Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist - Orthopedics)

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. Education and experience. The individual must meet at least one of the requirements below: Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. Doctorate degree in physical therapy.

NOTE: Prior to 1995 the terminal degree for PT's was either a bachelors or master's degree. In 1995 CAPTE accredited all baccalaureate, master's, and Doctor of Physical Therapy terminal degree programs. Effective 2002, CAPTE changed its scope of accrediting activities of PT education programs to include only those programs that culminate in post-baccalaureate degrees(eliminating the baccalaureate degree).

Effective 2015, professional physical therapy education programs have only offered the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree to all new students. 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.

Verification of accredited programs may be obtained from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) at www.apta.org. 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.

The Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT) is a non-profit organization created to assist the United States (U.S.) Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly INS) and U.S. state licensing authorities by evaluating the credentials of Foreign Educated Physical Therapists (FEPTs) who wish to immigrate and work in the U.S.

Although the licensing of physical therapists in the U.S. is a right and responsibility of each jurisdiction, foreign educated individuals must undergo an educational credentials assessment for substantial equivalency to the first professional degree in the US. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) is committed to protect the public and to provide leadership within the field and practice of physical therapy.

FSBPT's Foreign Educated Standards Committee has developed standards that represent "best practices" in evaluation services. The Credentials Evaluation Standards were developed with input from the physical therapy credentialing agencies that are licensed to use FSBPT's Coursework Tool. 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.

Non-licensed PTs, who otherwise meet the basic requirements in this standard, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate PT at the GS-11 grade level under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 (a)(1)(D) for a period not-to-exceed two years from the date of employment on the condition that such PT provide care only under the supervision of a PT who is licensed. Failure to obtain licensure during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment. Physical Requirements.

Pre-placement and periodic physical examinations are required for hybrid occupations to ensure workers are placed in positions where they can perform the essential functions of their job considering their physical, mental and emotional capacities, without endangering their health or the health of their co-workers. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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).

Grade Determinations

In addition to meeting the basic requirements above, you must meet the specialized experience and demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities below: GS- 13 Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) Experience.

In addition to meeting the basic requirements, one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level (see the qualification standard at the "Reference" link below for specific information) and one of the following: Evidence of a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice directly in the specialty area.

This time must be between the past two and five years; or Board Certification in the specialty area recognized by the ABPTS; or Completion of a fellowship program; or An additional advanced degree in a related field. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Advanced knowledge and expert skill in a range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities used in a specialized treatment area of physical therapy.

Ability to serve as a consultant and subject matter expert for health care providers regarding the delivery of care within a specialized content area of physical therapy. Ability to teach and mentor medical center staff in a specialized content area of physical therapy. Ability to guide the work of a multi-disciplinary team in a specialized content area of physical therapy.

Advanced knowledge and expert skill to perform and interpret specialized procedures and tests in evaluating the treatment outcomes in the assigned specialty content area.

Preferred Experience

OCS; orthopedic clinical specialist and/or related fellowship certification 2 or more years experience collaborating with orthopedic providers Acute care orthopedic experience Experience with orthopedic protocols for joint replacements and other common orthopedic procedures Program management experience Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is the above the full performance level, GS-13.

Physical Requirements

Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; light carrying, under 15 pounds; straight pulling, 0.5 hours; pushing, 0.5 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking, 0.5 hours; standing, 0.5 hours; crawling, 0.5 hours; kneeling, 0.5 hours; repeated bending, 1 hour; climbing using legs only, 0.5 hours; climbing using legs and arms; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; specific visual requirements, corrective lenses permitted; both eyes required; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing, hearing aid permitted; mental and emotional stability.

Conduct Comprehensive Patient Evaluations: Perform advanced clinical assessments to identify functional limitations, rehabilitation needs, and appropriate therapeutic interventions. Develop and Implement Individualized Treatment Plans: Establish and deliver specialized rehabilitation interventions to restore mobility, improve physical function, and maximize patient independence.

Evaluate and Recommend Adaptive Equipment: Assess patient needs for durable medical equipment (DME), orthotics, mobility aids, and assistive devices to improve safety and functional mobility. Monitor Patient Progress and Modify Treatment: Evaluate treatment outcomes and adjust therapeutic interventions based on changing patient conditions, functional performance, and rehabilitation goals.

Coordinate Interdisciplinary Patient Care: Collaborate with physicians, prosthetics personnel, and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive, coordinated rehabilitation services. Develop Discharge Recommendations: Apply advanced clinical judgment to establish safe, appropriate discharge plans that support continued recovery and maximize patient independence.

Provide Specialized Clinical Consultation: Serve as a subject matter expert, advising physical therapists and other healthcare professionals on complex patient evaluations, treatment approaches, and rehabilitation services. Educate Patients on Adaptive Equipment: Train patients in the safe and effective use of prescribed equipment to improve mobility, reduce injury risks, and support independent functioning.

Mentor and Train Clinical Personnel: Provide specialized instruction, clinical guidance, and professional development to physical therapy staff, students, and other healthcare professionals. Support Quality Assurance and Clinical Standards: Monitor quality assurance data, maintain compliance with established standards of care, and support improvements in rehabilitation service delivery.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm Telework: Available, ad-hoc only in accordance with agency policy Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 54262-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized