Advance Your Physical Therapy Career with the VA
Are you a dedicated physical therapist looking to transition into a high-level clinical specialist role? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is hiring for the Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) position within the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. This is a unique opportunity to provide top-tier care to Veterans while serving as an expert consultant and mentor within a massive, integrated healthcare network.
About the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System
The VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) is a powerhouse of medical care, serving over 146,000 Veterans. With facilities ranging from the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center in Murfreesboro to the Nashville VA Medical Center and 21 community-based outpatient clinics, TVHS provides a robust environment for innovation, research, and patient-centered care. Living in Tennessee offers a high quality of life, including no state income tax, vibrant music scenes, and excellent recreation.
Core Responsibilities
In this role, you will do much more than standard clinical therapy. Your duties include:
- Designing and implementing complex treatment plans for orthopedic and neurologic patients.
- Serving as a subject matter expert and consultant for other health care providers.
- Mentoring staff and leading multidisciplinary teams in specialty treatment areas.
- Utilizing evidence-based, innovative treatment techniques to optimize medical outcomes.
Role Comparison Table
| Feature | Standard Physical Therapist | Clinical Specialist (GS-13) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of Practice | Patient Care Focus | Consulting & Mentoring |
| Required Experience | Entry to Mid-level | Advanced/Specialized |
| Impact Level | Individual Patients | Systemic/Clinical Policy |
| Mentorship | Receiver | Provider/Mentor |
Requirements and Qualifications
To be considered for the GS-13 grade level, candidates must meet strict professional requirements:
- Education: A degree from a CAPTE-accredited university.
- Licensure: An active, unrestricted license in a U.S. State or territory.
- Specialized Experience: One year of complex experience at the GS-12 level, plus either 2,000 hours of clinical specialty practice or a recognized specialty board certification.
- Language: Demonstrated proficiency in written and spoken English.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $106,437 to $138,370 per year. Beyond the base salary, federal employees at the VA enjoy significant benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, access to the Federal Employees Retirement System, and generous annual/sick leave accrual.
How to Apply
Applying for federal jobs requires precision. Follow these steps to ensure your application is reviewed:
- Prepare Documentation: Download the required Clinical Resume Document from the VA careers site.
- Submit Online: Use the official application portal to upload your resume, transcripts, and any applicable DD-214 or SF-50 forms.
- Monitor: Check your email regularly for status updates on your referral certificate.
If you are an expert clinician looking to influence the standard of care for our Veterans, this role is for you. The combination of professional autonomy, system-wide impact, and competitive federal benefits makes this one of the most attractive opportunities in the Tennessee region. Apply by July 20, 2026, to ensure your materials are considered.
Why This Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) Job Matters
Elevate your career while providing life-changing care to our nation’s heroes. Join the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System as a Physical Therapist Clinical Specialist.
Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a highly skilled Physical Therapist to serve as a Clinical Specialist within the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. This role involves planning and executing comprehensive treatment programs for patients with complex orthopedic and neurological needs. As a specialist, you will act as a subject matter expert, mentor staff, and contribute to innovative rehabilitation outcomes across multiple clinical locations in Tennessee.
Requirements for Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist)
- U.S. Citizenship status.
- Graduation from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program.
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted physical therapy license in any U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent.
- Minimum 2,000 hours of clinical practice in the specialty area within the last 2-5 years (or equivalent specialty board certification/fellowship).
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Must be able to pass a background/security investigation.
- Mandatory annual seasonal influenza vaccination.
Preferred Qualifications for Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist)
- Board Certification in a physical therapy specialty recognized by the ABPTS.
- Completion of a fellowship program in a related physical therapy specialty.
- Advanced degrees in a related clinical field.
- Demonstrated experience in mentoring and teaching medical staff.
- Expertise in complex orthopedic and neurologic intervention modalities.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
- ✓Federal retirement savings program (TSP)
- ✓Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual
- ✓Opportunities for federal service credit toward leave
- ✓Stable work environment within an integrated healthcare system
💡 How to Apply Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) Job
- Create or update your profile on the official federal employment portal.
- Prepare your resume using the required Clinical Resume Document format.
- Collect necessary supporting documents: Licenses, Transcripts, DD-214 (if applicable), and SF-50.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of July 20, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume—the hiring team cannot make assumptions about your experience.
- Ensure your license is active and documented.
- Double-check that you have uploaded the mandatory one-page clinical resume template as requested.
- Keep track of your application status directly through the dashboard on the application portal.
- If you are a veteran, ensure your DD-214 is included to claim preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, this role offers ad-hoc telework opportunities as determined by agency policy, though it is not a fully virtual position.
What locations are hiring for this role?
This position covers multiple locations in the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, including Chattanooga, Gallatin, and Nashville, Tennessee.