Advance Your Career as a Physical Therapist at the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing the highest quality of healthcare to those who have served our nation. As a Physical Therapist with the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System in Reno, Nevada, you will play a critical role in restoring function, reducing pain, and improving the quality of life for our Veterans. This position offers a unique blend of clinical autonomy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the opportunity to work in one of the most beautiful regions in the Western United States.
Job Responsibilities
As a Physical Therapist, your responsibilities will be multifaceted and highly rewarding:
- Clinical Decision-Making: Exercise autonomous clinical judgment in a Direct Access care model.
- Patient Evaluation: Perform comprehensive multisystem assessments, including cardiopulmonary, neuromuscular, and musculoskeletal systems.
- Care Planning: Partner with interdisciplinary teams, primary care providers, and patients to develop individualized treatment plans.
- Education & Oversight: Provide clinical support to other disciplines and mentor physical therapy assistants and students.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate, timely, and evidence-based records in the electronic health system.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet the following baseline requirements:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must hold a valid, unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in a U.S. jurisdiction.
- Must have graduated from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and background check.
- Proficiency in both written and spoken English is mandatory.
Salary Overview
This position is open to candidates at the GS-11 and GS-12 levels. The salary range for this role is between $102,072 and $159,046 per year, commensurate with your experience and qualifications.
Grade Comparison
| Grade Level | Requirements | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| GS-11 | Basic requirements met | Entry-level clinical proficiency |
| GS-12 | GS-11 experience + demonstrated KSAs | Autonomous care & advanced clinical reasoning |
Benefits
The VA provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both your professional and personal life:
- Financial: Competitive federal salary with potential for performance-based advancement.
- Health: Diverse insurance options for you and your family.
- Leave: Generous annual leave and sick time, with credit for prior federal or military service.
- Retirement: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Application Tips
- Be Detailed: Use your resume to provide concrete examples of your clinical successes.
- Review Documents: Ensure your license and transcripts are clearly attached.
- Stay Current: Use the USAJOBS portal to track your application status regularly.
If you are a dedicated, patient-centered professional, we encourage you to join our team in Reno. You will be part of a mission that truly matters, serving those who have served our country. Apply today to begin your journey with the VA.
Why This Physical Therapist Job Matters
Transform lives and join a mission-driven team in beautiful Reno! The VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Physical Therapist to provide world-class rehabilitation services to our nation's heroes.
Physical Therapist Job Overview
The VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System is hiring a skilled Physical Therapist to join the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) team in Reno, Nevada. In this vital role, you will perform comprehensive patient evaluations, develop individualized treatment plans, and deliver direct care across inpatient, outpatient, and clinical settings. You will work within an interdisciplinary team to support Veterans, particularly those connected to the PACT-based care model, ensuring that they receive the highest standard of evidence-based rehabilitative care. This is an exceptional opportunity to practice in a collaborative environment while enjoying the outdoor lifestyle of the Sierra Nevada region.
Requirements for Physical Therapist
- United States Citizenship
- Current, full, unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in a U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
- Degree from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Completion of a pre-employment physical examination
- Ability to pass a background/security investigation
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Must be able to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period
Preferred Qualifications for Physical Therapist
- One year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level for GS-12 consideration
- Demonstrated ability to perform autonomous clinical decision-making in a Direct Access environment
- Proven skill in comprehensive musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and cardiopulmonary evaluation
- Experience in the clinical oversight of Physical Therapy Assistants and students
- Expertise in integrating laboratory and diagnostic findings into physical therapy plans of care
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with annual leave accrual based on service years
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Generous retirement savings plans
- ✓Paid federal holidays and sick leave
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and clinical leadership
- ✓Work-life balance in a scenic, recreation-rich location
- ✓Supportive interdisciplinary team environment
💡 How to Apply Physical Therapist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physical Therapist Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full job announcement and required documents checklist.
- Prepare your long-form resume or CV, incorporating details on relevant clinical experience.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documents, including your license and transcripts.
- Submit your application package prior to the closing date of October 13, 2026.
- Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically highlights your experience with autonomous decision-making and multidisciplinary care.
- Double-check that your license is current and upload a clear, legible copy.
- If claiming Veterans' Preference, provide all required documentation like the DD-214.
- Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
- Use the provided online status tracker to verify receipt of your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this Physical Therapist role?
The role focuses on direct patient care within the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation service, primarily supporting Primary Care and PACT teams in an outpatient-heavy, clinical environment.
Can foreign-trained physical therapists apply?
Yes, provided they meet educational equivalency requirements and hold a full, unrestricted U.S. license to practice physical therapy.
What is the work schedule for this position?
The schedule is Monday through Friday, with exact hours to be determined in consultation with the hiring manager.
Is relocation assistance offered?
No, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is not authorized for this position.
Is this a remote role?
No, this is an onsite position at our Reno facilities.
How do I verify my education?
You can verify your educational institution's accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education website provided in the official job announcement.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System is part of the Veterans Health Administration, the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Our mission is to honor our Veterans by providing compassionate, whole-person care. Working in Reno means being part of a dynamic community that balances professional growth with an unparalleled outdoor lifestyle—from the shores of Lake Tahoe to the vibrant arts and culture of downtown Reno.