Lead and Serve: Become a Supervisory Physical Therapist at the VA
Are you a dedicated physical therapist looking to transition into a high-impact leadership role? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Healthcare System in Nashville, TN, is currently recruiting for a Supervisory Physical Therapist. This position offers more than just a job; it is a chance to lead a team of professionals dedicated to the wellness and rehabilitation of American Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As a Supervisory Physical Therapist (GS-13), you will be the backbone of the physical therapy department. Key responsibilities include:
- Leadership & Administration: Manage and direct the physical therapy program, including staffing, performance monitoring, and labor relations.
- Clinical Oversight: Provide clinical guidance to staff, review patient care protocols, and ensure evidence-based practices are followed.
- Policy Development: Create and implement departmental policies to address clinical needs and improve service delivery.
- Patient Advocacy: Ensure that care is appropriate, respectful, and tailored to the unique cognitive and physical needs of our Veterans.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A Bachelor's (with 5 years experience), Master's (with 2 years experience), or Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
- Licensure: You must hold a current, full, and unrestricted license in a U.S. state or territory.
- Proficiency: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are mandatory.
- Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $112,820 – $146,668 (Annual) |
| Location | Nashville, TN |
| State Income Tax | None (Tennessee) |
| Work-Life Balance | Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
Application Tips
When applying to the VA, precision is key. Ensure your resume explicitly details how your previous experience aligns with the required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). Do not leave gaps in your professional history—volunteer and clinical rotation work can be just as valuable as paid experience.
If you are ready to combine your clinical expertise with a passion for leadership, the VA in Nashville offers a rewarding career path in an exciting city. Apply today to help us uphold our promise to our nation's heroes.
Why This Physical Therapist (Supervisory) Job Matters
Lead a mission-driven team of healthcare professionals in the vibrant heart of Nashville. Join the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System as a Supervisory Physical Therapist and directly impact the lives of those who served our nation.
Physical Therapist (Supervisory) Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Supervisory Physical Therapist to join the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. In this leadership role, you will oversee clinical staff, manage rehabilitation programs, and ensure the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care to our Veterans. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape clinical standards, mentor staff, and serve a community of Veterans across middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky.
Requirements for Physical Therapist (Supervisory)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy with 5 years of experience OR Master's degree with 2 years of experience OR a Doctorate in Physical Therapy
- Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice physical therapy
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination
- Willingness to undergo a background and security investigation
- Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period
Preferred Qualifications for Physical Therapist (Supervisory)
- Progressive experience in a clinical supervisory or leadership role
- Demonstrated ability to manage labor-management relations and personnel issues
- Expertise in clinical policy development and workload management
- Strong conflict resolution and interpersonal communication skills
- Proficiency in diagnostic imaging order initiation within scope of practice
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive salary range
- âś“Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- âś“Generous paid time off and federal holidays
- âś“Opportunities for annual leave accrual credit
- âś“Retirement savings plans including TSP
- âś“Professional development and training opportunities
- âś“No state income tax in Tennessee
đź’ˇ How to Apply Physical Therapist (Supervisory) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physical Therapist (Supervisory) Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account profile.
- Prepare a detailed long-form resume or CV.
- Gather supporting documentation, including transcripts and your professional license.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
- Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Be specific and thorough in your resume to ensure all qualifications are clearly mapped to the job requirements.
- Ensure all documentation is legible and in the requested format to avoid processing delays.
- Double-check that you have included your current license and any relevant SF-50 forms if you are a federal employee.
- Apply well before the deadline to account for any technical issues.
- Clearly highlight your leadership and management experience in your resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary responsibility of this position?
You will be responsible for the administrative management and supervision of a physical therapy program, including overseeing staff, developing policies, and ensuring high-quality clinical outcomes for Veterans.
Is relocation assistance provided for this role?
No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Are there specific vaccination requirements?
Yes, participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory for all VA healthcare personnel, unless a medical or religious exemption is granted.
Is this position eligible for telework?
*A: Yes, ad-hoc telework is available as determined by agency policy.*
What is the application deadline?
*A: The closing date for this application is October 29, 2026.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) is an integrated, world-class healthcare network that includes two major medical centers in Nashville and Murfreesboro, alongside 21 outpatient clinics. We serve over 146,000 Veterans, providing comprehensive services ranging from primary care to specialized spinal cord injury rehabilitation. Our mission is built on President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served.