Veterans Health Administration
Physical Therapy Assistant
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Summary
Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Licensure: Current, full, active and unrestricted license as a PTA in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e. Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia. Education: Individuals must meet at least one of the requirements below: Associate degree from an accredited community college, junior college, college or university in a physical therapy assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (Transcript Required) OR, Graduate of foreign physical therapy assistant degree programs that meet the educational requirement and have successfully passed the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs. (Documentation Required) OR, Graduate of military physical therapy assistant programs that meet the educational requirement and have successfully passed the NPTE for PTAs. (Documentation/Transcripts Required) May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: GS-09 Physical Therapy Assistant (1) Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate one of the following: A minimum of 2000 hours of clinical practice directly in the specialty area, and completion of 60 contact hours of selected continuing education coursework. This time must be within the past five years (Documentation Required) OR Advanced Practice Proficiency (APP) in the specialty area recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) (Documentation Required) OR An additional academic degree related to the health care mission. (Transcript Required) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the basic requirements above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:(a) Ability to mentor other staff in advanced clinical guidelines and best practices.(b) Ability to serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for healthcare providers in specialty practice areas regarding physical therapy care.(c) Ability to present] advanced knowledge in the therapeutic interventions and clinical practice guidelines with the healthcare team.(d) Ability to interpret and apply clinical practice guidelines. Assignment. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. PTAs at this level apply advanced practice skills to treat complex patients. PTAs possess an advanced level of clinical competence and serve as a SME in specialty practice areas. They serve as a subject matter expert in a rehabilitation program such as, but not limited to, geriatrics, amputee, brain injury, cardiac rehabilitation, orthopedics, neurological, safe patient handing, or any other functional debilitative conditions. They possess advanced practice skills and experience with a wide range of patient complexity. They apply advanced methodologies to a vast array of functional impairments and patients. They independently recommend and apply evidence-based treatment approaches within the plan of care. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
Major Duties
This position requires advanced level clinical competence. The incumbent will serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in a CAVHCS rehabilitation program such as, but not limited to, clinical education, geriatrics, orthopedics, cardiac rehabilitation, safe patient handling, or any other functional debilitative conditions. Duties included but not limited to: Serves veterans who are inpatients in the acute care hospital, veterans who are scheduled in outpatient clinics (face-to-face and virtual care), and residents of the Community Living Center. Works under the supervision of a Physical Therapist(PT) to provide services that promote the prevention, remediation, and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical dysfunction. Participates with the PT in planning and implementing complex treatment programs and applies physical therapy procedures to patients under the general supervision of a PT. Provides therapeutic services including treatment, advisory and consultative functions to Veterans and their families. In addition to the basic clinical functions, the incumbent:(1) Performs higher-level duties within the designated rehabilitation program (clinical education, geriatrics, orthopedics, cardiac rehabilitation, safe patient handling, or any other functional debilitative conditions) at least 25% of the time.(2) Applies advanced practice skills and specialized experience to treat complex patients. In addition to the basic administrative functions, the incumbent will:(1) Serve on select medical center committees, as directed by Supervisor, to provide departmental representation as specialists for movement dysfunction and as SME within the designated program.(2) Attend inter-departmental meetings to develop and maintain best practices for the delivery of optimal patient care. In addition to the basic education functions, the incumbent will:(1) Conduct training as assigned by the Coordinator for Clinical Education, Supervisory Physical Therapist, or his/her designee.(2) Complete continuing education, to support knowledge and skills well beyond entry level and within the designated program. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 08:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 62732F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Requirements
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Professional Certification Transcript The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Other (1) Professional Certification SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/19/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13085070. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.