Fee Basis - Physical Therapist

Veterans Health Administration • Reno, NV

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Fee Basis Physical Therapist position is within the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) service. The PT evaluates patients and develops and delivers functional rehabilitation plans using various assessment methods and tools. The primary focus is direct patient care across multiple clinic settings, including inpatient, outpatient, Community Living Center (CLC), and other areas assigned to PM&R services.

The physical therapist evaluates and treats Veterans with musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and functional impairments across diverse populations. The position is fee basis, with a schedule of one day per weekend, two to three weekends per month; specific details are discussed during the interview. Compensation is $85 per consultation or re-evaluation/assessment and $21.25 per physical therapy treatment, with an annual salary cap of $20,000. This is not a virtual position.

Applicants must meet the stated education and experience pathway, graduate from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program, and hold a full, current, unrestricted U.S. physical therapy license, subject to the stated exceptions. The position also requires the clinical knowledge and skills described in the qualifications, as well as the ability to meet the physical demands and employment conditions outlined in the announcement.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Meet one of the education and experience pathways: a bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy and five years of progressively independent physical therapist experience; a master's degree in Physical Therapy and two years of progressively independent experience; or a doctorate degree in physical therapy.
• Graduate from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)-accredited college or university.
• Hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, subject to the stated temporary graduate PT appointment provisions and grandfathering provision.
• Demonstrate the ability to make autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment, including independently evaluating and treating patients seeking physical therapy services.
• Demonstrate skill in examining and evaluating people with actual or potential impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions related to musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and/or integumentary systems, considering relevant psychosocial and environmental factors.
• Interpret examination and evaluation findings, select appropriate tests and measures, and integrate findings into plans of care for the full range of patient populations.
• Establish diagnoses within the scope of physical therapy and identify appropriate rehabilitation interventions, including referral to another provider when clinically indicated.
• Determine prognosis by incorporating examination findings and patient preferences to set appropriate goals, optimize outcomes, and maximize functional independence.
• Be able to provide independent clinical oversight of Physical Therapy Assistants and students in clinical affiliations who are in Doctoral PT or PTA programs.
• Be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Meet the position's physical requirements, including visual acuity, keen hearing, clear speech, manual dexterity, and the ability to perform required physical activities and patient transfers.
• Complete required background/security investigation, pre-employment physical examination, drug testing if selected for a testing-designated position, onboarding, identification, and application requirements.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program and complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as TB screening or testing.
• Meet Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period and receive written certification for continued employment after that period.
• Use only education recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency and transcript for consideration.

Responsibilities

• Complete physical therapy evaluations.
• Conduct re-evaluations and assessments as clinically indicated.
• Plan and implement individualized treatment interventions based on patient needs and functional goals.
• Recommend mobility equipment, therapeutic exercise programs, and safety strategies to support functional independence.
• Enter consultation results and progress notes in the electronic medical record.
• Notify the provider of assessment results and recommendations.
• Evaluate and treat Veterans with musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and functional impairments across diverse populations.
• Provide care throughout the medical center in the clinical and patient-care areas served by PM&R.
• Provide clinical oversight of Physical Therapy Assistants and students in clinical affiliations, as applicable.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type and further details are available from the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level