Advance Your Career as a Physical Therapist with the VA

Are you looking for a career that combines clinical excellence with a profound sense of purpose? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently seeking compassionate, highly skilled Physical Therapists to join our medical teams in Memphis and Millington, Tennessee. This role is an excellent opportunity for clinicians who want to make a genuine difference in the lives of the men and women who have served in our nation's military.

Job Responsibilities

As a Physical Therapist within the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service, you will:

Design and Implement Care: Develop and facilitate treatment plans for patients with acute, sub-acute, and chronic physical dysfunctions.
Perform Evaluations: Conduct comprehensive examinations of neuromuscular, skeletal, and cardiovascular systems.
Supervise: Provide clinical oversight for students, physical therapy assistants, and other support personnel.
Administrative Excellence: Maintain accurate clinical documentation, manage scheduling data in the VISTA system, and ensure high standards of patient safety.
Collaborate: Work within an interdisciplinary team to provide the best possible outcomes for our Veterans.

Requirements

To be considered, you must meet the following criteria:

U.S. Citizenship (with limited exceptions).
A full, current, and unrestricted state license to practice physical therapy.
Appropriate educational credentials (Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate in Physical Therapy).
Proof of English language proficiency.

Comparison of Qualification Paths

Degree Level	Required Experience
Bachelor's	5 Years
Master's	2 Years
Doctorate	0 Years (Entry Level)

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $91,757 to $114,698 per year. Beyond the paycheck, the VHA provides a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid annual leave, reliable health insurance options, and long-term federal retirement stability.

Application Tips

When applying, ensure you use the standard Clinical Resume template provided on the VA careers website. Be as specific as possible regarding your past clinical experience, as the hiring team cannot make assumptions about your abilities based on job titles alone. If you are a veteran or a federal employee, ensure all relevant documentation, such as your DD-214 or most recent SF-50, is included.

Joining the VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the Veterans of this country. If you are a licensed Physical Therapist ready to apply your skills in a facility that values innovation and compassion, we encourage you to submit your application by September 30, 2026.

Why This Physical Therapist Job Matters

Transform lives and help our nation's heroes recover by joining the elite Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation team at the Memphis VA.

Physical Therapist Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking dedicated Physical Therapists to join our team in Memphis and Millington, Tennessee. As a key member of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services (PM&RS), you will provide comprehensive, patient-centered care for Veterans dealing with acute, sub-acute, and chronic physical dysfunctions. This role offers the unique opportunity to work in a high-complexity facility, utilizing advanced scientific principles to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve the quality of life for those who have served our country.

Requirements for Physical Therapist

U.S. Citizenship
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Full, current, and unrestricted state licensure to practice physical therapy
Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy with 5 years of experience; Master's degree with 2 years of experience; or a Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination
Ability to pass a background/security investigation
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Physical Therapist

One year of clinical experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level
Demonstrated ability to perform autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment
Skill in complex examination, evaluation, and diagnosis of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and cardiovascular systems
Experience in the clinical oversight of Physical Therapy Assistants and students
Expertise in developing treatment programs for patients with complex impairments

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary schedule
✓Paid annual leave with accrual based on total federal/military service
✓Comprehensive health and retirement benefits
✓Opportunities for professional development and continuing education
✓Collaborative and mission-focused work environment

💡 How to Apply Physical Therapist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physical Therapist Job

Create or update your USAJOBS account.
Download the standard Clinical Resume Document from the VA careers site.
Prepare your supporting documents, including your full resume, transcripts, and any applicable SF-50 forms or veteran preference documents.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload your documents and submit your application package before the deadline.
Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume; do not leave the hiring team to make assumptions about your experience.
Include volunteer work and National Service experience if it relates to physical therapy competencies.
Ensure your SF-50 clearly demonstrates your time-in-grade if you are a current or former federal employee.
Double-check that all required documents are attached; missing files can disqualify your application.
Use the provided standard resume template to ensure your submission meets VA format requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can non-citizens apply for this position?

Non-citizens may only be appointed if it is not possible to recruit qualified U.S. citizens in accordance with VA policy.

What is the work schedule for this role?

The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, with a required holiday work rotation.

Are relocation incentives offered?

No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." The Memphis VA Medical Center is a complex, Level I Clinical Referral Facility serving over 206,000 Veterans. With a 12-bed Spinal Cord Injury Unit and extensive community-based outpatient clinics, we provide a dynamic environment for healthcare professionals to grow and succeed.