TECHNOLOGY

TEAMWORK

SCOPE

Department of 

Veterans Affairs

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS

VA CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The Career You Want. The Future You Deserve. An Equal Opportunity Employer
“To Care for Him Who Shall

Have Borne the Battle and for

His Widow, and His Orphan.”

- Abraham Lincoln, March 1865

WHY VA?

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★

★THE BEST CARE

VA – Keeping the Promise to Those Who Served

More than a century ago, President Lincoln made a

promise to America’s servicemen and women, pledging

the care and concern of a grateful Nation for the

sacrifices they made to preserve freedom. Since 1930, 

the mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

has been to keep that promise. Today, VA offers veterans

one of the largest, most comprehensive health care

systems in the United States with more than 158 hospitals,

800-plus ambulatory and community-based outpatient

clinics, 132 nursing homes, and many other facilities such

as domiciliaries and readjustment counseling centers.

THE BEST EMPLOYMENT

VA and Physician Assistants

The size of the VA health system translates into

comprehensive career choices across the continuum 

of health care settings for physician assistants eager 

to utilize the full range of their skills. They enjoy the

flexibility to move within the VA structure and the

freedom to practice wherever an opening exists. In 

return for their commitment to quality health care for 

our Nation’s veterans, VA offers its physician assistants

competitive salaries, first-rate employment benefits,

extensive education support and tuition reimbursement

programs, nationwide job transfer opportunities, and

ample paid leave. Consider a career as a VA physician

assistant and be rewarded by the essential role you’ll play

in helping VA keep the promise to those who served.

The Heartland Choice

Sun-soaked prairies in summer,

snow-covered rolling hills in 

winter – the Midwest is a nature

lover’s dream. Working for VA,

you have a broad choice of locations

in the Nation’s heartland. 
THE BEST PATIENTS

Young or old, male or female, it doesn’t matter: Veterans

have a special camaraderie with each other, and they

extend that bond to their clinical care team. From 

injured active duty personnel to veterans of all ages, 

our patients rely on their VA caregivers to deliver unique

and resourceful treatment, often for complex medical

conditions. Regardless of financial resources, the enrolled

veteran is assured treatment until maximum benefit is

achieved. As a result, VA physician assistants and the

entire care team form strong bonds with many brave,

grateful individuals who have served our Nation.

THE BEST TEAM

Physician assistants play a vital role in the makeup of

clinical care teams throughout the VA health care system.

With an emphasis on primary care and outpatient

ambulatory care, VA recognizes the importance of

employing an extensive staff of physician assistants to

improve veteran health care. They can be found in every

VA setting – providing patient care at remote, communitybased and hospital clinics; administering comprehensive

primary care; and assisting subspecialty physicians in both

outpatient and inpatient settings. Physician assistants work

with physicians, rehabilitation therapists, nurses, and other

primary care peers to decide effective treatment programs

for patients. 

THE BEST TECHNOLOGY

VA is committed to a philosophy of technology-driven 

care that enhances staff performance and improves

patient results. 

After years of development, VA now has the most

comprehensive computerized patient records system in the

Nation. The system puts each veteran’s medical records,

lab results, x-rays, EKGs, and more at the fingertips of

physician assistants and the entire patient care team. That

means VA physician assistants spend less time running 

to the x-ray department, for example, and more time

attending patients. Since the system is linked to every 

VA facility across the country, the care team can

instantaneously pull up a vacationing veteran’s records,

like progress notes and prescriptions, to make more

informed patient decisions.

VA also has developed a premier telemedicine program 

to improve health care access, coordination, continuity,

and outcomes for veterans when distance separates them

from treatment. Homebound veterans can consult VA

professionals via Webcam, and VA facilities are equipped

for telemedical conferences for mental health, oncology,

dermatology, and surgical consultations.

VA utilizes technology to enhance professional

development, as well. Computer-based networking (mail

groups), regular teleconferences, and online training enable

VA physician assistants across the country to learn new

information, share research, and exchange best practices.
Urban Beat

Nightlife doesn’t get any

better when you live in

urban America. From

New York City to Chicago,

VA offers employment

opportunities in rhythm

with the Nation’s coolest

hotspots. 

