Launch Your Healthcare Career: Physical Therapy Assistant at General Leonard Wood Community Hospital
Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to support those who serve our country? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is hiring a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) to join our team at the General Leonard Wood Community Hospital in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. This position offers a unique blend of clinical challenge and mission-driven service, allowing you to improve the functional outcomes of military personnel and their families.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will play a critical part in the rehabilitation process. Key responsibilities include:
- Implementing complex physical therapy treatment plans as directed by therapists.
- Interpreting clinical findings to initiate care for patients with diverse needs (neurological, surgical, cardiac, etc.).
- Educating patients and their families on exercises and functional training.
- Performing maintenance on clinical equipment to ensure safety and performance.
- Documenting patient progress and communicating status reports to the healthcare team.
Requirements
To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet one of the following criteria:
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level.
- Education: One full year of graduate-level education in Physical Therapy, Kinesiology, Sports Medicine, or Exercise Science.
- Combination: A mix of education and experience that equals 100% of the requirement.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Qualification Type | Requirement Threshold |
|---|---|
| Specialized Experience | 1 Year (equivalent to GS-06) |
| Graduate Education | 1 Full Year (related field) |
| Combined Entry | 100% of required ratio |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $50,460 to $74,173. The pay scale includes applicable locality pay, ensuring your compensation reflects the local market and your professional experience.
Benefits
Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including health insurance, retirement planning (FERS), paid federal holidays, and leave accrual. For those relocating, recruitment or relocation incentives and PCS allowances may be available for qualified candidates.
Application Tips
- Resume Length: Strict two-page limit.
- Clarity: Clearly state start/end dates and hours per week for every position.
- Documentation: Always attach transcripts if using education to satisfy requirements.
- Check Status: Use the USAJOBS dashboard to track your application.
Serving as a Physical Therapy Assistant at General Leonard Wood Community Hospital is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the wellbeing of our military community. With excellent benefits, competitive pay, and the opportunity to work in a premier federal healthcare system, this is an excellent opportunity for your career. Apply today via the USAJOBS portal.
Why This Physical Therapy Assistant Job Matters
Join a dedicated team at the General Leonard Wood Community Hospital and make a tangible impact on the lives of our nation's service members, retirees, and their families through expert physical therapy care.
Physical Therapy Assistant Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is currently seeking a motivated Physical Therapy Assistant to provide essential rehabilitative services at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. This role is integral to an integrated healthcare system that prioritizes patient-centered care, functional recovery, and health readiness for those who serve. As a member of our clinical team, you will implement customized treatment plans and provide expert guidance to patients, ensuring the highest standards of care in a dynamic military medical environment.
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 PT plans and providing status reports.
- Completion of one full year of graduate-level education in a related field such as Physical Therapy, Kinesiology, or Exercise Science.
- A combination of specialized experience and graduate-level education that meets 100% of the qualification requirements.
- Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages, detailing relevant work history, hours worked, and specific tasks.
- Pass a drug test as this position is subject to testing requirements.
- Completion of a pre-employment certification statement for Selective Service registration for male applicants born after December 31, 1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Physical Therapy Assistant
- Advanced practical knowledge of evidence-based physical therapy practices.
- Experience in diverse clinical settings involving neurological, surgical, and cardiac patients.
- Strong ability to translate therapist findings into actionable patient instructions.
- Proficiency in maintaining specialized medical equipment.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- ✓Generous paid time off and federal holidays.
- ✓Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
- ✓Eligibility for Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances based on government interest.
💡 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 job announcement details carefully.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided link.
- Upload all required supporting documentation, including transcripts if using education to qualify.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of December 31, 2026.
- Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages or less; longer resumes will be automatically excluded.
- Use plain language and avoid internal jargon or acronyms.
- Be explicit about your work hours per week for every position listed.
- Verify that your uploaded documents clear the virus scan process before the deadline.
- Ensure your transcripts clearly indicate graduate-level coursework if substituting education for experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this position is located on-site at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and is not eligible for remote work or telework.
Can I use foreign education to qualify?
Yes, provided the foreign education has been evaluated by an accredited organization and deemed equivalent to a U.S. program.
Is a security clearance required?
No, a security clearance is not required; however, the position does require a suitability and fitness investigation.
What is the application deadline?
The announcement is open until December 31, 2026.
Do I need a security clearance?
No, this position is non-sensitive.
Job from Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency is a vital component of the Department of Defense. As an integrated health care system, we provide medical, dental, and pharmacy services to over 9.5 million beneficiaries worldwide. Working with the DHA means you are a strategic partner in medical readiness, ensuring our service members are ready for any mission, anywhere in the world.