Certified OT Assistant (COTA) - Inpatient/Acute Care
Posted Aug 17, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026
Likely interview questions for this role
Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.
About your past
Tell me about a time you taught a family member how to help with dressing, bathing or toileting.
What they are checking: Whether they can educate caregivers clearly and check for understanding before discharge.
How do you keep a patient motivated when they're tired, in pain or discouraged?
What they are checking: Whether they can find meaningful goals and adjust sessions so patients stay engaged in recovery.
Tell me about a time you worked with students or newer staff. How did you help them learn?
What they are checking: Whether they can serve as an educator, which the posting lists as part of the role.
What would you do
A patient feels dizzy and turns pale while sitting at the edge of the bed. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they recognize orthostatic changes and respond safely before continuing therapy.
As a PRN, you'll be covering for others. How do you pick up a caseload fast and safely?
What they are checking: Whether they can review charts quickly, prioritize and ask the right questions as a fill-in clinician.
You notice a nurse is transferring a patient in a way that isn't safe. How do you handle it?
What they are checking: Whether they can speak up tactfully for patient safety and offer help instead of criticism.
About the work
How do you work with the supervising OT on a plan of care, and what do you do when you think the plan needs to change?
What they are checking: Whether they understand the COTA's scope and bring changes back to the OT rather than changing the plan alone.
Walk me through a typical ADL session with an acute care patient who just had a hip replacement.
What they are checking: Whether they know hip precautions and can grade tasks safely for a post-surgical patient.
How do you make your notes show skilled therapy rather than just what the patient did?
What they are checking: Whether their documentation justifies skilled care, which matters for reimbursement and the OT's decisions.
What adaptive equipment do you find yourself recommending most, and how do you make sure patients will actually use it?
What they are checking: Whether they match equipment to real needs and teach its use, so it doesn't end up unused at home.
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Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by HSHS.