Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

Quick Facts

• Role: Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

• Supervision: Close, and sometimes direct, supervision of a physical therapist or physician

• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30am–4:00pm

Description

Help deliver physical therapy by interpreting clinician instructions, implementing treatment plans, and administering therapy using accepted modalities and American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) standards. You will complete chart reviews, gather subjective histories, instruct patients on interventions and home programs, and fit/adjust orthoses, prostheses, and mobility appliances under supervision. You’ll document and report progress, support discharge planning, maintain a safe environment, and continue professional development through training.

Responsibilities

• Implement therapy plans and administer clinical modalities per established care standards

• Conduct chart reviews and obtain subjective patient histories

• Instruct and motivate veterans and families to follow treatment regimens and post-discharge activities

• Fit, adjust, and instruct patients on orthoses, prostheses, and mobility appliances; train activities of daily living

• Prepare written and oral reports and participate in family and multidisciplinary team meetings

• Maintain safe work practices, perform equipment safety checks/cleaning/stocking, and report needed items

• Monitor for critical changes (e.g., vital signs, pain, mobility, alertness) and communicate as needed

• Maintain competence via continuing education and online training

Requirements

• U.S. citizen

• Proficient in written and spoken English

• Associate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited physical therapy assistant program and NPTE eligibility requirements as specified; successful NPTE passage for foreign/military equivalents

• Current, full, active, unrestricted PTA license (state/territory/DC)

• Background/security investigation and pre-employment physical exam

• Drug screening (urinalysis) if selected for a testing-designated position

• Selective Service registration (if applicable)

• Seasonal influenza vaccination participation

• Complete VA online onboarding with acceptable REAL ID compliant identification

• Complete the required 1–2 year trial period for continued employment

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package (eligibility depends on position type and schedule)

• Options for federal leave accrual credit based on prior experience/military service (where eligible)