Advance Your Career as a Physical Therapist with the VA
Are you a dedicated physical therapist looking to combine your clinical expertise with a mission-driven career? The VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System is looking for a skilled professional to join our team in Laughlin, Nevada. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide high-level care to the men and women who have served our country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Physical Therapist, you will function as a key member of the healthcare team. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Performing thorough physical therapy evaluations, including gait training, muscle testing, and range of motion assessment.
- Developing individualized treatment plans using manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and advanced modalities like TENS and cryotherapy.
- Coordinating care across outpatient, inpatient, and home-based environments.
- Providing critical patient education to Veterans, their families, and caregivers to ensure continuity of care.
- Collaborating with physicians and other healthcare providers within an interdisciplinary team (IDT) setting.
- Mentoring students and clinical staff to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet specific federal requirements:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
- Education: A graduate of a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program.
- Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted state license to practice physical therapy.
- Proficiency: Must be fluent in written and spoken English.
- Medical: Must pass a pre-employment physical exam and adhere to influenza vaccination requirements.
Salary and Benefits
| Benefit Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $99,891 – $129,861 per year |
| Leave | Generous annual and sick leave accrual |
| Retirement | Federal Pension + Thrift Savings Plan |
| Insurance | Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage |
Application Tips
When applying for a federal position, clarity is key. Ensure your resume highlights your specific clinical achievements and demonstrates how your experience aligns with the KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) listed in the job announcement. Do not omit volunteer experience, as it often provides valuable insights into your professional capabilities.
Joining the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System is more than just a job; it is a chance to provide world-class care to our nation's heroes. If you possess the clinical skill and compassion required for this role, we encourage you to submit your application by the closing date of November 9, 2026.
Why This Physical Therapist Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our nation by joining the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System as a Physical Therapist in Laughlin.
Physical Therapist Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Physical Therapist to provide comprehensive clinical care to Veterans within the Southern Nevada Healthcare System. This role involves working across outpatient, inpatient, and home-based settings, delivering high-quality rehabilitative services that improve functional outcomes and quality of life for our nation's heroes.
Requirements for Physical Therapist
- U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may only be appointed if no qualified citizens are available).
- Current, full, and unrestricted state license to practice physical therapy.
- Must be a graduate of a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- For males born after 12/31/1959, Selective Service registration is required.
Preferred Qualifications for Physical Therapist
- Advanced experience in autonomous clinical decision-making within a Direct Access environment.
- Demonstrated leadership skills in coordinating workflow, staff orientation, and clinical training.
- Expertise in performing home safety assessments and developing comprehensive home-based rehabilitative plans.
- Experience in the clinical supervision of Physical Therapy Assistants and students.
- Strong communication skills for interdisciplinary team collaboration.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Generous paid time off (vacation and sick leave).
- ✓Federal retirement pension and Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style).
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- ✓Predictable and flexible scheduling opportunities.
- ✓Ongoing career development and mentorship programs.
- ✓Eligibility for service credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior service.
💡 How to Apply Physical Therapist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physical Therapist Job
- Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.
- Review the full job announcement and required document checklist.
- Prepare your resume, professional certifications, and, if applicable, your DD-214 or transcripts.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application and all supporting documents before the closing date of November 9, 2026.
- Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and comprehensive in your resume—do not assume the recruiter knows your experience.
- Ensure your professional license is current and upload proof of your degree from a CAPTE-accredited program.
- If claiming Veterans' Preference, provide all required documentation, such as the DD-214, at the time of application.
- Verify your eligibility for any licensing requirements, especially if you hold multiple state licenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of this role?
The role focuses on providing compassionate, high-quality physical therapy to Veterans, helping them regain functional independence through evaluations, specialized treatments, and patient education.
Is travel required for this position?
The position is based in Laughlin, Nevada, but may involve local coordination of care in home or outpatient settings as required by the healthcare team.
Can I apply if I am a recent graduate?
Applicants must meet the educational requirements (Doctorate, Master's, or Bachelor's with specific experience) and hold a valid, unrestricted license to practice.
What is the work schedule?
This position typically operates Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Is relocation assistance offered?
No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military. The VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System serves a growing population of over 240,000 Veterans. We pride ourselves on offering a collaborative, professional environment where clinicians are supported, valued, and encouraged to balance work with their personal lives.