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Patient Care Technician Interview Questions

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Patient Care Technician interview questions and answers.

  1. Which type of healthcare facilities have you worked in previously? See answer
  2. What are the direct patient care activities in which you have the most experience? See answer
  3. Do you currently hold certifications for CPR and first aid? See answer
  4. As a patient care technician, what do you consider your most important skill? See answer
  5. How would you comfort a patient going through a difficult diagnosis? See answer
  6. What do you find most challenging about your work as a patient care technician? See answer
  7. How do you prevent bedridden patients from developing pressure ulcers and any other problems related to their inability to move? See answer
  8. In your job as a patient care technician, what type of equipment have you used? See answer
  9. How do you manage your emotions if you lose a patient? See answer
  10. Do you feel capable of offering psychological assessment as part of your duties? See answer
  11. How do you define your level of autonomy in your job? See answer
  12. How do you balance your personal life with your work? See answer
  13. Do you feel comfortable helping patients with personal hygiene activities? 
  14. What would you do if the patient’s family were to interfere with your responsibilities?
  15. What are the limitations of PCT’s role?
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Hire your next Patient Care Technician today.

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Hire your next Patient Care Technician today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Patient Care Technician Interview Questions and Answers

Which type of healthcare facilities have you worked in previously?

With this question, you can learn about the previous experience of the candidate. It helps you identify the candidate's strengths and assess the extent of their professional experience. What to look for in an answer:

  • Practical experience
  • Familiarity with various healthcare environments
  • Adaptability

Example:

“I first worked independently caring for patients in their homes. I then worked in a clinic for five years, where I gained most of my collabourative skills. I'm comfortable working both with a team and independently.”

What are the direct patient care activities in which you have the most experience?

This question can help you verify the candidate's experience in the field and if the individual is familiar with the responsibilities of a patient care technician. Activities, such as lifting or moving a patient correctly, are essential to do the job efficiently. What to look for in an answer:

  • Candidate's personal care skills
  • Assistive equipment experience
  • Practical skills in security procedures and patient transportation

Example:

 “In my previous job, I was in charge of the transport and mobility of the patients. For this, I used assistive equipment such as wheelchairs and stretchers. I was also in charge of maintaining hygiene for my patients.”

Do you currently hold certifications for CPR and first aid?

A patient care technician should hold CPR and first aid certifications. This way, they can assist patients in case of emergencies. What to look for in an answer:

  • CPR techniques
  • Official life saving certifications
  • First aid experience

Example:

“I have valid CPR, first aid, and BLS training. I earned these certifications within the last two years, so they're current. I also have a Psychological First Aid (PFA) certification, completed with the Red Cross.”

As a patient care technician, what do you consider your most important skill?

This question is fundamental to identify if the individual comprehends all responsibilities of a patient care technician. In response, the candidate must reflect on their ability to develop and maintain this skill. What to look for in an answer:

  • Key description of the skill
  • Recognition of how this skill helps in the field
  • Self-evaluation capacity

Example:

“I believe that the most important skill that a patient care professional should have is empathy. Through empathy, we understand the other people's situation and respect their emotions. In this way, we can establish a closer connection of trust between ourselves and the patient.”

How would you comfort a patient going through a difficult diagnosis?

The most important characteristics of a candidate for a PCT position are compassion and empathy because they handle patients with delicate medical diagnoses. Take advantage of this question to discover the methods the individual uses to offer support for others. What to look for in an answer:

  • Compassion and empathy level
  • Methods to offer support
  • Ability to confront challenging moments

Example:

“Whenever one of my patients is going through a difficult diagnosis, I carefully listen to what they have to say about their situation and offer my support. Sometimes, these individuals don't want to hear pleasant words from others. On the contrary, they prefer someone who understands their circumstances and offers ways to effectively handle the situation.”

What do you find most challenging about your work as a patient care technician?

Patient care technicians face different professional challenges and activities. This question evaluates what parts of the role are most difficult for the candidate and what skills they apply to overcome them. What to look for in an answer:

  • Healthcare experience
  • Personal skills
  • Strategies for managing a healthy work-life balance

Example:

“The toughest challenge professionals in my field face is maintaining a positive attitude when attending a patient with a difficult diagnosis. We must work hard to ensure we maintain a healthy work-life balance and manage our emotions. I believe t's important to offer my patients, their families, and my colleagues emotional support. This role can be very emotional, but I've learned to separate my work from my personal life and understand these challenges are part of my responsibility.”

Do you feel comfortable helping patients with personal hygiene activities?

Sanitary attention requires effort from the professional, especially when it comes to the patient's hygiene. Hygiene activities may be uncomfortable for some people. Therefore, identifying how the candidate responds to these scenarios allows you to know their level of understanding and empathy towards others. What to look for in an answer:

  • Understanding of the tasks of a patient care technician position
  • Capacity to work in challenging situations
  • Description of the tasks they find challenging

Example:

“I know that patient care involves the patient's hygiene activities, therefore, I have no problem with doing this kind of work. I try to gain the trust of my patients, so they feel more comfortable with me when performing basic hygiene duties, such as bathing.”

