Launch Your Career as a Physician Assistant with the VA in Coralville, Iowa

Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to make a lasting impact? The Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System (ICVAHCS) is currently hiring a Physician Assistant for our Primary Care team in Coralville, Iowa. We are looking for mission-driven individuals who are passionate about delivering high-quality, comprehensive care to our nation's Veterans.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will act as a primary care provider, managing a panel of patients in a community-based setting. Your duties will be varied and clinically stimulating:

Clinical Care: Dedicate approximately 90% of your time to direct patient care and interdisciplinary treatment planning.
Autonomous Practice: Utilize your advanced assessment skills to triage and treat patients, working with a high degree of independence.
Administrative Leadership: Collaborate with clinic colleagues to streamline workflows and improve patient satisfaction.
Research: Contribute to ambulatory care research protocols by enrolling patients and assisting in data collection.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

A valid, unrestricted PA license in a U.S. jurisdiction.
A master’s or bachelor’s degree in an accredited discipline with at least one year of experience.
Successful completion of the PANCE.
Proficiency in English (written and spoken).
Ability to pass a mandatory physical and background investigation.

Grade Level Comparison

Level	Experience Required	Focus Area
PA-I	Basic Qualifications	Entry-level clinical practice
PA-II	2+ Years or Residency	Complex medical problem solving
PA-III	3+ Years or Residency	Leadership & Clinical expertise

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary structure ranging from $111,047 to $175,827 per year, depending on your experience level, clinical expertise, and final determination by the hiring board.

Benefits

We offer an exceptional compensation package, including:

Student Loan Repayment: Access to the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) with awards up to $200,000.
Work-Life Balance: Standard Monday-Friday schedule (8:00am–4:30pm).
Comprehensive Health: Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance.
Federal Benefits: Stability, retirement options, and generous paid time off.

Application Tips

Use the Required Template: Download the specific Clinical Resume document from the VA career portal to ensure your file meets the formatting requirement.
Specify Your Skills: Clearly outline your experience in primary care and interdisciplinary teamwork in your resume.
Stay Proactive: Apply early to be included in the next available referral cycle (first cut-off is July 9, 2026).

Serving those who have served is a noble calling. By joining the Iowa City VA, you are choosing a career filled with professional growth, research opportunities, and the satisfaction of providing top-tier healthcare to our Veterans. Apply today and start your journey with us.

Why This Physician Assistant - Primary Care Job Matters

Join a 5-Star rated VA health system in Coralville, Iowa, and make a tangible difference in the lives of those who served our nation.

Physician Assistant - Primary Care Job Overview

The Iowa City VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Physician Assistant to provide high-quality primary care at our Coralville community-based outpatient clinic. This role offers the opportunity to work within an innovative, interdisciplinary team environment at a facility recognized for excellence in patient care and academic partnership.

Requirements for Physician Assistant - Primary Care

Master’s degree in any discipline OR a bachelor's degree with one year of PA experience.
Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice as a Physician Assistant in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE) or currently in the process of taking the exam.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Ability to complete background and security investigations.
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
U.S. Citizenship is preferred, though non-citizens may be considered if no qualified citizens are available.

Preferred Qualifications for Physician Assistant - Primary Care

Two or more years of successful clinical practice as a Physician Assistant.
Completion of a post-graduate residency program accredited by the VHA, ARC-PA, or U.S. Armed Forces.
Doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited institution.
Demonstrated ability to function autonomously and manage complex, multi-symptomatic medical cases.
Experience in telehealth delivery and interdisciplinary team collaboration.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000.
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Generous federal leave and holiday packages.
✓Access to federal retirement benefits and thrift savings plans.
✓Opportunities for professional research, teaching, and academic collaboration.
✓Supportive environment with a focus on 'Whole Health' care.

💡 How to Apply Physician Assistant - Primary Care Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physician Assistant - Primary Care Job

Prepare your resume using the required VA Clinical Resume template.
Create or log in to your account on USAJobs.
Complete the occupational questionnaire linked in the announcement.
Upload your resume, transcripts, and any required eligibility documents (e.g., SF-50, DD-214).
Submit your final application package before the closing date or monthly cut-off period.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your responses to the online questionnaire are accurate and align with your uploaded resume.
If you are a veteran, provide a legible copy of your DD-214 to claim preference.
Submit your EDRP application within four months of your appointment date to maximize student loan repayment benefits.
Double-check your document uploads—ensure the mandatory one-page clinical resume template is included exactly as provided.
Monitor your email for status updates after the referral certificates are issued following each monthly cut-off.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of the Iowa City VA Health Care System?

Our mission is to honor and serve America’s Veterans by providing exceptional, innovative, and compassionate health care that improves their well-being.

Is this position eligible for student loan repayment?

Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides student loan reimbursement up to $200,000, subject to eligibility criteria.

What is the application cut-off schedule?

This is an open continuous announcement until September 9, 2026. Referral lists are generated on the 9th of July, 2026, and on the 1st of every month thereafter.

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

*A: Applicants who are currently in the process of taking the exam may apply, but you must hold the license before you can officially be hired.*

Is this position remote?

*A: No, this is an in-person, clinic-based role in Coralville, Iowa.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Iowa City VA Health Care System is a hub for innovation, academic collaboration, and excellence. As a 5-Star CMS-rated facility, we pride ourselves on being a premier teaching hospital with strong ties to the University of Iowa. Our organization manages a network of eleven clinics, providing a vital service to over 50,000 Veterans across Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri.