Basic Requirements:
Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).
English Language Proficiency. Be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
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
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.
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 under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7401(a)(1)(B) and not to exceed two years in accordance with the timeframe in 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B).
(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.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation
Grade Determinations:
Physical Therapy Assistant, GS-05
Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.
Assignment. This is the entry level developmental position. PTAs receive ongoing guidance from more experienced staff members and require general clinical [direction] by the treating physical therapist. The [treating] physical therapist is available on a regularly scheduled basis to review the practice of the PTAs and support the PTAs in the performance of their services. PTAs perform preliminary chart review including medical history and contraindications for treatment. They treat patients through basic exercise, massage, gait and balance training and other therapeutic interventions. PTAs recommend changes in treatment based on changes in physical, mental and/or medical status of the patient. PTAs instruct, motivate and assist patients to learn and improve functional activities.
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:
(a) Knowledge of evidence based physical therapy practice.
(b) Ability to perform] physical therapy data collection and use of objective measures in order to carry out patient plan of care.
(c) Ability to modify treatment approaches, within the scope of the established treatment plans, to reflect patients' changing needs.
(d) Skill in promoting physical therapy services by providing training and interventions within the assigned areas.
Assignment. PTAs at this grade level serve [in developmental positions under general direction from PTs. They receive ongoing guidance from more experienced staff members and require general clinical direction by the treating physical therapist. PTAs develop a broad base of practical knowledge to assist the PT in reaching pre-determined patient goals.
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:
(a) Ability to perform in depth chart review to implement treatment plans.
(b) Ability to independently use objective measures to assess progress, in accordance with the plan of care for complex patient cases.
(c) Knowledge of contemporary physical therapy practice.
(d) Ability to consult with the PT to assess progress, modify treatment and set discharge plan.
Assignment. This is a developmental level for PTAs. PTAs receive ongoing guidance from more experienced staff members and receive general direction by the treating PT. PTAs draw upon a broad base of practical and experiential knowledge in order to assist the PT in reaching pre-determined patient goals. PTAs work independently but still under the general direction of PTs. They observe patients' ability to perform specified tasks in order to provide ongoing assessment of information on patients' physical and functional status. PTAs work with the physical therapy staff to assess progress, modify treatment and set discharge plan. They provide clinical direction for PTA students.
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.
Assignment. This is considered the journey level for PTAs. PTAs at this level collaborate with the primary PT then draw upon a broad base of practical knowledge and a well-developed treatment skill set in order to reach pre- determined patient goals by independently modifying techniques within the established plan of care. They implement the plan of care for patient cases, advance the program and continually review the patient's condition to determine their medical and functional status. They provide evidenced based skilled interventions including, but not limited to, therapeutic exercise, therapeutic activities, therapeutic modalities, gait training, transfer training, manual treatment, neuromuscular re-education, self-care and management training, patient/caregiver's education and group therapy. They meet 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.
Reference: https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019,