Launch Your Career as a Physical Therapy Assistant at Brooke Army Medical Center
Are you a dedicated professional looking to make a lasting impact on the lives of those who serve our country? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently hiring Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) at the prestigious Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. This role offers a unique opportunity to work within a world-class integrated healthcare system.
Job Responsibilities
As a PTA, you will work under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist to:
- Implement and coordinate diverse therapy programs for wounded or injured patients.
- Interpret therapist findings to initiate care plans involving respiratory, cardiac, and neurological status.
- Design treatment plans to restore strength, range of motion, and functional independence.
- Educate patients and their families on home-based therapy protocols.
- Track patient progress and provide technical reports to the interdisciplinary team.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level equivalent.
- Education: A relevant graduate degree can be substituted for experience.
- Documentation: Transcripts are mandatory if using education to meet qualifications.
Comparison: Standard Clinical vs. Federal PTA
| Feature | Standard Private Clinic | Federal DHA Role |
|---|---|---|
| Client Base | General Public | Military/Retirees/Families |
| Compensation | Varies by Region | GS Pay Scale Structure |
| Benefits | Varies by Employer | Comprehensive Federal Package |
| Mission Focus | Profitability | Mission Readiness |
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $51,201 to $66,563. Beyond the salary, federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including retirement programs, comprehensive health insurance, and the potential for recruitment incentives for highly qualified individuals.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal job can be competitive. To ensure your application stands out:
- Keep it Brief: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit are disqualified immediately.
- Be Explicit: Clearly state your hours per week for every previous job. Do not leave the hiring team guessing about your experience level.
- Use Plain Language: Avoid cryptic acronyms that only industry insiders might know.
This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the health and recovery of the military community. If you are a skilled PTA with a passion for rehabilitation, apply today to help us continue the tradition of excellence at Brooke Army Medical Center.
Why This Physical Therapy Assistant Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the recovery and well-being of our nation's heroes by joining the expert therapy team at Brooke Army Medical Center.
Physical Therapy Assistant Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking dedicated Physical Therapy Assistants to join the clinical team at Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. This position involves direct patient care, executing specialized treatment plans, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to improve the health and functional independence of military service members, retirees, and their families.
Requirements for Physical Therapy Assistant
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- One year of specialized experience implementing physical therapy treatment plans, providing status reports, and instructing on therapy programs.
- Alternatively, completion of one full year of graduate-level education in a related field such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Kinesiotherapy, Sports Medicine, or Exercise Science.
- A combination of qualifying education and experience.
- Ability to pass a drug test.
- Must be able to maintain Mission Essential status during emergency or inclement weather conditions.
Preferred Qualifications for Physical Therapy Assistant
- Previous experience working within a military treatment facility.
- Strong technical proficiency in designing patient progressive treatment plans.
- Demonstrated ability to instruct patients and family members in home-based therapy protocols.
- Experience working within an interdisciplinary medical team.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal healthcare and insurance plans.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
- ✓Stable federal employment with career growth opportunities.
- ✓Access to federal retirement programs.
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual.
💡 How to Apply Physical Therapy Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physical Therapy Assistant Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the official application portal.
- Upload all necessary supporting documents, including transcripts if using education to qualify.
- Review your application for completeness and ensure all hours worked and job details are clearly described.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise; any resume over two pages will be automatically disqualified.
- Clearly define your hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Avoid using jargon or internal acronyms that a human resources specialist may not recognize.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents have cleared the virus scan before submission.
- If you are using foreign education, ensure you have the proper equivalency evaluation documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that this is an 'open continuous' announcement?
It means the agency accepts applications on an ongoing basis. As vacancies arise at Brooke Army Medical Center, qualified applicants are referred to management for consideration.
Is a security clearance required for this role?
No, a security clearance is not required, though applicants must be U.S. citizens and are subject to a background check and drug testing.
Can I negotiate my salary?
Salary negotiation may be available for candidates who are new to the Federal service.
Is this role remote-eligible?
No, this position requires on-site presence at Fort Sam Houston.
What is a 'Mission Essential' designation?
This means you are required to report to work during emergencies or severe weather to ensure patient care is not interrupted.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is a vital partner in the Department of Defense, providing healthcare services to over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. Working at a Military Treatment Facility means being part of a mission that prioritizes health, readiness, and resilience, anytime and anywhere.