Embark on a Rewarding Career as a Physical Therapist at the Sioux Falls VA

The Sioux Falls VA Health Care System is currently accepting applications for a Physical Therapist (GS-11/12). This is a unique opportunity to join a mission-driven organization dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care to the brave men and women who have served in the United States military. If you are a licensed professional looking to transition into a role that prioritizes patient-centered care and functional independence, this position offers both personal fulfillment and the stability of a federal career.

Job Responsibilities

As a staff Physical Therapist, you will be the cornerstone of patient recovery. Your duties will include:

Autonomous Evaluation: Conducting independent examinations of patients with various musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and pulmonary impairments.
Treatment Planning: Developing and modifying individualized treatment plans based on patient responses and medical progression.
Team Collaboration: Working closely with doctors, nurses, and other allied health professionals to coordinate comprehensive care.
Mentorship: Providing clinical oversight to physical therapy students and assistants, fostering the next generation of rehabilitation experts.
Direct Access Care: Utilizing your professional judgment to evaluate and treat Veterans in a Direct Access clinical environment.

Requirements

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

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education: A Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate degree from a CAPTE-accredited program.
Licensure: You must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Physical Standards: Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination.

Level	Experience/Education Required
GS-11	Basic degree requirements; entry-level independence
GS-12	Basic requirements plus 1 year of equivalent experience

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary structure ranging from $74,678 to $116,362 per year. Compensation is determined by your experience level and current qualifications. Working in South Dakota also offers the financial advantage of having no state income tax, allowing you to maximize your take-home pay while enjoying the benefits of a robust federal compensation package.

Benefits of Federal Employment

The VA is renowned for its incomparable benefits package, which includes:

Health and Wellness: Premium health, dental, and vision insurance.
Retirement: Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, in addition to a FERS pension.
Paid Time Off: Generous accrual of annual and sick leave, alongside federal holidays.
Career Development: Opportunities for continuing education and professional advancement within the VA system.

Application Tips

Focus on KSAs: Clearly document your Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities in your resume.
Documentation: Ensure your transcripts, licenses, and veteran preference forms are complete and easy to read.
Clarity: Be specific about your experience. Use examples of clinical autonomy and specific treatment modalities you have utilized.
Check Deadlines: Submit everything via the official USAJOBS portal before the November 3, 2026, deadline.

Serving those who served our country is more than just a job; it is a calling. At the Sioux Falls VA, you will find a team that values innovation, compassion, and excellence. If you are ready to elevate your career and make a tangible impact on the lives of Veterans, we encourage you to apply for this Physical Therapist position today.

Why This Physical Therapist Job Matters

Join the Sioux Falls VA team and provide vital, evidence-based care to those who have served our nation while advancing your clinical career in a supportive, professional environment.

Physical Therapist Job Overview

The Sioux Falls VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Physical Therapist to join its Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation team. This position involves delivering comprehensive, autonomous patient care to Veterans in both inpatient and outpatient settings. You will work within a collaborative medical environment, utilizing state-of-the-art resources to restore function and improve the quality of life for our nation's heroes. This is a full-performance level opportunity where you will contribute to interdisciplinary care teams, mentor students, and participate in a progressive, mission-driven organization.

Requirements for Physical Therapist

Must be a United States Citizen.
Hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in a U.S. State, Territory, or the District of Columbia.
Must have graduated from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program.
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and background investigation.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must be able to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccinations or secure an approved exemption.

Preferred Qualifications for Physical Therapist

One year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-11 level for those seeking the GS-12 grade.
Proven ability to perform autonomous clinical evaluations in a Direct Access environment.
Experience in establishing diagnoses within the scope of physical therapy and creating comprehensive rehabilitation plans.
Ability to provide effective clinical oversight for Physical Therapy Assistants and students.
Strong communication skills for collaborating with interdisciplinary medical teams and patient families.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary with potential for advancement
✓Comprehensive health insurance packages
✓Federal retirement savings plan (Thrift Savings Plan)
✓Paid annual and sick leave
✓Federal holiday pay
✓No state income tax in South Dakota
✓Access to a teaching hospital environment with research and education opportunities

💡 How to Apply Physical Therapist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physical Therapist Job

Log in or create an account on the USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a comprehensive, long-form resume or Curriculum Vitae.
Gather supporting documentation including transcripts, licenses, and veteran preference forms (DD-214/SF-15).
Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your full application package before the closing date of November 3, 2026.
Monitor your email for status updates and potential interview requests.

💡 General Tips

Tailor your resume specifically to the duties mentioned in the announcement, highlighting relevant clinical experience.
Ensure your license details and education credentials are clearly visible.
Quantify your experience; for example, mention the number of patients seen or the types of conditions managed.
Submit all required documents well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
Consider writing a separate document specifically addressing the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I am currently a student or pending licensure?

Yes, you may be referred and tentatively selected, but you must obtain your full, unrestricted license before you can be officially hired.

What is the work schedule for this position?

This role follows a standard Monday through Friday schedule, typically from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Does this position offer relocation incentives?

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

Is telework allowed?

*A: This position is not virtual; however, ad-hoc telework may be discussed based on facility needs.*

What is the trial period?

*A: You will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period to evaluate your fitness and alignment with the agency's mission.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. The Sioux Falls VA Health Care System is a vital part of the VA Midwest Healthcare System (VISN 23). We operate as a teaching hospital, providing a comprehensive range of services, including surgery, psychiatry, geriatrics, and rehabilitation. Our facility prides itself on utilizing state-of-the-art technology to ensure that our Veterans receive the best possible outcomes in their journey to recovery.