Providing Excellence in Mobility: Orthotist/Prosthetist Careers at the VA
Are you a dedicated clinical professional passionate about restoring mobility and independence to those who have served our country? The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas, is actively recruiting for Orthotists/Prosthetists. This role offers the chance to work in a world-class facility where clinical innovation meets meaningful impact.
Job Responsibilities
As an Orthotist/Prosthetist, your daily work will be essential to patient rehabilitation. You will:
- Perform detailed functional clinical examinations, including gait assessments and range-of-motion analysis.
- Design and fabricate custom orthotic or prosthetic devices tailored to individual patient needs.
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including physicians and therapists, to develop comprehensive treatment plans.
- Educate patients and caregivers on device use, maintenance, and safety protocols.
- Maintain accurate patient records and follow-up care schedules.
Requirements
Success in this role requires specific qualifications, including:
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Education: A bachelor's degree or higher in orthotics and prosthetics from a CAAHEP-accredited program.
- Certification: Must maintain current certification from the American Board for Certification (ABC) or the Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification (BOC).
- Physical Standards: Must pass pre-employment physical exams and possess the ability to operate government vehicles.
Salary and Comparison Table
This position is classified at the GS-11 level, offering a highly competitive compensation package.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $86,123 - $111,966 |
| Pay Interval | Per Year |
| Location | Houston, Texas |
| Grade | GS-11 |
Benefits
Working for the VA provides a comprehensive federal benefits package, including robust health insurance, generous leave policies, and a stable retirement path. You may also qualify for annual leave accrual credit based on your prior professional or military experience.
Application Tips
To stand out, follow these tips:
- Standardize your resume: Use the required Clinical Resume Document template linked on the VA careers site.
- Be specific: When describing your work history, ensure your duty descriptions clearly illustrate your expertise at the GS-11 level.
- Double-check documents: Ensure your certification and transcripts are attached and legible to avoid application delays.
Serving our Veterans is a unique honor. If you possess the clinical skill and heart to help patients achieve newfound freedom of movement, apply for this Orthotist/Prosthetist position today.
Why This Orthotist/Prosthetist Job Matters
Transform lives as an Orthotist/Prosthetist at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, where advanced clinical innovation meets dedicated service to our nation's heroes.
Orthotist/Prosthetist Job Overview
The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston is seeking compassionate and highly skilled Orthotists/Prosthetists to join our rehabilitation team. You will play a vital role in designing, fabricating, and fitting custom devices that restore mobility, increase comfort, and improve the quality of life for our Veteran population. This position offers the opportunity to work within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment where your clinical expertise in biomechanics and patient-centered care will have a direct, positive impact on those who have served our country.
Requirements for Orthotist/Prosthetist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Bachelor's degree or higher in orthotics and prosthetics from a CAAHEP accredited program (or a bachelor's degree in any major with a post-graduate certificate from a CAAHEP program)
- Current board certification as an orthotist, prosthetist, or orthotist/prosthetist by the American Board for Certification (ABC) or the Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification (BOC)
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Ability to independently operate a government vehicle with a clean driving record
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and security investigation
- Must participate in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Orthotist/Prosthetist
- Dual certification in both Orthotics and Prosthetics
- Demonstrated clinical experience in a hospital setting equivalent to the GS-11 level
- Advanced knowledge of medical terminology, biomechanics, kinesiology, and patient gait analysis
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health insurance plans
- ✓Life insurance and retirement benefits
- ✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave
- ✓Potential for annual leave accrual credit based on prior service
- ✓Structured career development and federal stability
💡 How to Apply Orthotist/Prosthetist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Orthotist/Prosthetist Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement and prepare required documents (Certification, Resume, Transcripts).
- Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA careers link.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of September 30, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your duties, beginning/ending dates of employment, and average hours worked per week.
- Upload the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided in the announcement.
- If you are a veteran, include your DD-214 to claim preference and ensure all supporting documentation for 10-point preference is included if applicable.
- Check your USAJOBS dashboard regularly to monitor your application status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary function of this role?
You will provide expert orthotic and prosthetic care, from initial patient evaluation and treatment planning to the fabrication and fitting of custom devices to improve Veteran functional independence.
Is this position open to the public?
Yes, this position is open to the public under the provided announcement.
What level of certification is required?
You must hold a current board certification from the American Board for Certification (ABC) or the Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification (BOC).
What if I am a current federal employee?
Refer to the internal announcement specified in the job posting for specific application paths.
Is there a trial period?
Yes, new federal appointments include a 1 or 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and organizational fit.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing compassionate, whole-health care to America’s Veterans. The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center stands as a cornerstone of healthcare in the southeast Texas region, serving over 151,000 Veterans with high-quality medical services. Joining our team means joining an organization that values integrity, commitment, and excellence in every aspect of patient care.