25 Physician Assistant Interview Questions and Answers

From diagnosing and treating illnesses to prescribing medication, physician assistants (PAs) are an integral part of the health care team. They work under the direction of a licensed physician and can provide a wide range of health care services.

To become a PA, you need to complete an accredited PA program and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam. But before you can even interview for a PA job, you need to know how to answer physician assistant interview questions.

In this guide, you’ll find questions and answers that will help you prepare for your interview. You’ll learn about the types of questions you can expect to be asked and what types of answers the hiring manager is looking for.

1. Are you comfortable working with patients who have a wide range of medical issues?

This question can help interviewers determine if you have the experience and skills to work with a variety of patients. Use your answer to highlight how you’ve worked with different types of patients in the past.

Example: “Absolutely. I have extensive experience working with patients who have a wide range of medical issues. During my time as a Physician Assistant, I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of different patient populations and diagnoses. This has allowed me to become well-versed in many areas of medicine, such as general practice, pediatrics, geriatrics, and emergency care.

I am comfortable working with all types of patients and take great pride in providing quality healthcare services to each individual. I understand that every patient is unique and requires personalized care. As such, I strive to provide compassionate, comprehensive care tailored to meet their specific needs. Furthermore, I always stay up-to-date on the latest developments in medical technology and treatments so that I can ensure my patients receive the best care possible.”

2. What are some of the most important qualities for a successful physician assistant?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the qualities they look for in a successful physician assistant. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention some of the skills and traits that are listed on your resume or application.

Example: “The most important qualities for a successful physician assistant are excellent communication skills, strong clinical knowledge and judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals. Communication is key when working as a PA, as you will be interacting with patients, physicians, nurses, and other staff members on a daily basis. It is essential that I am able to effectively communicate my medical decisions and recommendations in order to provide the best care possible.

In addition to communication, having strong clinical knowledge and judgment is critical. As a PA, it is my responsibility to accurately diagnose and treat illnesses while also providing patient education and support. Having a thorough understanding of medical principles and procedures allows me to make informed decisions and provide quality care.

Lastly, being able to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals is an essential part of being a successful PA. Working together with doctors, nurses, and other staff members ensures that all aspects of patient care are addressed and that everyone is on the same page. Being able to collaborate and build relationships with others is something I take pride in and strive to do every day.”

3. How would you handle a situation where you disagreed with your supervising physician?

As a physician assistant, you’ll work with many different physicians. It’s likely that you’ll have disagreements from time to time. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle conflict in the workplace and still maintain your professionalism. In your answer, explain how you would approach the situation respectfully. Explain that you would try to resolve the issue quickly so it doesn’t affect patient care.

Example: “If I ever found myself in a situation where I disagreed with my supervising physician, I would handle it professionally and respectfully. First, I would take the time to understand their perspective and ask questions to ensure that I fully comprehended their point of view. Then, I would explain my own opinion on the matter in an articulate manner, while also being mindful of any potential power dynamics at play. Finally, if needed, I would suggest alternative solutions or compromises that could be beneficial for both parties.”

4. What is your process for keeping up-to-date on the latest medical research and treatments?

This question can help the interviewer determine how passionate you are about your career and how much effort you put into staying current with medical advancements. Your answer should include a few examples of ways you stay informed, such as reading journals or attending conferences.

Example: “As a Physician Assistant, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest medical research and treatments. I have developed a process for keeping informed of new developments in my field. First, I read professional journals such as The Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and other publications related to my specialty. This helps me keep abreast of current trends and best practices. I also attend conferences and seminars that are relevant to my practice. Finally, I regularly consult with colleagues who specialize in different areas of medicine. By staying connected with these professionals, I am able to learn about new treatments and technologies that may benefit my patients.”

5. Provide an example of a time when you helped a patient manage their pain.

This question can help the interviewer understand how you use your skills to benefit patients. Use examples from your experience as a physician assistant that show how you helped patients manage their pain and what methods you used to do so.

