapy techniques?

Question: How do you stay updated on the latest physical therapy techniques?

Answer: I regularly attend continuing education courses and workshops to learn about new techniques and developments in the field of physical therapy. I also read journals and articles to keep up with the latest research. Additionally, I am a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and I participate in their online forums and discussions.

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s commitment to professional development and their desire to stay up-to-date on the latest physical therapy techniques. The candidate starts by explaining how they attend continuing education courses and workshops. They then go on to describe how they read journals and articles and participate in online forums and discussions. This shows that the candidate is taking an active role in their professional development and that they are committed to providing their patients with the best possible care.