How do you prevent bedridden patients from developing pressure ulcers and any other problems related to their inability to move?

Bedridden patients are more susceptible to suffer from injuries or develop ulcers due to the pressure. Under these circumstances, the technician must possess the practical knowledge to avoid the appearance of ulcers or other types of skin lesions. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge on the prevention and treatment of skin lesions
  • Practical abilities in the field
  • Problem-solving skills for every patient

Example:

“Patients who are in bed for a long time have a high chance of developing ulcers due to pressure. To avoid any type of skin lesions from emerging, we must provide the necessary care. It's essential to keep the skin clean and dry. Also, moving the patient every two hours and using pillows or other products that allow pressure relief helps prevent sores from forming.”

What would you do if the patient's family were to interfere with your responsibilities?

On occasions, the patient's family may interfere in the job of a care technician. The question will help you recognise if the candidate can overcome challenges and evaluate the focus they adopt during difficult circumstances. What to look for in an answer: 

  • Persuasion skills
  • Patience
  • Kindness

Example:

“My first step is to talk to the people who interfere with my work. Then, I listen patiently to their concerns and explain each step I'll carry out to solve the inconvenience. Undoubtedly, clear communication is key to ensure their cooperation through the process.”

In your job as a patient care technician, what type of equipment have you used?

This question determines the candidate's level of experience using relevant equipment and their ability to adapt to using new devices designed to make their job easier. What to look for in an answer:

  • Identification of equipment and tools
  • Level of experience with assistive devices
  • Familiarity with software and computation devices

Example:

"During my professional career, I've used different types of equipment. For example, I enter the data on EHRs and make use of scanners to identify each patient. Also, I've operated equipment to monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and even an EKG of the patient. "

How do you manage your emotions if you lose a patient?

Patient care technicians establish close relations with people going through delicate medical procedures, so emotional management is essential. The candidate must be able to make real connections with patients to help ease their situation. What to look for in an answer:

  • Active listening
  • Good attitude when faced with unfortunate events
  • Interpersonal communication

Example:

“In my professional career, I've had to attend patients with delicate diagnoses and cases where they passed away. It's a situation that inevitably affects us, since one develops an affective bond with them. I manage my emotions by talking with coworkers when I lose a patient. I also remember to take time for myself if I'm struggling with my emotions and to understand that losing patients is part of this career path.”

Do you feel capable of offering psychological assessment as part of your duties?

This question is ideal to recognise whether the candidate possesses enough empathy to work with patients. An excellent answer confirms the candidate feels qualified in performing assessments. What to look for in an answer:

  • Confidence in their abilities
  • Active listening skills
  • Experience in conducting psychological assessments

Example:

“I feel capable of offering a psychological assessment, as I have a Psychological First Aid (PFA) certificate and experience conducting these assessments with previous patients. I can use this expertise to offer my support to my patients by actively listening and showing them compassion. I know I need to leave the mental health evaluations to a doctor, but I can use my training to support my patients and monitor any symptoms so I can communicate them to their physician.”

How do you define your level of autonomy in your job?

Patient care technicians keep close relationships with many professionals and people. In many situations, they have to navigate on their own and make efficient decisions. Take advantage of this question to discover the professional's level of autonomy. What to look for in an answer:

  • Autonomy level
  • Problem-solving ability
  • Decision-making capacity

Example:

“I consider myself to be very autonomous with my work. I try to focus on my responsibilities and offer value to the team. However, I don't hesitate to ask for help or assessment when needed.”

How do you balance your personal life with your work?

The job of a PCT is often quite demanding on both a physical and mental level. It's essential to recognise the candidate's ability to maintain a balance between personal and work life. A lack of balance may interfere with their long-term performance. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to balance work and personal life
  • Healthy work-life balance
  • Establishment of work hours

Example:

“Even though I enjoy helping others, I understand my job demands quite a lot on a physical and mental level. To avoid burnout, I do activities that help me disconnect from my responsibilities. Running, reading, working out, and taking brief breaks helps me a lot.”

What are the limitations of PCT's role?

This question is useful when interviewing entry-level candidates. It helps you identify if the person recognises the full scope of their duties. You must ensure candidates understand the skills and abilities they need to excel in the role. What to look for in an answer:

  • recognises the scope of their duties
  • Understands which qualities suit the profession
  • Possesses relevant skills for the role

Example:

“Experienced PCTs can identify the signs of some diseases and ailments. However, I know we cannot confirm a diagnosis or prescribe medication. We can only give medication through the specialist's instructions. I respect a doctor's expertise and am prepared to follow their advice.”

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