Example: “I recently had a patient who was suffering from chronic back pain. He had been to multiple doctors and specialists, but nothing seemed to help him manage the pain. After taking his medical history and discussing his symptoms with him, I realized that he needed more than just medication to manage his pain.

So, I worked with him to develop an individualized plan that included physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and relaxation techniques. We also discussed how to modify activities of daily living in order to reduce stress on his back. Finally, we talked about medications that could be used as needed for acute flare-ups.

The combination of treatments helped my patient significantly reduce his pain levels. He was able to return to work and resume some of his normal activities without having to rely solely on medication. It was very rewarding to see him make such progress and it was a great example of how comprehensive care can make a real difference in someone’s life.”

6. If a patient was nervous about seeing a physician for the first time, how would you help them feel more comfortable?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your interpersonal skills and ability to help patients feel comfortable. When answering, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation in which you helped a nervous patient feel more at ease.

Example: “I understand how intimidating it can be to visit a physician for the first time. As a Physician Assistant, I strive to create an environment of comfort and trust with my patients. To help a patient feel more comfortable, I would start by introducing myself and explaining what my role is in their care. I would also take the time to listen to their concerns and answer any questions they may have about their health or treatment plan. Finally, I would ensure that I am providing clear and concise information so that the patient feels informed and empowered. My goal is always to make sure my patients feel heard and respected throughout their entire healthcare journey.”

7. What would you do if you noticed a coworker making a mistake during a medical procedure?

This question can help interviewers understand how you work with others and your ability to communicate. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation in which you noticed a coworker making a mistake and what steps you took to address the issue.

Example: “If I noticed a coworker making a mistake during a medical procedure, my first priority would be to ensure the safety of the patient. I would assess the situation and determine if immediate intervention was necessary. If so, I would take action in order to correct the mistake and prevent any further harm from occurring.

Once the immediate issue had been taken care of, I would then approach my colleague in a professional manner and discuss what happened. I believe that open communication is key when it comes to addressing mistakes, as it allows us to learn from our errors and make sure they don’t happen again. I would also offer my assistance in helping them understand where they went wrong and how to avoid similar issues in the future.”

8. How well do you think you would fit into a team-based medical practice?

Teamwork is an important skill for physician assistants to have. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you are a good fit for their team and the medical practice overall. Use your answer to highlight any teamwork skills that you possess, such as communication, collaboration or problem-solving.

Example: “I believe I would be an excellent addition to a team-based medical practice. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated the ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals in order to provide comprehensive patient care. I am comfortable taking direction from physicians and working as part of a larger team to ensure that all patients receive the best possible care.

In addition, I possess strong communication skills which are essential for successful teamwork. I am able to effectively communicate with both colleagues and patients in order to ensure everyone is on the same page when it comes to treatment plans and goals. My experience has taught me how to listen carefully to others and offer constructive feedback when needed.”

9. Do you have any experience working with children?

Working with children is a common responsibility for physician assistants. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working with patients of all ages and backgrounds. In your answer, share about any previous experiences working with children. Explain how you helped the child or their family. Share an example of a time when you were successful in helping someone.

Example: “Yes, I do have experience working with children. During my time as a Physician Assistant, I worked in a pediatric clinic where I provided primary care to children of all ages. I was responsible for performing physical exams, diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering lab tests, and providing patient education. My experience also included developing treatment plans, managing chronic conditions, and coordinating care with other healthcare providers.

I am passionate about providing quality healthcare to children and their families. I believe that it is important to create a positive environment where patients feel comfortable and respected. I strive to build relationships with my patients by taking the time to listen to their concerns and answer any questions they may have.”

10. When performing a physical examination, what is your process for examining the head, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, throat, neck, chest, lungs, heart, abdomen, spine, arms, hands, fingers, hips, legs, feet and toes?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your knowledge of physical examinations and how you apply it in practice. In your answer, provide details about what you do during each part of the examination process.

