Physical Therapist Assistants or more commonly known as PTA provide support to physical therapists within facility settings.
They work in hospitals or clinics depending on the individual location, but their job duties remain the same.
PTAs assist physical therapists in providing treatment to patients.
They administer treatment, support with exercises, and help with operating equipment that is needed to perform procedures effectively.
Also, they record patient responses to treatment and are expected to provide feedback to the therapist about side effects or progress.
If you are on your way to an interview for the position of a PTA, the following sample questions and answers may assist you in preparing well.
4 Common PTA Interview Questions and Answers
1. What are the basic tasks of a Physical Therapist Assistant?
To assist Physical Therapist in his work including but not limited to:
- Examine patients before and during the period of therapy
- Help patients perform specific exercises recommended by PT
- Teach patients and their families about post-treatment tasks
- Make use of a mixture of techniques to treat patients, including massage and stretching
- Utilize tools and equipment to facilitate patients
2. Share briefly an experience where you had to work with an extraordinarily difficult patient and how you handled it?
Once, an elderly lady was in immense pain and would not cooperate with the staff even when she was told the therapy would do wonders for her. I talked her through the procedure, asking her about her children, grandchildren, and even her garden! 45 minutes went by in a whiz, and the procedure was over already
3. Have you ever experienced instant education while observing patients? If yes, when and how?
I believe that every observation is an education in itself. While I may not be able to provide you with just one occasion, I can tell you that whatever I have learned has been from observation mostly.
4. How do you deal with difficult teammates? Do you have a strategy?
I like working in harmony with people so that my work or the patients that I am handling do not get affected. Until a team-mate or a patient is hindering my job uneasy, I keep my peace controlled. When things get out of control, I usually have no choice but to talk to a supervisor. What I don’t do is react.