OFFERING A WIDE RANGE 

OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR 

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS

As one of the largest health care systems in the Nation

and the single largest employer of physician assistants,

VA provides you with a wider range of opportunities

across the continuum of care. Physician assistants enjoy

challenging roles across the continuum of care, including:

OPPORTUNITIES

Physician assistants with an interest in emergency

management also find fulfilling opportunities in the

various federal disaster management programs in 

which VA participates. Plus, administrative positions 

are available at VA for physician assistants looking to

pursue that career path.

• Primary Care

• Geriatrics

• Emergency Medicine

• Rehabilitation (including spinal cord injury and

rehabilitation medicine)

• Mental Health (including substance abuse and major

depressive disorder treatment programs)

• Occupational Medicine

• Medical and surgical subspecialties, including:

MEDICAL

• Cardiology

• Renal

• Infectious Diseases

• Pulmonary

• Gastrointestinal

SURGICAL

• Cardiac

• Orthopedics

• Urology

• Ophthalmology

• Oncology

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PROVIDING A RICH ENVIRONMENT

FOR CLINICAL RESEARCH AND

TRAINING

VA offers a rich environment for physician assistants 

who are interested in clinical research. You’ll work 

with the Nation’s leading authorities and researchers 

in medical and subspecialty areas, including stroke,

cardiology, and cancer research. Ongoing VA research

projects involving physician assistants are conducted in

neurology, cardiology, urology, and oncology. 

Affiliated with more than 30 accredited physician

assistant education programs, VA provides physician

assistants with the opportunity to train students during

their clinical rotations. Some VA physician assistants 

also develop continuing medical education courses 

in conjunction with these learning institutions.
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Did you know that VA:

★ Employs more than 1,450 physician assistants

★ Provides clinical rotations for many physician assistants

across the country through affiliations with accredited

PA training programs

★ Has achieved industry-leading accreditations from 

the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation

Facilities (CARF) and the Joint Commission on

Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHCO)

★ Provides inpatient care to about 750,000 veterans and

manages more than 40 million outpatient visits each

year through medical centers and supporting facilities

★ Has facilities in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and the

District of Columbia

★ Is committed to improving patient care through the

use of technology, including a computerized patient

record system, wireless handheld connectivity, 

and more

★ Works cooperatively with the Department of Defense

to provide special care programs to active duty military

personnel with spinal cord injuries, traumatic head

injuries, and amputations

★ Provides medical care backup to military hospitals

during national emergencies, and operates command

centers to coordinate services through the National

Disaster Medical Service during major disasters

“People ask why I've been with VA for 20

years. The answer is simple: I get far more

opportunity for direct patient contact and

instant feedback, and the advancement

opportunities are limitless. When I joined

VA, I was a generalist PA. Since then, I've

spent 5 years in psychiatry, 6 years in sleep

research, and 9 years in nuclear medicine. 

I now act as the chief PA of the hospital. 

I wouldn't have had this robust a career 

in a civilian hospital.”

— Russ Callender

Physician Assistant 

Practice Board Manager

Houston
MOBILITY

VA medical facilities are located in all 50 states, the District

of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. An employee

may transfer to any location where there is an available

vacancy without loss of benefits and usually no loss in pay.

Facilities are also authorized to pay relocation costs in

selective cases where a high need is demonstrated to fill 

a physician assistant position.

LIABILITY PROTECTION

VA physician assistants are protected by the Federal Tort

Claims Act when functioning within their Federal scope of

practice. This statute provides immunity from personal

liability for damages arising from medical malpractice or

negligence by health care personnel of the Veterans Health

Administration (VHA) in furnishing medical care or treatment

in the exercise of their official duties in or for VHA.

AWARDS AND HONORS

VA offers both monetary and honorary recognition for

overall superior performance, as well as special or unique

achievements. In addition, employees who offer creative

solutions to problems or ideas for improving procedures 

and services can earn substantial monetary awards.