Example: “When performing a physical examination, I follow a systematic approach to ensure that all areas of the body are examined thoroughly. Starting with the head, I assess for any abnormalities in shape or size and check for symmetry. I then move on to examining the eyes, ears, nose, mouth and throat, looking for signs of infection, inflammation or other issues. Next, I examine the neck, chest, lungs and heart, listening for any abnormal sounds and feeling for any tenderness or lumps. Following this, I palpate the abdomen, spine, arms, hands, fingers, hips, legs, feet and toes, checking for any swelling, tenderness or deformities. Finally, I test reflexes, strength and range of motion as appropriate. Throughout the process, I document my findings and make sure to ask questions if there is anything I am unsure about.”

11. We want to improve our patient satisfaction rates. What ideas do you have to help us do this?

Patient satisfaction is an important part of the healthcare industry. Interviewers want to know that you understand this and have ideas for how to improve their patient satisfaction rates. In your answer, explain what factors contribute to high or low patient satisfaction rates and give examples of ways you’ve helped improve these rates in previous positions.

Example: “I believe that patient satisfaction is paramount to providing quality healthcare, and I have several ideas for how we can improve our patient satisfaction rates.

Firstly, I think it’s important to ensure that patients are well-informed about their care plan and any treatments they may be receiving. This means taking the time to explain procedures in detail and answering any questions they might have. It also involves educating them on their condition and potential treatment options so they can make informed decisions.

Secondly, I think it’s essential to provide timely follow-up care. This includes scheduling regular check-ups after a procedure or treatment has been completed, as well as addressing any concerns or issues that arise during the course of care.

Thirdly, I believe that creating an environment where patients feel comfortable and respected is key to improving patient satisfaction. This could involve providing a welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff members who show genuine interest in each patient’s wellbeing.”

12. Describe your process for writing a medical prescription.

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to write prescriptions. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific prescription you’ve written in the past and how you completed the process.

Example: “When writing a medical prescription, my process is to first assess the patient’s condition and review their medical history. I then discuss with the patient any potential treatments or medications that may be beneficial for their condition. After discussing these options, I will determine which medication is best suited for the patient based on their individual needs. Once the appropriate medication has been chosen, I will write up the prescription in accordance with state and federal regulations. Finally, I will provide the patient with instructions regarding how to take the medication, as well as any potential side effects they should be aware of.”

13. What makes you a good fit for our practice?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your personality and how you view yourself. It’s important to be honest in this answer, but also show that you have researched the practice and understand what they are looking for in an employee.

Example: “I believe I am an excellent fit for your practice due to my extensive experience as a Physician Assistant. In my current role, I have been responsible for providing comprehensive care to patients in both the primary and specialty care settings. My clinical skills are well-honed, with expertise in diagnosing and treating acute and chronic illnesses, performing physical exams, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and prescribing medications.

In addition to my clinical abilities, I also possess strong interpersonal and communication skills that allow me to build positive relationships with patients and their families. I understand the importance of providing compassionate care while maintaining patient confidentiality and privacy. I strive to provide the highest quality of care possible, and I always take the time to listen to my patients’ concerns and answer any questions they may have.”

14. Which medical fields do you want to specialize in?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your career goals and how you plan to achieve them. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention any medical fields that you have experience in or are passionate about.

Example: “I am an experienced Physician Assistant and I am interested in specializing in a variety of medical fields. My experience includes working with patients across the lifespan, from pediatrics to geriatrics. I have also worked in emergency medicine, family practice, internal medicine, and women’s health.

I am passionate about providing comprehensive care to my patients, which is why I am eager to specialize in multiple areas. This allows me to gain a deeper understanding of each field and better serve my patients. I believe that having knowledge in multiple disciplines will make me a more well-rounded clinician and provide greater value to the organization I work for.

In addition, I am open to learning new skills and expanding my expertise. I am always looking for ways to stay up to date on the latest treatments and technologies so that I can provide the best possible care for my patients.”

15. What do you think is the most challenging part of being a physician assistant?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand what your thoughts are on this career. It can also show them how you might handle challenges that come up in your work as a physician assistant. When answering, it can be helpful to think about some of the most challenging aspects of being a physician assistant and explain why they’re challenging for you or how you’ve overcome these challenges in the past.

