Advance Your Career as a Physical Therapist with the West Texas VA

Are you a skilled Physical Therapist looking for a role that combines professional growth with the rewarding mission of serving Veterans? The West Texas VA Health Care System is currently hiring a Staff Physical Therapist at our Abilene, Texas facility. This is a unique opportunity to provide high-level care in a supportive, mission-driven environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a Staff Physical Therapist, your daily impact will be significant. You will be responsible for:

Patient Assessment: Conducting comprehensive evaluations for Veterans with musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and cardiovascular impairments.
Treatment Planning: Developing and modifying individualized treatment plans based on patient progress and medical needs.
Collaborative Care: Serving as an active member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, attending rounds, and coordinating with primary care providers.
Mentorship: Providing guidance to Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) and potentially supervising physical therapy students.
Adaptive Solutions: Ordering and instructing Veterans on the use of necessary Durable Medical Equipment (DME).

Requirements

To qualify for this position, candidates must meet specific professional standards:

Education: A Bachelor's degree with 5 years experience, a Master's degree with 2 years experience, or a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Licensure: A full, current, and unrestricted license to practice in a U.S. jurisdiction.
Accreditation: Completion of a CAPTE-accredited program.
Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $73,939 to $115,213 annually. Beyond the paycheck, the VA provides a comprehensive federal benefit package:

Benefit Type	Details
Student Loan Repayment	EDRP eligibility up to $200,000
Annual Leave	13–26 days per year
Paid Time Off	11 Federal Holidays + 13 sick days
Insurance	Federal Health, Dental, Vision, and Life
Retirement	Pension + 401(k) with 5% matching

Application Tips

Use the Template: Ensure you use the specialized clinical resume document found on the VA careers portal.
Be Specific: Quantify your experience with specific patient populations and treatment modalities.
Submit Early: The first cut-off date is November 7, 2025. Apply early to maximize your chances of interview selection.

Working for the West Texas VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence and service. With robust benefits and a clear path for professional advancement, this position in Abilene is an ideal step for any motivated Physical Therapist. Start your application today and help us serve those who served.

Why This Staff Physical Therapist - Edrp Approved Job Matters

Advance your physical therapy career while honoring our nation’s heroes in beautiful Abilene, Texas—with up to $200,000 in student loan repayment available.

Staff Physical Therapist - Edrp Approved Job Overview

The West Texas VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated, compassionate Staff Physical Therapist to join our clinical team at the Abilene Community Based Outpatient Clinic. In this role, you will provide comprehensive patient care, including assessment, treatment planning, and rehabilitation for our Veterans. This position offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative, patient-centered environment, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and evidence-based practices to improve the lives of those who have served our country.

Requirements for Staff Physical Therapist - Edrp Approved

U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may be appointed only if no qualified citizens are available).
Must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in a U.S. State, Territory, or the District of Columbia.
Graduation from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Successful completion of a background and security investigation.
Compliance with the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must be registered with the Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959).

Preferred Qualifications for Staff Physical Therapist - Edrp Approved

At least 4 years of clinical experience with the adult population.
Proven experience supervising Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs).
Proficiency in ordering and recommending durable medical equipment (DME).
Experience in a Direct Access clinical environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000).
✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
✓Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance plans.
✓Federal retirement pension and 401(k) with agency matching up to 5%.
✓Paid parental leave for eligible employees.
✓Childcare subsidy for qualifying families.
✓Ad-hoc telework opportunities available.

💡 How to Apply Staff Physical Therapist - Edrp Approved Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Staff Physical Therapist - Edrp Approved Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Download and complete the required Clinical Resume Template from the VA Careers website.
Prepare your supporting documents, including your PT license, transcripts, and any applicable SF-50s or DD-214 forms.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
Submit your full application package before the closing date.
Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Use the specific Clinical Resume template provided by the VA to ensure all required information is captured correctly.
Be detailed in your resume; do not assume the hiring panel knows your previous clinical nuances.
Clearly articulate your experience with both inpatient and outpatient settings.
If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure your DD-214 is legible and indicates your character of service.
Apply early to be included in the first round of referrals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) definitely included?

Yes, this position is eligible for EDRP. Eligibility and award amounts are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services office after a formal application is submitted within four months of your appointment.

What is the typical work schedule?

The role follows a standard work week, typically Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?

U.S. citizenship is a requirement. Non-citizens are only considered under specific circumstances where it is impossible to recruit a qualified U.S. citizen.

Is this role eligible for student loan forgiveness?

*A: Yes, it is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which can provide up to $200,000 in assistance.*

Do I need a specific type of resume?

*A: Yes, the VA requires a specific clinical resume format for this position. Please follow the link in the application section to download the correct document.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The West Texas VA Health Care System (WTVAHCS) is dedicated to fulfilling the promise of caring for those who have served in our nation's military. Based in Big Spring, Texas, with critical outpatient clinics in Abilene, we serve approximately 57,000 Veterans. Our team utilizes state-of-the-art technology to provide holistic care, ensuring our patients receive the high-quality rehabilitation they deserve.