WORKPLACE BENEFITS

• Smoke-free and drug-free workplace

• Childcare at some facilities

• Childcare subsidy program

• Free parking at most facilities

• Transit subsidy programs at most facilities

• Credit unions

• Employee association

• Dining facilities and tax-free retail store

• Employee wellness programs

VA’s mission is to provide the best possible care for

America’s veterans. In return for helping VA achieve 

this goal, VA offers extensive employment benefits. 

LEAVE AND INSURANCE 

• 26 days paid annual (vacation/personal) leave; may

accumulate up to 685 hours of paid leave

• 13 days paid annual sick leave

• 10 paid annual Federal holidays

• 15 days paid annual military leave

• Family and Medical Leave Act, which allows employees

to take up to 12 weeks of leave for medical reasons,

for the birth or adoption/foster care of a child, and for

the care of a child, spouse, or parent who has a

serious health problem

• Choice of group health insurance plans with the

majority of premiums paid by the Federal Government;

insurance may become effective as soon as the first

full pay period after beginning duty

• Term life insurance with coverage based on salary 

and with the cost shared by the Federal Government;

family and additional coverage options available

RETIREMENT

Employees are covered by the Federal Employees’

Retirement System (FERS). FERS, a three-tier retirement

plan, is comprised of Social Security benefits, FERS 

basic benefits, and the Thrift Saving Plan (TSP). TSP 

is a tax-deferred savings plan with an automatic base

contribution and partial matching of employee

contributions by the Federal Government.

BENEFITS

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Coastal Living

Hot sun, sandy beaches,

and great times with

friends – all are yours

when you live near the

coast. Choose a VA

facility near the West

Coast or East Coast and

all your downtime is

beach time.

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“In 1990 after 12 years as

a physician assistant, I

began working with spinal

cord injury veterans, and it has been highly

satisfying ever since. I work with a team of

outstanding physicians, nurses, and therapists

who are deeply committed to the care of SCI

veterans. I feel challenged every day, and I’m

always learning something new.”

— Patty Lyman

PA-C, Seattle
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

The Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes the

importance of ongoing education and the benefit it

provides to both veteran patients and employees. VA

encourages career development for physician assistants

through the following programs:

Continuing Medical Education Programs – These

programs are offered locally and through the VA Employee

Education System (EES). Tuition assistance and travel

funding for outside CME conferences are often available.

Tuition Support Program – Employees in health care

disciplines identified as VA shortage categories are eligible

for funding to enroll in job-related advanced degree

programs.

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – The EDRP

allows VA to provide education loan repayments for newly

appointed health care professionals. The education loan(s)

must be for courses that led directly to qualifying for the

appointed position.

Employee Incentive Scholarship Program (EISP) – 

This scholarship program allows VHA employees to further 

their education and obtain degrees qualifying them for

health care positions for which recruitment and retention

is difficult (such as becoming a physician assistant).

EDUCATION

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“As a physician assistant

with 28 years experience, 

I have spent the last 15 of

those years in the Veterans

Health Administration

serving my fellow veterans. I have delighted in the

teaching opportunities open to me as I precept students

and provide lectures for fellows in our Spinal Cord

Injury Fellowship Program. As for my own NCCPA

exams, the continuing medical education that is

available in-house has been outstanding in helping

me to prepare. Ultimately, VA offers an incredible

environment where I can provide the finest health

care, obtain the finest medical education, and educate

our future health care providers.”

— Notley G. Maddox

PA-C, Richmond

PERSONNEL

POLICIES

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum qualifications for appointment as a VA physician

assistant are: 

• U.S. citizenship (non-citizens may be appointed on a

temporary basis when qualified citizens are not available) 

• Graduation from an AMA-approved physician assistant

training program

• NCCPA certification; or new graduates must obtain

NCCPA certification within two years of graduation

• Personal interview

• English language proficiency

• Satisfactory physical examination; may include drug

screening

SALARY INFORMATION 

• Starting salaries and grades are based on the nature 

and extent of professional education, training, and

experience of the applicant, as well as on the nature and

requirements for which the application is being made. 

