Serving Those Who Serve: Physical Therapy Assistant Opportunities at McDonald Army Health Center
Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to make a meaningful difference? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking a talented Physical Therapy Assistant to join the team at the McDonald Army Health Center in Newport News, Virginia. This role offers a unique opportunity to provide critical rehabilitative care to military service members across all branches of the armed forces.
Job Responsibilities
As a Physical Therapy Assistant, you will work within a collaborative environment to help patients restore their strength, range of motion, and physical independence. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Implementing and monitoring progressive treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of service members.
- Evaluating patient responses to therapy, taking into account neurological, surgical, and cardiac statuses.
- Collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to recommend modifications to care plans.
- Mentoring therapy students and sharing technical expertise with peers.
- Participating in educational programs to teach proper rehabilitation techniques to clinical staff.
Qualifications
To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet specific professional standards.
| Requirement Type | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Experience | One year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level |
| Education | Graduate-level education in PT, Kinesiology, or Sports Medicine |
| Testing | Must pass a mandatory drug screening |
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary range of $51,210 to $66,574 per year. Beyond the base salary, federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, which often includes comprehensive health insurance, retirement planning options, and professional development opportunities within the federal healthcare network.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal position requires precision. Follow these tips to ensure your application stands out:
- Resume Length: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submitting a longer document will result in automatic removal from consideration.
- Clear Documentation: Include employer names, titles, and exact start/end dates. Specify the number of hours worked per week.
- Use Plain Language: Avoid overly technical acronyms that might not be understood by the hiring review board.
- Verification: Confirm that your application package is complete and submitted by the deadline of October 19, 2026.
Joining the team at McDonald Army Health Center is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the well-being of the men and women who serve our nation. If you have the required clinical skills and a passion for patient care, we encourage you to apply for this vital role today.
Why This Physical Therapy Assistant Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of service members at the McDonald Army Health Center. We are seeking a dedicated Physical Therapy Assistant to join our team in Newport News, Virginia.
Physical Therapy Assistant Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a skilled Physical Therapy Assistant to support the Physical Therapy Clinic at the McDonald Army Health Center in Fort Eustis, Virginia. This role is pivotal in delivering high-quality rehabilitative care to members of all five military service branches, ensuring our military personnel maintain their peak physical readiness and health.
Requirements for Physical Therapy Assistant
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level in the federal service, which includes implementing physical therapy treatment plans.
- Successfully pass a drug test.
- Must be able to complete a one-year probationary period.
- Submit a resume no longer than two pages.
- Complete the online questionnaire as part of the application package.
Preferred Qualifications for Physical Therapy Assistant
- Educational background in Physical Therapy, Kinesiology, Sports Medicine, or Exercise Science.
- Proven ability to teach and mentor therapy students or junior personnel.
- Experience in diverse clinical settings involving orthopedic, neurological, or cardiac rehabilitation.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Competitive salary packages with potential for advanced in-hire rates for highly qualified candidates.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training within a world-class health system.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for exceptional candidates.
- ✓Job security within a stable federal agency environment.
💡 How to Apply Physical Therapy Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physical Therapy Assistant Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement details carefully.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, highlighting relevant specialized experience.
- Submit all required documentation, including transcripts if using education to qualify.
- Complete the online applicant questionnaire.
- Verify that your application status appears as submitted before the deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages; any content beyond that will be excluded from review.
- Use clear, professional language and avoid excessive jargon or internal acronyms.
- Ensure your work history includes specific hours worked per week and exact employment dates.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents have cleared the virus scan before the closing date.
- Sanitize sensitive personal information from supplemental documents like marriage certificates or military orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position open to the general public?
Yes, this is a Direct Hire solicitation open to all U.S. citizens.
What is the education requirement if I do not have one year of specialized experience?
You may qualify through one full year of graduate-level education in fields like Physical Therapy, Kinesiology, or Sports Medicine, or a combination of both experience and education.
Will I receive relocation assistance?
No, payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized for this position.
Do I need a security clearance?
No, this position is classified as non-sensitive and does not require a security clearance.
Can I substitute my education for experience?
Yes, a combination of graduate-level education and relevant work experience can be used to meet the 100% qualification requirement.
Is there promotion potential?
This position currently has no promotion potential, but it offers invaluable experience working within the military healthcare system.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated healthcare system responsible for delivering medical, dental, and pharmacy services to over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. As a strategic partner to the Department of Defense, the DHA ensures that our military community receives world-class care, helping to maintain readiness and improve health outcomes worldwide.