Physical Therapist - EDRP Approved

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application.

Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

• United States Citizenship:
  Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• Physical Requirements
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• Education and experience:
  
  The individual must meet at least one of the requirements below: (1) Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist
• (2) Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist
• (3) Doctorate degree in physical therapy
• NOTE:
  
  Individuals must be a graduate of a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited college or university
• The CAPTE is the only accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to accredit entry-level physical therapy programs
• Foreign Graduates:
  Graduates of foreign physical therapy programs meet the requirements in subparagraph 3b if they have a full unrestricted and current license to practice physical therapy in a State - Territory or Commonwealth of the United States - or in the District of Columbia
• Licensure:
  Individuals hold a full - current - and unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in a State - Territory or Commonwealth of the United States - or in the District of Columbia
• English Language Proficiency:
  Individuals appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74 - to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA must be proficient in written and spoken English
• See Chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5a - this part
• May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
• Preferred Experience:
  
  4 years clinical experience in Adult population Experience supervising Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) Experience with ordering/recommending durable medical equipment (DME) Grade Determinations: GS-11 Physical Therapist (Entry) Education - Experience - and Licensure:
  None beyond the basic requirements

• This vacancy will remain open until filled
• The first cut-off date is 11/7/2025
• Additional applications will be referred as needed
• The incumbent is a staff member of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service of the West Texas VA Health Care System
• The position is located in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service at the Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Abilene - Texas
• The incumbent carries a full patient load
• is responsible for maintaining appropriate patient record in accordance with Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - VA and JCO policies and standards
• In addition - the incumbent attends team rounds or conferences
• participates in in-service education activities
• student education programs of various levels
• and is responsible in maintaining Physical Therapy Clinic section and equipment - reporting hazardous conditions - supply needs etc
• The incumbent independently evaluates each patient's functional level - develops and implements treatment plan specific to the patient needs - arranges appropriate - meaningful clinical and educational experiences for students (as needed)
• Incumbent offers daily support for physical therapists (PT) and supervision/support for physical therapist assistants (PTA) (as needed)
• Incumbent is required to provide Physical Therapy coverage at any location within the West Texas VA Health Care System (as needed)
• PTs at this level are responsible for the examination and…