• Special entrance salary rates or special salary rate ranges

are in effect at certain locations.

• The nationwide physician assistant salary scale increases

concurrently with general pay increases for other

professional and administrative Federal employees.

• VA offers premium pay to physician assistants for overtime,

on-call, Saturday, Sunday, night shift, and holiday duty.

• Physician assistants are awarded regular increases within

each grade based on demonstrated performance. They can

be awarded accelerated increases for outstanding

performance and achievement.

• Physician assistants also receive consideration for promotion

to higher grades with correspondingly higher salaries.

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“Physicians and physician assistants at VA have mutual respect for each other, which makes the working

environment one of the best experiences possible. VA is also on the cutting edge of medical practice and

leads the private sector in preventive maintenance and treatment of many chronic diseases. These

factors coupled with the benefits and retirement plan make VA the best place for PAs to practice.”

— Teri Jordan

PA-C, Muskogee
You should apply directly to the physician assistant

supervisor or to the Human Resource Management

Service at the VA health care facility where you desire

employment consideration. Hiring decisions are made

locally. However, information about VA physician

assistant programs and application procedures may 

be obtained from any VA facility. Arrangements can 

be made to have the required personal interview and

physical examination conducted at the facility most

convenient to you.

Employment information can also be obtained by

contacting the Department of Veterans Affairs,

Placement Service (10A2D), 1555 Poydras Street, Suite

1971, New Orleans, LA 70112. The toll-free number is

1-800-949-0002. Employment information can also be

found on the Internet at http://www.vacareers.com.

HOW TO APPLY

“I began working at VA just six months ago after

graduating from Marquette University. Since then my

clinical knowledge and expertise has increased tremendously.

VA has proven to be a fantastic environment for continued

learning after graduation. Plus, I have great job 

satisfaction. Caring for veterans is so rewarding.”

— Erica A. Gumm

PA-C, MPAS, Milwaukee
ALABAMA

Birmingham (35233)

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ALASKA

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ARKANSAS

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CALIFORNIA

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DELAWARE

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DISTRICT OF

COLUMBIA

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FLORIDA

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GEORGIA

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HAWAII

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ILLINOIS

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INDIANA

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IOWA

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KENTUCKY

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LOUISIANA

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MAINE

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MASSACHUSETTS

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MICHIGAN

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MINNESOTA

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MISSISSIPPI

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MISSOURI

Columbia (65201)

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MONTANA

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NEBRASKA

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NEVADA

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NEW HAMPSHIRE

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NEW JERSEY

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NEW MEXICO

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NEW YORK

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New York 

(Manhattan 10010)

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(Long Island 11768)

St. Albans (11425)

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NORTH CAROLINA

Asheville (28805)

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NORTH DAKOTA

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OHIO

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OREGON

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PENNSYLVANIA

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(Highland Drive 15206)

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(University Drive 15240)

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PHILLIPPINES

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PUERTO RICO

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RHODE ISLAND

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SOUTH CAROLINA

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TEXAS

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UTAH

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VERMONT

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(05009)

VIRGINIA

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WASHINGTON

American Lake 

(Tacoma 98493)

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WEST VIRGINIA

Beckley (25801)

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WISCONSIN

Madison (53705)

Milwaukee (53295)

Tomah (54660)

WYOMING

Cheyenne (82001)

Sheridan (82801)

To gain a first-hand view of

VA health care, you are invited and

encouraged to visit. Please call or

write to arrange for an appointment.

Telephone numbers for each facility

are listed in local telephone directories

under “U.S. Government.” Or you

can address correspondence to:

Human Resource Management

Service, VA Medical Center, [City,

State, ZIP Code] (listed below).

VA HEALTH CARE FACILITIES

Learn more online about our facilities at www.vacareers.com/facilities.cfm IB 11-85

September 2004