Advance Your Career as a Physical Therapy Assistant with the VA

The Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) is currently seeking a highly motivated and expert Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) to join our rehabilitative team. If you are passionate about helping Veterans recover and lead fulfilling lives, this GS-9 position offers a rewarding opportunity to apply your specialized clinical skills within a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a PTA at the GS-9 level, you will perform higher-level duties at least 25% of the time, serving as a subject matter expert in programs such as geriatrics, orthopedics, or neurological rehabilitation. Key responsibilities include:

Clinical Care: Providing direct therapeutic services to Veterans in acute care, outpatient, and community living settings.
Treatment Planning: Collaborating with Physical Therapists to implement complex, evidence-based treatment programs.
Mentorship: Serving as an SME for healthcare providers and mentoring staff in advanced clinical guidelines.
Administrative Duties: Participating in medical center committees and attending inter-departmental meetings to improve patient care outcomes.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Education: Associate degree from an accredited PTA program.
Licensure: Current, active, and unrestricted PTA license.
Experience: Experience at the next lower grade level with additional specialty clinical practice or advanced proficiency documentation.
Background: Successful completion of a pre-employment security investigation.

Salary Overview

This position is classified as a GS-9. The salary range is as follows:

Pay Scale	Minimum Salary	Maximum Salary
GS-9	$61,722	$80,243

Benefits

The VA provides a robust benefits package that supports both your career and your personal life, including health insurance, generous leave policies, and a comprehensive retirement plan.

Application Tips

Use the official VA resume template provided on their careers site.
Ensure your transcripts are clearly readable and uploaded.
Clearly articulate your specialized experience in your resume—do not leave room for assumptions.
Apply well before the September 8, 2026 deadline.

Serving as a Physical Therapy Assistant at the CAVHCS is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the wellbeing of our nation's Veterans. Apply today to help us provide the high-quality care our heroes deserve.

Why This Physical Therapy Assistant Job Matters

Elevate your career as a Physical Therapy Assistant with the VA and provide life-changing care to our nation's heroes in Montgomery, Alabama.

Physical Therapy Assistant Job Overview

The Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System is seeking a skilled and dedicated Physical Therapy Assistant (GS-9) to join our Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service team. You will play a vital role in providing high-quality therapeutic care to Veterans, serving as a subject matter expert, and helping our patients regain functional independence through evidence-based practice.

Requirements for Physical Therapy Assistant

U.S. Citizenship.
Current, full, active, and unrestricted license as a Physical Therapy Assistant.
English language proficiency (spoken and written).
Completion of an accredited PTA program or military equivalent with passage of the NPTE.
Must pass a background/security investigation.
Completion of a 1-2 year trial period.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Preferred Qualifications for Physical Therapy Assistant

2000+ hours of clinical practice in the specialty area within the last five years.
Advanced Practice Proficiency (APP) recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
Additional academic degree relevant to healthcare.
Proven experience serving as a subject matter expert in areas such as geriatrics, orthopedics, or neurological rehabilitation.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Retirement savings plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
✓Life insurance and flexible spending accounts.

💡 How to Apply Physical Therapy Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physical Therapy Assistant Job

Create or update your USAJOBS account.
Download the standard Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA link.
Prepare your supporting documents, including your license, transcripts, and SF-50 if applicable.
Complete the occupational questionnaire via the USA Staffing portal.
Submit your full application package before the closing date of September 8, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume; do not assume the recruiter knows your past duties.
Ensure all documentation, especially transcripts and certifications, are clearly uploaded.
Veterans should claim their preference and submit their DD214 early in the process.
Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template to ensure compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the full performance level of this position?

The full performance level for this vacancy is GS-9.

Is relocation assistance provided?

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

Are there mandatory vaccinations?

Yes, as a Department of Veterans Affairs health care professional, you must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Is telework available for this position?

No, this position requires onsite presence in Montgomery, AL.

Can I apply without a U.S. citizenship?

Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.

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. By joining the Veterans Health Administration, you become part of a massive, nationwide network committed to providing compassionate, whole-health care to the men and women who have defended our country.