Pursuing a Career as a Physician Assistant with the West Texas VA

Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to advance your career while serving those who have served our country? The West Texas VA Health Care System (WTVAHCS) is currently seeking talented Physician Assistants (PAs) to join our clinical teams across various locations. This role is perfect for current VA professionals who are looking to make a transition or seek new challenges within a supportive, mission-driven environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a Physician Assistant, your core duty is to provide exceptional patient care in collaboration with physicians, nurses, and other specialists. Specific responsibilities include:

Performing detailed patient histories and physical examinations.
Developing and implementing individualized treatment plans.
Diagnosing and treating acute and chronic illnesses.
Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes.
Documenting clinical findings accurately in electronic medical records.

Comparison of PA Grade Levels

Level	Experience Required	Core Focus
PA-I	Basic (Entry)	Clinical care & patient history
PA-II	2+ years or residency	Complex medical problem-solving
PA-III	3+ years or residency+1yr	Leadership & patient care systems

Requirements

To qualify for this position, candidates must meet the basic requirements of a Master's degree (or Bachelor's with relevant experience) and certification via the PANCE exam. Candidates must hold a full, unrestricted professional license. Additionally, all applicants are subject to pre-employment background checks and must be eligible for employment within the federal government.

Salary Overview

Compensation for this position ranges from $107,175 to $177,758 per year, depending on the specific grade level and qualifications of the selected applicant. A formal pay-setting process is utilized to ensure equitable compensation for all clinical staff.

Benefits

Joining the VA means more than just a job; it means access to a comprehensive federal benefits package. This includes:

Federal Health and Life Insurance.
Retirement plans (FERS).
Generous paid time off.
Ongoing professional development and training.
Potential student loan reimbursement (EDRP).

Application Tips

Use the Template: Ensure you use the specific VA clinical resume template provided in the announcement instructions.
Stay Active: Since this is an open continuous announcement, remember to update your profile every 90 days to keep your application active.
Detail Your Work: Be specific about your clinical experience—do not assume the hiring manager understands your background without clear, documented evidence.

Serving as a Physician Assistant within the West Texas VA Health Care System offers a unique blend of clinical variety and a deeply rewarding mission. We encourage all qualified, current employees to review the requirements and submit their application to join our dedicated team.

Why This Physician Assistant (Only For Current Permanent Employees Of West Texas Va Health Care System) Job Matters

Join the West Texas VA Health Care System and elevate your career as a Physician Assistant serving our nation's heroes.

Physician Assistant (Only For Current Permanent Employees Of West Texas Va Health Care System) Job Overview

The West Texas VA Health Care System is currently accepting applications for Physician Assistant roles through this open continuous announcement. This opportunity is specifically designed for current permanent employees of the West Texas VA Health Care System looking to explore reassignment within our various clinical locations, including facilities in Big Spring, Abilene, San Angelo, Fort Stockton, Hobbs, and Odessa. As a Physician Assistant, you will provide critical, compassionate, and evidence-based patient care to our Veteran population, working within an interdisciplinary team dedicated to clinical excellence.

Requirements for Physician Assistant (Only For Current Permanent Employees Of West Texas Va Health Care System)

Must be a U.S. citizen (non-citizens may be appointed under specific conditions).
Must possess a Master's degree or a Bachelor's degree with at least one year of professional PA experience.
Must have successfully passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
Must hold a full and unrestricted license to practice in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Must be registered with the Selective Service if born after 12/31/1959.
Subject to background investigation and periodic health evaluations.

Preferred Qualifications for Physician Assistant (Only For Current Permanent Employees Of West Texas Va Health Care System)

Doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited institution.
Completion of a VA-accredited or recognized PA post-graduate residency program.
Demonstrated ability to function autonomously in complex, multi-symptomatic clinical environments.
Experience in utilizing telehealth technologies for patient care.
Proven track record of working effectively within interdisciplinary medical teams.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and life insurance programs
✓Generous paid time off, including federal holidays and sick leave
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Professional development and clinical training opportunities
✓Potential eligibility for Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)
✓Supportive work environment dedicated to whole-health care

💡 How to Apply Physician Assistant (Only For Current Permanent Employees Of West Texas Va Health Care System) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physician Assistant (Only For Current Permanent Employees Of West Texas Va Health Care System) Job

Ensure you are a current permanent employee of the West Texas VA Health Care System.
Log in to your USAJOBS account or create a new one.
Download the required Clinical Resume document template from the provided VA link.
Prepare your documentation, including SF-50, current license, and professional transcripts.
Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire online.
Upload all necessary documents, ensuring the specific clinical resume template is placed in the designated field.
Submit your application package before the 90-day expiration window or the annual closing date.

💡 General Tips

The announcement is open for one year, but applications expire every 90 days; be sure to refresh your application frequently.
Be precise and specific in your resume regarding clinical experience; the agency will not make assumptions about your skill level.
Ensure your license and PANCE certification documentation are current and legible.
Double-check that you have uploaded your SF-50 if you are a current or former federal employee.
Tailor your responses in the questionnaire to reflect your clinical expertise and any relevant residency training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for this position?

This specific announcement is limited to current permanent employees of the West Texas VA Health Care System seeking internal reassignment.

Can I apply if I haven't taken the PANCE exam yet?

Yes, you may be considered if you are currently in the process of taking the exam, but you cannot be hired until all licensure and certification requirements are met.

How often should I update my application?

Applications expire every 90 days. It is recommended that you log in and update your application every 90 days to remain active in the system.

What if my school is no longer accredited?

*A: You must provide documentation showing the school was accredited at the time of your graduation.*

Can I work at multiple locations?

*A: The system covers multiple clinics. While specific roles are based at specific sites, there is opportunities for system-wide coordination.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. The West Texas VA Health Care System, headquartered in Big Spring, TX, serves a population of approximately 57,000 Veterans across West Texas and parts of New Mexico. We leverage state-of-the-art technology to provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care, ensuring our Veterans receive the high-quality, whole-health treatment they deserve.