Advance Your Career as a Physical Therapy Assistant with the VA
Are you a dedicated Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) seeking a role that combines professional growth with a sense of purpose? The Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System in Panama City Beach is currently hiring for a passionate clinician to join our Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service team. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide top-tier care to Veterans while working in a collaborative, high-complexity clinical environment.
Job Responsibilities
As a PTA, you will work under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist to:
- Implement complex treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs.
- Perform multifaceted physical therapy interventions, including therapeutic exercise, gait training, and neuromuscular development.
- Monitor and document patient progress using specialized clinical data collection techniques.
- Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other specialists to optimize patient outcomes and discharge planning.
- Ensure a safe, clean, and efficient therapeutic environment.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Education: An Associate degree from an accredited PTA program.
- Licensure: An active, unrestricted PTA license.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Skills: Strong proficiency in English and the ability to maintain equipment safety standards.
- Health Requirements: Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and adhere to VHA vaccination mandates.
Qualifications Comparison Table
| Qualification Area | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Education | Associate Degree in PTA |
| Licensure | Current & Unrestricted |
| Experience | Medical rehab & outpatient care preferred |
| Citizenship | Required |
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this position ranges from $55,882 to $72,644 per year. Beyond the competitive base pay, employees enjoy:
- Comprehensive federal benefits package.
- Enrollment in a robust federal retirement system.
- Significant paid leave and holiday allowances.
- Unmatched professional development support within the VA network.
Application Tips
To stand out during the selection process:
- Focus on Specifics: Use your resume to detail your specific clinical accomplishments rather than broad descriptions.
- Documentation: Have your transcripts and license information ready before beginning your application.
- Stay Proactive: Check your email frequently after applying for notifications regarding the required USA Hire competency-based assessments.
Serving those who served our country is a uniquely rewarding career path. If you are a qualified Physical Therapy Assistant ready to provide compassionate, high-quality care in Panama City Beach, we encourage you to apply and join our team today.
Why This Physical Therapy Assistant Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served: Join our dedicated Physical Therapy team in beautiful Panama City Beach.
Physical Therapy Assistant Job Overview
The Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System is seeking a compassionate and skilled Physical Therapy Assistant to provide essential rehabilitation services. In this role, you will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality outpatient care, implement specialized treatment plans, and support our nation's Veterans in their recovery journeys at our high-complexity facility.
Requirements for Physical Therapy Assistant
- U.S. Citizenship
- Associate degree from an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant program
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted PTA license
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Completion of online application, questionnaire, and assessments
- Registration with Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959)
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical evaluation
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Physical Therapy Assistant
- Experience in a medical rehabilitation setting
- Demonstrated dependability and strong customer care ethics
- Prior experience in an outpatient clinical environment
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave
- ✓Federal retirement pension and Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and continuing education
- ✓Work-life balance with standard scheduling
- ✓Paid federal holidays
💡 How to Apply Physical Therapy Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physical Therapy Assistant Job
- Create or log in to your account on the official USAJOBS portal.
- Carefully review the entire job announcement and requirements.
- Prepare your long-form resume, license documentation, and transcripts.
- Submit your application and complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Complete the required USA Hire competency-based assessments within the provided timeframe.
- Monitor your status through your applicant dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Tailor your resume to clearly reflect your clinical duties, specific dates of employment, and average hours worked per week.
- Be specific—do not leave room for assumptions regarding your clinical experience.
- Complete the assessment early to avoid technical issues near the closing deadline.
- Ensure all uploaded documents are legible and clearly labeled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if my PTA license is pending?
Yes, non-licensed applicants may be appointed as a graduate PTA on a temporary basis, provided they meet all other qualifications and actively pursue state licensure.
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this is an in-person, patient-facing clinical role that requires regular on-site attendance at our facility.
What is the work schedule for this position?
The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, though this may fluctuate based on facility requirements.
What if I am a recent graduate without a license?
You may be eligible for a temporary appointment as a graduate PTA while you complete your licensure requirements.
Is there room for growth?
The VA offers extensive internal training and advancement paths for high-performing staff.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is committed to fulfilling the promise made to those who served in our military. We provide comprehensive, compassionate, and whole-health care to our nation’s heroes. As a PTA in our system, you will be part of a team dedicated to excellence, safety, and patient-centered rehabilitation.