Become a Physician Assistant at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center

Are you a dedicated medical professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas, is currently seeking compassionate and skilled Physician Assistants (PAs) to join our growing clinical teams. This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to providing high-quality, whole-health care to the men and women who have served our country.

Job Responsibilities

As a Licensed Independent Provider, you will practice autonomously while working closely with a multidisciplinary team. Key duties include:

Clinical Assessment: Performing comprehensive histories and physical examinations.
Treatment Planning: Diagnosing acute and chronic conditions and creating individualized care plans.
Prescribing: Ordering diagnostic tests and managing medication regimens.
Patient Advocacy: Counseling families and Veterans on health promotion and disease prevention.
Leadership: Mentoring clinical students and participating in patient safety initiatives.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Education: A master's degree in any discipline or a bachelor's degree with at least one year of professional PA experience.
Licensure: Hold a current, full, and unrestricted license to practice in any U.S. state or territory.
Certification: Must have successfully passed the PANCE.
General: Must be able to pass a drug test and pre-employment physical.

Career Levels Comparison

Grade Level	Experience Requirement	Focus Area
PA-I	Basic Qualifications	Entry-level care and patient assessments
PA-II	2+ years / Residency	Complex problem solving and autonomy
PA-III	3+ years / Residency	Leadership and clinical system optimization

Salary Overview

The compensation for these positions is highly competitive, reflecting the expertise and responsibility of the role. The annual salary range is $117,417 to $226,958, depending on your specific qualifications, experience, and the assigned grade level.

Benefits

The VA provides a comprehensive rewards package, including:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Generous federal retirement programs (FERS).
Paid time off (vacation and sick leave).
Potential for Student Loan Repayment via the EDRP.

Application Tips

Use the Required Template: Ensure you use the specific clinical resume template provided by the VA.
Be Specific: Provide detailed descriptions of your clinical duties to ensure your experience is fully captured.
Stay Organized: Double-check your license and certification documentation before submitting.

If you are a Physician Assistant ready to serve those who have served us, the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center offers an unparalleled career path. Apply today to help us provide world-class care to Texas Veterans.

Why This Physician Assistant Job Matters

Transform lives while advancing your career: Join the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center as a Physician Assistant and provide life-changing care to our nation's heroes in Texas.

Physician Assistant Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking dedicated Physician Assistants to serve at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center across multiple locations in Southeast Texas. This is an open continuous announcement aimed at staffing various clinical departments. As a Licensed Independent Provider, you will deliver comprehensive, compassionate health care, contributing to the well-being of over 151,000 Veterans. This position offers a competitive compensation package and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment dedicated to clinical excellence.

Requirements for Physician Assistant

Master's degree in any discipline OR a bachelor's degree with one year of relevant PA experience.
Must have successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
Hold or be eligible for a full, unrestricted medical license in any US state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must be able to successfully complete a background security investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Physician Assistant

Experience in an interdisciplinary medical environment.
Clinical expertise in managing acute, chronic, and complex health conditions.
Advanced clinical knowledge demonstrated through post-graduate residency programs.
Doctoral degree in a health-related field.
Proven track record of participating in patient safety and quality improvement initiatives.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with annual adjustments
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans
✓Potential eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) up to $200,000
✓Generous paid time off, including vacation and sick leave
✓Professional development and mentorship opportunities
✓Supportive and inclusive work environment

💡 How to Apply Physician Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physician Assistant Job

Create or update your account on the USAJobs portal.
Download the standard Clinical Resume document from the VA Careers website.
Prepare your resume with clear, specific descriptions of duties, dates, and hours worked.
Complete the required occupational questionnaire via the application link.
Upload all necessary documents, including transcripts, licenses, and SF-50 forms.
Review your application package for accuracy before final submission.

💡 General Tips

Be as specific as possible regarding your clinical experience; the agency cannot make assumptions about your skills.
Ensure your resume includes the license state and expiration date clearly.
If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure your DD-214 is uploaded and legible.
Submit your EDRP application early if you are seeking loan reimbursement.
Double-check that you have attached the mandatory one-page clinical resume template.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there student loan repayment options?

Yes, some positions may be eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.

Can I apply to multiple locations?

Yes, you are encouraged to select all duty locations and specialties for which you wish to be considered during the application process.

Is a background check required?

Yes, all selected applicants are subject to a background security investigation and pre-employment drug screening.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center serves over 151,000 Veterans across southeast Texas, offering a sophisticated and collaborative environment for health care practitioners.