Example: “The most challenging part of being a physician assistant is staying up to date on the latest medical advances and treatments. As a physician assistant, I must be knowledgeable about current best practices in order to provide the highest quality care for my patients. This requires me to stay abreast of new research, treatments, and protocols so that I can make informed decisions when treating patients.

I also believe that one of the greatest challenges of being a physician assistant is managing multiple tasks at once. In any given day, I may need to assess patients, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, perform minor procedures, counsel patients, and more. It’s important to remain organized and efficient while juggling these responsibilities, which can be difficult at times.”

16. How often do you perform physical examinations?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with physical examinations and how comfortable you are performing them. You can answer this question by describing a time when you performed a physical examination, including what type of exam it was and what steps you took to perform it.

Example: “I have extensive experience in performing physical examinations. I typically perform physical exams on a daily basis, depending on the needs of my patients. I am well-versed in conducting comprehensive physicals, including taking vital signs and assessing overall health. In addition to these basic assessments, I also conduct more specialized physical exams such as musculoskeletal evaluations, neurological tests, and abdominal exams.

I understand that each patient is unique and requires individualized care. Therefore, I take the time to listen to my patients’ concerns and tailor my physical exam accordingly. My goal is to provide thorough and accurate assessments so that I can make informed decisions about their care.”

17. There is a shortage of physician assistants in the area. How would you convince a physician to hire you?

This question is a great way to show your communication skills and how you can convince someone to hire you. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight the value that you would bring to the physician’s practice.

Example: “As a Physician Assistant, I understand that there is a shortage of qualified professionals in the area. As someone with extensive experience in the field and an unwavering commitment to providing quality care, I am confident that I can be a valuable asset to any practice.

I have been working as a Physician Assistant for over five years now, during which time I have developed strong clinical skills and a deep understanding of patient needs. My passion for helping others drives me to stay up-to-date on the latest medical research and treatments so that I can provide the best possible care. In addition, I am highly organized and detail-oriented, allowing me to efficiently manage my workload while still providing excellent service.”

18. What do you think is the most important skill for a physician assistant?

This question can help the interviewer determine your priorities and how you view yourself as a professional. When answering this question, it can be helpful to identify one skill that is important to you personally and explain why it’s important.

Example: “I believe the most important skill for a physician assistant is communication. Effective communication between the PA and the patient, as well as with other healthcare professionals, is essential to providing quality care. It’s important to be able to listen to patients’ concerns, understand their needs, and explain medical information in an easy-to-understand way. In addition, having strong interpersonal skills helps build trust and rapport with patients, which can help ensure better outcomes.

Another key skill for a physician assistant is problem solving. Being able to think critically and analyze data quickly is essential when making decisions about diagnosis and treatment plans. The ability to identify potential problems before they arise and come up with creative solutions is also beneficial. Finally, it’s important to have excellent organizational skills so that you can stay on top of your workload and manage multiple tasks at once.”

19. How would you handle a situation where a patient was not following their treatment plan?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you will handle a challenging situation. It is important to show that you have good communication skills and are able to provide patients with information in an understandable way.

Example: “When it comes to patient care, I always strive to ensure that my patients are receiving the best possible treatment. If a patient is not following their treatment plan, I would first take time to understand why they may be struggling with compliance. This could involve talking to them directly and asking questions about any barriers they may have in adhering to the prescribed plan.

Once I have a better understanding of the situation, I can then work with the patient to come up with an individualized solution that works for them. This could include making adjustments to the treatment plan or providing additional resources or support to help them stay on track. Ultimately, I want to make sure that my patients are getting the most effective care while also feeling supported throughout the process.”

20. Describe your experience with electronic medical records.

Electronic medical records are a common practice in the healthcare industry. The interviewer may ask this question to determine your experience with EMRs and how you feel about them. If you have previous experience using EMRs, describe what made it positive or negative. If you don’t have any experience with EMRs, explain that you’re excited to learn more about them.

Example: “I have extensive experience with electronic medical records (EMR). I am very familiar with the software and understand how to navigate it efficiently. During my time as a Physician Assistant, I have used EMRs to document patient visits, order tests, review results, and create treatment plans. I also have experience in training others on how to use the system.

