Physical Therapy Assistant
Posted Sep 18, 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 helped a patient regain something that mattered to them.
What they are checking: Whether they connect therapy to the patient's real life, which keeps care patient centered.
The schedule includes a weekend rotation every five weeks. How does that work for you?
What they are checking: Whether they can commit to weekend coverage that inpatient rehab needs.
Tell me about a time you worked with nurses or other staff to help a patient.
What they are checking: Whether they coordinate well with the hospital team, especially on the inpatient side.
What would you do
You go to see an inpatient for therapy and their blood pressure is much lower than usual. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they check vitals, hold treatment when unsafe and talk to the nurse and PT.
An outpatient keeps missing appointments. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they look for the reason and work with the team rather than just discharging the patient.
A patient tells you therapy hurts too much and they want to stop. How do you respond?
What they are checking: Whether they listen, adjust the session and know the difference between expected soreness and harm.
About the work
This role covers both outpatient and inpatient rehab. How does your approach change between the two?
What they are checking: Whether they can shift from function-focused outpatient work to safety and mobility goals for hospitalized patients.
How do you safely get a patient with lines and drains up to walk for the first time?
What they are checking: Whether they plan around equipment, ask for help and watch for signs of intolerance.
How do you stay within the plan of care written by the PT?
What they are checking: Whether they know what a PTA can and cannot change and when to involve the PT.
How do you document so that the PT and other providers know exactly where the patient stands?
What they are checking: Whether their notes are clear and useful for the whole team, not just a list of exercises.
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Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by SSM Health.