Launch Your Career as a Physical Therapy Assistant at Walter Reed
Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to make a transition into federal service? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently inviting applications for a Physical Therapy Assistant position at the renowned Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. This is an exceptional opportunity to serve those who have served our country in a facility recognized for excellence in patient care.
Job Responsibilities
As a Physical Therapy Assistant, you will play a critical role in the rehabilitation department. Your core duties include:
- Designing and executing patient-specific treatment plans to foster healing.
- Facilitating patient independence through functional training.
- Documenting patient progress within the military healthcare electronic record system.
- Educating patients and their families on proper recovery techniques and home exercise programs.
- Collaborating with an interdisciplinary medical team to refine patient recovery strategies.
- Participating in continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet specific federal criteria:
- Citizenship: You must be a United States Citizen.
- Licensure: A current, valid, and unrestricted license or certification as a Physical Therapy Assistant is mandatory.
- Experience/Education: You must have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level or higher, or possess one full year of relevant graduate education.
- Application Compliance: All candidates must adhere to the two-page resume limit and provide all required documentation to be considered.
Eligibility Comparison Table
| Qualification Type | Requirement Details |
|---|---|
| Experience | 1 year of specialized experience (e.g., implementing PT plans) |
| Education | 1 full year of graduate-level education in Physical Therapy |
| Combination | Both experience and education totaling 100% of requirements |
Salary Overview
The position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $57,736 to $75,059, depending on qualifications and locality pay adjustments.
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides a robust suite of benefits, including:
- Health and Life Insurance programs.
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
- Paid federal holidays and leave accrual.
- Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for the right candidate.
Application Tips
Your resume is the most important part of your application. Ensure it is concise, accurate, and clearly reflects the specialized experience requested. Since the DHA does not make assumptions about your skills, provide specific examples of your work history, including dates and hours worked. Always attach your professional license and check your email regularly for status updates.
If you are a passionate Physical Therapy Assistant eager to work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, this is your chance. Apply today to help ensure the highest quality of care for our military community at one of the nation's premier medical centers.
Why This Physical Therapy Assistant Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the recovery and health of our nation's service members and their families at the prestigious Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Physical Therapy Assistant Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Physical Therapy Assistant to join the Department of Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. This role is essential for supporting the healthcare needs of uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. As a key member of an interdisciplinary medical team, you will assist in providing high-quality care, implementing specialized treatment plans, and facilitating functional independence for patients.
Requirements for Physical Therapy Assistant
- U.S. Citizenship
- Active, valid, and unrestricted Physical Therapy Assistant license/certification from a U.S. state, District of Columbia, or territory
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level, involving physical therapy treatment plan implementation and patient instruction
- Successful completion of a 1-year probationary period
- Ability to complete all required online application questionnaires and provide necessary documentation by the closing date
Preferred Qualifications for Physical Therapy Assistant
- Graduate-level education in physical therapy or a closely related field
- Demonstrated ability to contribute to clinical program development and quality improvement
- Experience in maintaining accurate, timely medical documentation within a military or large-scale healthcare system
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates
- ✓Direct deposit of pay
💡 How to Apply Physical Therapy Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physical Therapy Assistant Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, detailing your relevant experience, job titles, and hours worked per week.
- Complete the online questionnaire through the provided application link.
- Upload all required documentation, including your professional license and, if applicable, academic transcripts.
- Ensure your application package is submitted by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
- Verify receipt of your application through your USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less; longer resumes will be automatically excluded.
- Avoid acronyms and technical jargon in your resume to ensure clarity for HR reviewers.
- Double-check that your license/certification document is clear and attached; failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating.
- Ensure your resume explicitly lists the start and end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every position described.
- Submit your application early to account for potential technical delays or the system's virus scan process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
The position typically operates from 0700 to 1600, Monday through Friday, with flexibility required to accommodate patient needs.
Is a security clearance required?
A security clearance is not required for this specific role, though it is designated as a Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS) position with Moderate Risk.
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
Yes, you may qualify through one year of graduate-level education in a related field or a combination of graduate education and professional experience totaling 100% of the requirement.
Is relocation assistance offered?
While relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates, the government has determined that Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not in the Government's interest for this specific position.
What is the probation period?
There is a mandatory one-year probationary period required for this appointment.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated healthcare system responsible for delivering medical, pharmacy, and dental services to over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. By joining the team at Walter Reed, you become a strategic partner in supporting the Joint Force and maintaining the health and readiness of our military personnel worldwide.