In addition, I have experience developing protocols for using EMRs within an organization. This includes creating policies for data entry, security measures, and workflow processes. My goal is always to ensure that the EMR is being used effectively and efficiently.”

21. Do you have any experience working in a hospital or clinic setting?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have any experience working in a medical setting. If you do, they may ask you to describe your previous job duties and how they relate to this position. If you don’t have experience working in a hospital or clinic, you can talk about what you’ve learned from watching television shows or movies that depict these settings.

Example: “Yes, I have extensive experience working in a hospital and clinic setting. During my time as a Physician Assistant, I worked in both outpatient and inpatient settings for over five years. In this role, I was responsible for providing patient care, performing physical exams, ordering laboratory tests, interpreting results, prescribing medications, and educating patients on their health needs.

I also gained valuable experience with electronic medical records (EMR) systems, which enabled me to quickly access patient information and ensure accuracy of documentation. My ability to work collaboratively with physicians and other healthcare professionals allowed me to provide the highest quality of care to my patients. Furthermore, I am comfortable managing multiple tasks simultaneously and possess excellent communication skills that enable me to effectively interact with patients and colleagues.”

22. Are you comfortable making decisions independently?

This question can help the interviewer determine how independent you are and whether you would be able to make decisions on your own without needing approval from a physician. Your answer should show that you have confidence in your abilities as a PA, but also that you understand when it’s appropriate to ask for guidance or assistance from a doctor.

Example: “Absolutely. As a Physician Assistant, I am trained to make independent decisions based on my knowledge and experience. During my time as a PA, I have been able to develop strong clinical judgment skills that allow me to assess patient needs quickly and accurately. I understand the importance of making informed decisions in order to provide the best care for patients. I also take into account any input from physicians or other healthcare professionals when making decisions. Ultimately, I feel confident in my ability to make sound decisions independently.”

23. In what ways have you contributed to the success of past employers?

This question can help the interviewer gain insight into your work ethic and how you view yourself as a team player. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight specific examples of how you helped improve efficiency or quality of care in your previous roles.

Example: “I have been a Physician Assistant for the past five years and I am proud to say that I have contributed significantly to the success of my previous employers. In my most recent role, I was able to help reduce patient wait times by streamlining processes and implementing new protocols. This allowed our practice to see more patients in less time, resulting in increased revenue and improved patient satisfaction.

Additionally, I worked closely with other healthcare professionals to develop innovative strategies for providing quality care. My collaborative approach enabled us to identify areas of improvement and implement changes quickly. As a result, we were able to increase efficiency and improve patient outcomes.”

24. How do you stay organized while managing multiple patients at once?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you prioritize your work and manage time. Your answer should show that you have a system for keeping track of patients’ information, such as their medical history and treatment plans.

Example: “Staying organized while managing multiple patients is essential to providing quality care. I have developed a system that helps me stay on top of my patient’s needs and ensure that all their medical records are up-to-date.

To start, I create an individualized plan for each patient based on their specific needs. This includes setting goals and objectives for the visit as well as any follow-up visits or tests needed. By having this plan in place, it allows me to easily track progress and make sure that all tasks are completed in a timely manner.

I also use electronic health records (EHRs) to keep track of patient information such as medications, allergies, lab results, and other important data. This ensures that I am always aware of the latest updates regarding each patient’s condition. In addition, I utilize online scheduling tools to help manage appointments and remind myself of upcoming deadlines.”

25. Are there any particular conditions that you are particularly interested in treating?

This question can help the interviewer determine if your interests align with the needs of their facility. It is important to be honest in your answer, but you should also try to show that you are willing to treat any condition or patient type.

Example: “Yes, I am particularly interested in treating conditions related to primary care. As a Physician Assistant, I have experience diagnosing and managing acute and chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, COPD, and other common medical issues. In addition, I am passionate about preventive health and helping patients make lifestyle changes that can improve their overall well-being. Finally, I am also knowledgeable in mental health and enjoy providing counseling services to my patients.”