Launch Your Career as a Physical Therapy Assistant with the Defense Health Agency
Are you a licensed Physical Therapy Assistant looking to make a meaningful difference? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking a dedicated professional to join the team at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center (DDEAMC) in Augusta, Georgia. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide high-quality care to our nation’s service members, retirees, and their families.
About the Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency is a joint, integrated combat support agency that enables the Department of Defense to provide a medically ready force. Working within the DDEAMC’s Department of Surgery, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, you will be part of a mission that spans worldwide, delivering essential medical services to over 9.5 million beneficiaries. It is a fast-paced, mission-driven environment where your skills directly contribute to patient recovery and readiness.
Job Responsibilities
As a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA), your duties are multifaceted and critical to the patient care process. You will:
- Implement progressive treatment plans to restore strength, range of motion, and functional independence.
- Assist in evaluating patient status across neurological, surgical, and respiratory conditions.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care plans.
- Manage data collection and reporting for clinic research and workload analysis.
- Stay updated on current physical therapy literature and clinical modalities.
Comparison: Private Practice vs. Federal Healthcare
| Feature | Private Practice | Federal Healthcare (DHA) |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Base | Variable | Military/Beneficiaries |
| Retirement Plan | Varies by Employer | Federal Pension (FERS) |
| Benefits | Often Tiered | Comprehensive Package |
| Environment | Commercial Focus | Mission/Readiness Focus |
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level.
- Licensure: An active, unrestricted license as a Physical Therapy Assistant in a U.S. state or territory.
- Education: Graduate-level education in fields like Kinesiology or Physical Therapy may be substituted for experience.
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this position is set between $50,460 and $65,599 per year. In addition to a competitive base salary, federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including access to health, vision, and dental insurance, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and generous paid leave.
How to Apply
- Prepare your resume, ensuring it is two pages or less.
- Collect your proof of licensure and, if applicable, college transcripts.
- Complete the online questionnaire through the official application portal.
- Submit your application before the November 5, 2026, deadline.
Serving those who serve our country is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence. If you are a licensed Physical Therapy Assistant eager to apply your skills in a supportive, mission-focused environment, we encourage you to submit your application to the Defense Health Agency today.
Why This Physical Therapy Assistant Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the recovery and well-being of our nation's heroes by joining the Defense Health Agency team as a Physical Therapy Assistant in Augusta, Georgia.
Physical Therapy Assistant Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is seeking a skilled Physical Therapy Assistant to join the Department of Surgery, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation clinic at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center. In this vital role, you will work closely with patients and medical staff to implement personalized treatment plans designed to restore strength, mobility, and functional independence for military service members, veterans, and their families.
Requirements for Physical Therapy Assistant
- U.S. Citizenship.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level or equivalent.
- Current, active, valid, and unrestricted Physical Therapy Assistant license/certification from any U.S. state, D.C., or territory.
- Ability to pass a suitability and fitness background investigation.
- Successful completion of a one-year probationary period.
- Must be able to provide proof of citizenship and Selective Service registration if applicable.
Preferred Qualifications for Physical Therapy Assistant
- Experience implementing complex physical therapy treatment plans for diverse clinical populations.
- Strong communication skills for interdisciplinary team collaboration.
- Proficiency in data collection and statistical reporting for clinical research and workload management.
- Ability to quickly master new clinical modalities through literature review and research.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Generous paid time off and federal holidays.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style investment).
- ✓Stable federal career progression and support for professional development.
- ✓Potential recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
💡 How to Apply Physical Therapy Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physical Therapy Assistant Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
- Prepare a resume that is two pages or less and specifically details relevant clinical experience.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided application portal link.
- Upload all required documentation, including your professional license and, if applicable, academic transcripts.
- Review your application package for accuracy before submission.
- Submit your application package before the 11:59 PM EST deadline on November 5, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages; documents exceeding this limit will not be considered.
- Clearly list employment dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every position.
- Avoid using technical jargon or acronyms that a human resources specialist may not understand.
- Ensure your license is clearly visible and valid; failure to attach it will result in automatic disqualification.
- Submit your documents early to ensure they pass the system virus scan before the closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use volunteer experience to qualify for this role?
Yes, both paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work with recognized organizations, can be credited if it demonstrates the required specialized skills.
What happens if I forget to attach my professional license?
Your application will be marked as incomplete, and you will not be considered for the position. Always double-check your document uploads.