The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) provides treatment that promotes the prevention, remediation, and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical dysfunction. The PTA participates with the PT in planning and implementing complex treatment programs and applies physical therapy procedures to patients. The duties and responsibilities of this position are carried out within SAVAHCS including various clinical, administrative, and patient care areas associated with PM&RS.
Major duties to include but not limited to: Implements the plan of care for patient cases, advance the program, and continually review the patient's condition to determine their medical and functional status. Performs specific interventions and monitors and captures progress of the patient/client using knowledge of physical therapy data collection and assessment techniques. Responsible for the execution of routine and specialized physical therapy treatment of patients.
The PTA is allowed individual creativity and initiative to execute treatment program goals and objectives set forth by the treating physical therapist. Implements treatment plan using knowledge of techniques related to the patient's disability and needs. Executes treatments for all types of diagnoses both routine and complex including but not limited to orthopedic, neurological, integumentary conditions of all degrees of severity.
Many cases are complex where multiple diagnoses complicate treatment. Provides evidence based skilled interventions including, but not limited to: therapeutic exercise; therapeutic activities; therapeutic modalities; manual treatment; neuromuscular re-education; self-care and management training; patient/caregiver's education and group therapy; balance; body mechanics; flexibility; strength, etc.
Modifies treatment techniques based on the learning needs or perceptions of the patient. Identifies critical changes (e.g., vital signs, pain, mobility, and alertness) in patient conditions to determine their medical and functional status. Utilizes considerable tact and resourcefulness in an effort to provide motivating factors to encourage patients to work toward rehabilitation goals.
As a physical therapy team member, the PTA may be required to provide periodic in-services as requested by interdisciplinary team members. Instruction and/or patient education may include physical therapy interventions/modalities, body mechanics, transfer techniques, bed positioning, range of motion exercises and application of slings, splints, and braces. Communicates effectively with interdisciplinary treatment team members regarding patient function.
Instructs patients and caregivers in varied interventions to provide materials to enhance compliance with home exercise programs. Administers thermo-therapy, cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, electrical stimulation, TENS, diathermy, ultrasound, iontophoresis, low level laser therapy, traction, therapeutic exercises, and skin/wound care dressing as indicated by a Licensed Physical Therapist.
Recognizes significant change and/or adverse reaction to treatment and initiates effective action immediately. Meets with the physical therapy staff and other healthcare team members to evaluate and discuss patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment programs and discharge planning. Assists in gait training and remedial muscle re-education. Facilitates the provision of adaptive and durable medical equipment provided by the physical therapist.
Maintains the linen supply, cleans equipment, changes sheets on the treatment tables, and adheres to infection control procedures. Maintains clinic treatment records, attendance records, schedules patients when indicated and completes encounters daily. Documents treatment and treatment outcomes per the physical therapy treatment plan in the electronic medical record. Orders departmental supplies for the inpatient or outpatient physical therapy gym depending on assignment.
Attends regularly scheduled departmental and physical therapy section meetings. Demonstrates an understanding of the range of treatment and skills needed for all adult patients related to physical limitations, unique psychological needs, and age associated illnesses and conditions. Work Schedule: Full-Time/ Monday - Friday, 0730-1600 Telework: Not Available Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
kimberly.ross4@va.gov · 858-665-1906
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $48719 – $85639/yr.
Applications close on 2026-10-22.
This position is open under the 'Fed Competitive' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-17 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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