Physical Therapist (Combat Air Forces) (Eielson AFB, AK) (48832)

GAP SOLUTIONS INC; Eielson Air Force Base (AK); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

GAP Solutions Inc. seeks a Doctor of Physical Therapy to support Air Force fighter squadrons at Eielson AFB, AK.

The role focuses on evaluating and treating neuromusculoskeletal disorders, guiding rehabilitation, and advancing injury prevention for high‑performance aircrew in a demanding environment. Requirements include 5+ years of outpatient ortho/sports PT, CAPTE‑accredited DPT, and eligibility for a Secret Clearance.

Qualifications

• DPT degree from a CAPTE-accredited program.
• 5+ years of outpatient orthopedics or sports PT experience.
• Recency within last 2 years in DHA-PM discipline; active, verifiable experience.
• ABPTS Board Certification or Sports CSP, or Residency/Fellowship, or dry needling level2 and Manual Therapy.
• Current CPR and AED trained.
• Ability to obtain Secret Clearance; US Citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Complete unit/MDG in-processing requirements ( trainings, Relias health training, MHS Genesis, orientation).
• Conduct in-processing evaluation for new personnel.
• Examine, diagnose, treat and manage neuromusculoskeletal disorders and related structures.
• Provide direct access evaluation for acute MSK conditions in embedded setting.
• Order diagnostic labs/imaging, referrals to MHP.
• Perform rehab, injury prevention, performance optimization, ergonomics and wellness.
• Educate patients on rehabilitation process.
• Manage temporary profiles for patients (quarters).
• Ensure compliance with DHA/MDG policies and maintain records per DHA PM 6025.02.
• Advise on injury prevention, SOPs for PT programs; liaise with Government POC on supplies and funding.
• Maintain safe operation of care equipment; participate in meetings.
• Prepare HP-MER data; provide training plans after assessment.
• Monitor access to care via electronic systems within 72 hours.

Skills

5+ years experience

ABPTS/CSP/Residency

Dry needling level2

CPR/AED

Secret Clearance eligibility

US Citizenship

Communication

Microsoft Office

Education

DPT (CAPTE-accredited)

Job description

Job Details & Overview

Level: Experienced
Job Location: US Air Force/ACC - Eielson AFB, AK 99702
Position Type: Full Time
Education Level: Ph.D.
Travel Percentage: None
Job Shift: Day
Job Category: Health Care

This requirement supports Air Force fighter squadrons in Air Combat Command (ACC), Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa (USAFE‑AFAFRICA), and other MAJCOMs as needed. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force, noting a shortage of fighter aircrew due to suboptimal retention, directed a task force to investigate the causes of premature departures. One key issue identified was pain and disability from neck and back injuries caused by the extreme physical demands of flying fighters. Aircrew surveys from 2020 to 2024 indicate up to 99% of fighter pilots experience flying‑related spinal pain during their careers. These issues—affecting the neck, upper back, and lower back—impact cockpit performance, daily activities, readiness, and retention. Additionally, as the U.S. Air Force continues to prepare for conflict against peer competitors, our Warfighters face increasing cognitive performance demand, driven by rapidly advancing technologies leveraged both by allies and adversaries. Effective integration of physical and cognitive performance training is required for success in complex, denied environments. The OHWS program addresses these concerns by preparing aircrew for the unique demands of fighter operations. Additionally, Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports estimate replacement costs exceed $10M per pilot, reinforcing the high return on investment for Optimizing the Human Weapons System (OHWS) services in improving retention and readiness.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Complete all unit and Medical Group (MDG) in‑processing requirements, including computer‑based trainings, online Relias health training, Military Health System (MHS) Genesis training, and newcomer’s orientation.
• Complete an in‑processing evaluation/assessment for all newly assigned personnel.
• Examine, diagnose, treat and manage neuromusculoskeletal disorders, injuries, associated structures and systems that may impair movement or function.
• Provide direct access (i.e., no referral needed) evaluation for acute MSK and neuromuscular conditions in an embedded setting.
• Order diagnostic laboratory, imaging studies, consultations and refers patients to Military Health Providers (MHP).
• Perform and recommend physical rehabilitation, injury prevention, performance optimization, ergonomic evaluation, wellness, screening, concussion, acute injury management and promotion of health lifestyle activities.
• Educate patients on the rehabilitation process.
• Initiate, continue and terminate temporary profiles to include placing patients on quarters.
• Perform work assignments in compliance with instructions, policies, or accepted practices of Defense Health Agency (DHA) and MDG requirements.
• Conduct required clinical and non‑clinical administrative responsibilities and maintain patient care records IAW the latest DHA PM 6025.02 Volume1.
• Advise unit commanders on matters related to injury prevention and rehabilitation; identify opportunities for improvement, including developing protocols and standard operating procedures (SOP) for PT programs.
• Advise the site Government POC of administrative matters, purchasing of required supplies and equipment, and supplemental fiscal requests related to interventions and professional services provided.
• Ensure safe and effective operation of equipment used for patient care and contributes to a safe working environment.
• Attend all unit and Military Treatment Facility (MTF) meetings as required or as requested by the Unit Commander or his/her designee.
• Prepare and submit data to a comprehensive Human Performance Measures of Effectiveness Report (HP‑MER).
• Document Aircrew assessments, encounters, and contacts as directed by the OHWS Program Office within72hours of assessments, encounters, or contacts with Aircrew Members. Provide associated information, data, and support to other Government entities (e.g., Air Force Research Lab) after routing through the OHWS Program Office for review and written concurrence.
• Provide Individual Training Plans after initial assessment, including individual fitness assessment results, feedback sessions, unique training plans, and any modifications to achieve goals.
• Monitor access to care and employs electronic systems, software programs, and databases for patient care documentation and administrative responsibilities within72hours of assessments, encounters or contacts with Aircrew members.

Basic Qualifications

• Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited program.
• 5 or more years of experience as an Outpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapist or Sports Physical Therapist.
• Must show recency within the last 2years consistent with DHA‑PM; have active, verifiable experience in the discipline within the last two years.
• ABPTS Board Certified or Sports Clinical Specialist Certification, or Orthopedic or Sports Residency/Fellowship Trained, or Advanced competency in dry needling level2 and Manual Therapy Certification.
• Current CPR and AED trained.
• Demonstrated experience in collegiate (or higher), professional, or tactical athletics; aerospace industry, test pilot/astronaut or similar man‑machine high‑performance environment.
• Must have the ability to be processed for a Secret Clearance.
• US Citizenship.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.

*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by this position.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.