Physical Therapy Assistant

Nature, Purpose, and Location of Work:
This GS-8 PTA serves in a full performance-level position, drawing upon a broad base of practical knowledge and wide-ranging clinical skills in the care of low- to high-complexity patients toward reaching pre-determined goals. The PTA demonstrates independence with implementing treatment plans, treatment modification, ongoing patient assessment, and use of objective measures and clinical outcome data.

• United States Citizenship:
  Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Education. Individuals must meet at least one of the requirements below:
  • (1) [] Associate degree from an accredited community college, junior college, college or university in a physical therapy assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education; OR
  • (2) [] Graduate of foreign physical therapy assistant degree programs that meet the educational requirement and have successfully passed the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs. OR
  • (3) Graduate of military physical therapy assistant programs that meet the educational requirement and have successfully passed the NPTE for PTAs.
• Licensure. Current, full, active and unrestricted license as a PTA in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e. Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia.

Physical Therapy Assistant, GS-8

• Experience. [One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade.]
• Demonstrated Knowledge,
  
  Skills and Abilities
  
  . [In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  • (a) Ability to independently implement treatment plan using knowledge of techniques related to the patient's disability and needs.
  • (b) Ability to independently provide varied and multifaceted physical therapy interventions based on the established care plan (e.g., therapeutic exercise, balance, body mechanics, flexibility, strength, gait training, neuromotor development, physical agents, functional training, etc.).
  • (c) Knowledge of physical therapy data collection and assessment techniques in order to perform specific interventions and to monitor and capture progress of the patient/client.
  • (d) Ability to instruct patient on varied interventions to provide materials to enhance compliance with home programs.
  • (e) Ability to modify treatment techniques based on the learning needs and perceptions of the patient.
  • (f) Ability to identify critical changes (e.g. vital signs, pain, mobility and alertness) in patient conditions to determine their medical and functional status.
  • (g) Ability to work with PTs and other interdisciplinary healthcare team members to evaluate patient information for planning, modifying and coordinating treatment programs and discharge planning.
  ]

For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8.

Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination. Exceptions: A pre-placement examination is required for any occupation or assignment that requires the operation of a government-owned or
-leased motor vehicle in order to properly carry out assigned duties. Examinations may also be required for any occupation or assignment that requires a pre-placement examination by virtue of another policy, regulation, or statute,