Advance Your Career as a Physical Therapist with the Defense Health Agency
Are you a dedicated Physical Therapist looking to transition your career into a environment where your work directly impacts the health and readiness of military personnel? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking a talented and compassionate Physical Therapist to join the team at Martin Army Community Hospital in Fort Benning, Georgia. This is a unique opportunity to provide high-level care in a military medical setting.
Job Responsibilities
As a Physical Therapist within the Directorate of Surgery, you will manage a complex caseload. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Patient Evaluation: Conducting thorough physical therapy evaluations to diagnose functional limitations and pain levels.
- Treatment Planning: Creating and implementing customized, goal-oriented care plans to maximize recovery.
- Therapeutic Intervention: Utilizing a range of modalities and new integrative technologies to address musculoskeletal injuries.
- Education: Providing essential consultation to patients and their families regarding their injury or disease process.
- Protocol Development: Contributing to the development of departmental standard operating procedures.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-12 equivalent role, candidates must meet specific criteria:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Licensure | Current, active, full, and unrestricted state license |
| Education | Graduate degree in Physical Therapy from a CAAHEP-accredited program |
| Experience | 1 year of specialized experience in evaluation and treatment |
| Examination | Successful completion of the NPTE |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $94,654 to $123,052 per year. Beyond the salary, the federal government provides a robust benefits package, which includes:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
- Accrual of federal leave and paid holidays.
- Potential for student loan repayment assistance.
- Opportunities for career mobility within the Defense Health Agency.
Application Tips
When applying, pay close attention to your documentation. Your resume must demonstrate your specific experience in evaluating patients, developing plans, and providing education. Since this is a highly competitive field, avoid jargon and focus on clearly quantifying your accomplishments. Ensure your transcripts and your current, active license are clearly scanned and attached to your application package.
Working for the Defense Health Agency is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the well-being of the military community. If you possess the clinical expertise and the passion for service, we encourage you to apply by the closing date of December 14, 2026. Start your application through the official USAJOBS portal today.
Why This Physical Therapist Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the health and readiness of those who serve: Join the Defense Health Agency at Martin Army Community Hospital as a Physical Therapist.
Physical Therapist Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated and skilled Physical Therapist to provide comprehensive care at Martin Army Community Hospital in Fort Benning, Georgia. This position plays a critical role in evaluating, treating, and rehabilitating wounded, ill, and injured service members, ensuring they receive high-quality medical attention. You will be responsible for developing sophisticated treatment plans, implementing innovative therapeutic techniques, and guiding patients through their recovery processes in a collaborative clinical environment.
Requirements for Physical Therapist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Graduate degree in Physical Therapy from a program approved by the CAAHEP or an equivalent accredited institution
- Current, active, full, and unrestricted Physical Therapist license from a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia
- Completion of the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level, including patient evaluations, treatment plan development, and staff/patient consultation
- Resume limited to two pages or less
Preferred Qualifications for Physical Therapist
- Proven experience working with military populations or wounded, ill, and injured service members
- Strong proficiency in implementing modern therapeutic modalities and integrative rehabilitation techniques
- Ability to develop and manage protocols and standard operating procedures for PT departments
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and life insurance programs
- ✓Generous retirement plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- ✓Paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave accrual
- ✓Potential for salary negotiation for new federal employees
- ✓Possible advanced leave accrual or student loan repayment incentives for qualified candidates
- ✓Recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified individuals
💡 How to Apply Physical Therapist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physical Therapist Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
- Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, ensuring all employment dates, hours worked, and job duties are clearly defined.
- Complete the required online questionnaire via the provided application link.
- Upload all necessary supporting documents, including your PT license, transcripts, and any applicable performance appraisals.
- Verify the completeness of your application package and submit before the 11:59 PM EST deadline on December 14, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically addresses the three pillars of specialized experience: evaluation, treatment planning, and patient education.
- Use plain, clear language and avoid internal acronyms that a human resources specialist may not understand.
- Submit your documents well in advance to account for the mandatory virus scan process, which can take up to one hour.
- Double-check that your license copy is legible and current before uploading.
- Re-select your documents from your saved USAJOBS profile during the application wizard; simply having them on your account is not enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a master's degree required for this position?
You must hold a graduate degree in physical therapy from an accredited program recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Can I substitute my education for the required experience?
No. For this specific position, you must possess one year of specialized professional experience; education cannot be substituted for this requirement.
Are there any relocation benefits available?
While not guaranteed, recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
Is this a remote position?
No, this role requires on-site presence at Martin Army Community Hospital in Fort Benning, GA.
Will I need a security clearance?
This is a non-sensitive, low-risk position; a security clearance is not required.
Can I negotiate my salary?
Yes, salary negotiation may be available for candidates who are new to the federal service.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is a vital component of the Department of Defense, tasked with providing integrated healthcare services to service members, retirees, and their families. With a mission to optimize health and improve medical readiness, the DHA operates a vast network of facilities worldwide. Working at Martin Army Community Hospital offers the chance to collaborate with multidisciplinary medical teams committed to restoring the health and mobility of those who defend our nation.