Physical Therapy Assistant

BASIC REQUIREMENTS. To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following: a. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy. b. 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. c. 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. (1) Exceptions for Non-Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant. (a) Non-licensed applicants who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements, but who do not possess state licensure, may be appointed, pending licensure, as a graduate PTA on a full-time temporary appointment and not to exceed two years. (b) Non-licensed individuals shall only provide care under the direct supervision of a licensed PTA or PT who meets all state regulatory requirements. (c) Non-licensed individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until licensure is obtained. (d) Temporary appointments of non-licensed PTAs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. (e) Failure to Obtain Licensure. In all cases, non-licensed PTAs must actively pursue meeting requirements for licensure starting from the date of their appointment. At the time of appointment, the supervisor will provide the non-licensed PTA with the written requirements for licensure, including the time by which the license must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming licensed by the deadline. Failure to obtain licensure during this time period may result in termination of employment. (2) Loss of Credential. A PTA who fails to maintain the required licensure must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. d. Grandfathering Provision. Please carefully review the qualification standard to determine the specific education and/or licensure/certification/ registration requirements that apply to this occupation, link below. e. Physical Requirements. See below. f. English Language Proficiency. PTA candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA policy. GRADE DETERMINATION. In addition to the basic requirements outlined above, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.Physical Therapy Assistant, GS-05 Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Physical Therapy Assistant, GS-6 Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of evidence based physical therapy practice. Ability to perform physical therapy data collection and use of objective measures in order to carry out patient plan of care. Ability to modify treatment approaches, within the scope of the established treatment plans, to reflect patients’ changing needs Skill in promoting physical therapy services by providing training and interventions within the assigned areas. Physical Therapy Assistant, GS-7 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: Ability to perform in depth chart review to implement treatment plans. Ability to independently use objective measures to assess progress, in accordance with the plan of care for complex patient cases. Knowledge of contemporary physical therapy practice. Ability to consult with the PT to assess progress, modify treatment and set discharge plan. 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: Ability to independently implement treatment plan using knowledge of techniques related to the patient’s disability and needs. 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.). 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. Ability to instruct patient on varied interventions to provide materials to enhance compliance with home programs. Ability to modify treatment techniques based on the learning needs and perceptions of the patient. Ability to identify critical changes (e.g. vital signs, pain, mobility and alertness) in patient conditions to determine their medical and functional status. 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. Preferred Experience: Outpatient PTA experience; conducting exercise groups. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-08. Physical Requirements: Work includes regular and recurring physical exertion in standing, bending, kneeling, reaching, gripping, and walking. Moderate to heavy lifting is required to assist patients and operate equipment. Sitting is required in meetings and for conducting administrative work. Work may require physical stamina, normal use of arms and legs, and good visual and auditory acuity.
The Dayton, Ohio Veterans Affairs Medical Center Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service is recruiting for a well-qualified Physical Therapy Assistant. This position is in the Physical Therapy department, and the duties and responsibilities are carried out throughout the medical center including all clinical and patient care areas involved with the service. This employee conducts a full range of Physical Therapy services under the supervision of a Licensed Physical Therapist.