Advance Your Career as an Orthotist/Prosthetist with the Veterans Health Administration
Are you a dedicated clinical professional passionate about restoring mobility and improving quality of life? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Omaha, Nebraska, is seeking an experienced Orthotist/Prosthetist (Advanced Practitioner) to join our clinical team. This role offers the unique opportunity to combine advanced clinical expertise with administrative leadership in a mission-driven healthcare environment.
Job Responsibilities
As an Advanced Practitioner, your role is multifaceted, covering both patient care and operational oversight:
- Clinical Assessment: Perform detailed biomechanical analysis, including gait studies, motor skill assessments, and clinical evaluations for complex conditions.
- Treatment Design: Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including physicians in vascular, neurosurgery, and orthopedic departments, to develop personalized patient treatment plans.
- Device Fabrication: Utilize cutting-edge technology, including CAD/CAM systems, to design, assemble, and modify custom orthotic and prosthetic devices.
- Lab Management: Oversee laboratory accreditation, maintain inventory, manage budgets, and ensure adherence to OSHA and JCAHO standards.
- Mentorship: Provide in-service training for staff and educate patients/caregivers on the proper use and maintenance of new technologies.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in orthotics/prosthetics or a related field with a post-graduate certificate from a CAAHEP-accredited program.
- Certification: Current board certification (ABC or BOC) is strictly required.
- Proficiency: Ability to speak and write clearly in English.
- Licensure: Valid, unrestricted driver’s license.
Candidate Comparison Table
| Feature | Preferred Qualification | Basic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Certification | Current ABC/BOC Board Certification | Mandatory |
| Experience | Complex Clinical Treatment Planning | Essential |
| Software Skills | Experience with CPRS/Vista/NPPD | Preferred |
| Education | Bachelor's + Accredited Program | Mandatory |
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this GS-12 level position ranges from $89,508 to $117,525 per year. In addition to competitive compensation, the VA provides:
- Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision coverage.
- Generous paid vacation and sick leave.
- Robust federal retirement plans, including a pension and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Stable, secure federal employment with opportunities for long-term career advancement.
Application Tips
- Use the Required Template: Download the specific clinical resume document provided on the VA Careers website. This ensures your application is formatted correctly for our HR systems.
- Be Specific: Do not assume the hiring manager understands your background. Detail every aspect of your clinical and administrative experience.
- Address the KSAs: Writing a separate document addressing the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities is highly recommended to stand out.
If you are an Orthotist or Prosthetist looking for a role that offers clinical complexity, professional autonomy, and the satisfaction of serving our nation's Veterans, this is the perfect career move. Apply today to become a vital part of the NWIHCS team in Omaha.
Why This Orthotist/Prosthetist (Advanced Practitioner) Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our nation by providing cutting-edge orthotic and prosthetic solutions in the heart of Omaha.
Orthotist/Prosthetist (Advanced Practitioner) Job Overview
The Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System (NWIHCS) is seeking a skilled Orthotist/Prosthetist (Advanced Practitioner) to join our Orthotics, Prosthetics, Pedorthics Clinical Service. In this vital role, you will serve as a subject matter expert, providing complex clinical care, developing innovative treatment plans, and ensuring the highest standards of laboratory operations for our Veteran patients.
Requirements for Orthotist/Prosthetist (Advanced Practitioner)
- United States 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 in the field
- Current board certification by the American Board for Certification (ABC) or the Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification (BOC)
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Possession of an unrestricted driver's license
- Ability to complete a pre-employment physical examination and driving record review
- Must undergo a background and security investigation
Preferred Qualifications for Orthotist/Prosthetist (Advanced Practitioner)
- Extensive experience in clinical treatment plan development for complex medical conditions
- Advanced knowledge of regulatory compliance (ABC, BOC, NCOPE, JCAHO)
- Experience with administrative functions, including budget management and inventory control
- Proficiency in healthcare software systems such as CPRS, Vista, and the National Prosthetic Patient Database (NPPD)
- Proven leadership experience in managing lab operations and mentoring clinical staff
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Generous paid time off, including vacation and sick leave
- ✓Federal retirement pension and Thrift Savings Plan (401k-equivalent)
- ✓Life and long-term care insurance
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and continuous training
💡 How to Apply Orthotist/Prosthetist (Advanced Practitioner) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Orthotist/Prosthetist (Advanced Practitioner) Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Download the standard Clinical Resume document from the provided VA careers link.
- Prepare your full professional resume or CV and any required supporting documentation (SF-50, DD-214, transcripts).
- Complete the occupational questionnaire online.
- Upload all required documents, ensuring the specific 'Clinical Resume' is placed in the designated field.
- Submit your complete application package by the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly details your experience in clinical settings; the agency cannot make assumptions regarding your skills.
- Explicitly address the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) mentioned in the job description within your application documents.
- Verify your license and certification documents are current and readily available for upload.
- Use the provided standard resume template to ensure your submission meets all internal compliance requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of an Advanced Practitioner in this department?
You will manage clinical laboratory operations, ensure regulatory compliance, oversee inventory and contracts, and serve as a subject matter expert for complex prosthetic/orthotic treatment plans.
Are relocation incentives offered?
No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Is this a remote position?
*A: No, this is an onsite position based at our Omaha facility.*
How often is the position reviewed?
*A: This is an open continuous announcement; qualified candidates are referred to the hiring manager every 1-2 weeks.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. At the Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System (NWIHCS), we are committed to the "Whole Health" model, an approach that empowers Veterans to take charge of their well-being. Serving over 56,000 Veterans across four states, our system provides a supportive, fast-paced environment where your work directly impacts those who have served our country.
Omaha, Nebraska, provides an exceptional backdrop for your career. Recently named one of the best U.S. cities for work-life balance and affordability, Omaha offers a robust job market with a cost of living 9% lower than the national average.