Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• English Language Proficiency
• [PTA candidates must 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 (3) Graduate of military physical therapy assistant programs that meet the educational requirement and have successfully passed the NPTE for PTAs
• NOTE: TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED 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 (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be met
• 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
• Preferred Experience: Lymphedema Certification preferred (not required) 2-3 Years Preferred Experience Outpatient Orthopedic Experience Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS8
• Physical Requirements: Work includes regular and demanding 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
• Above average agility may be desirable in defending oneself (or others) against physical attack/abuse
• Work requires physical health, normal use of arms and legs, and good visual and auditory acuity.