Advance Your Career as a Physician Assistant at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton

Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who serve our country? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking a highly qualified Physician Assistant (PA) to join the Occupational Medicine department at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton in California. This role is a fantastic opportunity to balance clinical expertise with a mission-critical purpose.

Job Responsibilities

As a Physician Assistant within the Occupational Medicine clinic, your day-to-day duties will be varied and impactful:

Patient Assessment: Conducting clinical evaluations, including deployment, separation, commissioning, and retirement physicals.
Diagnostic Care: Ordering laboratory tests, X-rays, and other procedures to support patient assessment.
Treatment Planning: Prescribing treatments for injuries, illnesses, and complex medical disorders.
Documentation: Gathering detailed medical histories and maintaining accurate patient records.
Coordination: Working with patients and families to provide education on treatment plans and long-term care.

Comparison: Standard Clinical vs. Occupational Medicine

Feature	Standard Clinical PA	Occupational Medicine PA
Primary Focus	Acute/Chronic Illness	Readiness & Physical Standards
Patient Base	General Public	Service Members/Personnel
Key Outcome	Patient Recovery	Operational Capability
Regulatory Scope	Standard Practice	DOD/DHA Readiness Standards

Requirements

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Education: A degree from an ARC-PA accredited physician assistant program.
Certification: NCCPA certification is mandatory.
Licensure: A current, active, and unrestricted state license.
Experience: At least one year of professional PA experience focusing on occupational medicine, physical exams, and patient assessment.
Clearance: Must be able to hold a Secret security clearance.

Salary Overview

The salary for this GS-12 position ranges from $102,246 to $132,923 per year, depending on qualifications and locality pay. The DHA may offer salary negotiation for candidates new to the federal government, and recruitment or relocation incentives may be available for highly qualified individuals.

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides a robust benefits package that supports both your career and your personal life:

Comprehensive Health Insurance: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) with government-matched contributions.
Work-Life Balance: Generous leave policies including paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.

Application Tips

Applying for a federal position requires precision. Keep these tips in mind:

Resume Length: Your resume must be two pages or less. Do not exceed this, or you will be removed from consideration.
Detail is King: Ensure your resume highlights the number of hours worked per week and specific dates for your experience in occupational medicine.
Use Plain Language: Avoid industry jargon that a HR specialist may not recognize. Clearly state your duties.
Proofread: Verify all your required documents—especially your transcripts and licenses—are uploaded correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is relocation assistance available? A: While permanent change of station (PCS) costs are not currently authorized, recruitment or relocation incentives may be available for specific candidates.

Q: Can I apply if I am not currently a federal employee? A: Yes, this position is open to U.S. citizens.

Q: Will I need to undergo a drug test? A: Yes, due to the nature of the position and the required security clearance, a drug test is mandatory.

This Physician Assistant role at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton is a prestigious opportunity to serve those who keep our nation safe. If you have the required clinical background and a commitment to excellence, we encourage you to submit your application before the closing date. Join the DHA and contribute to a mission that matters.

Why This Physician Assistant Job Matters

Join the dedicated team at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton and advance your career in clinical Occupational Medicine while serving those who serve our nation.

Physician Assistant Job Overview

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is seeking a skilled and mission-driven Physician Assistant (GS-12) to join the Occupational Medicine team at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. In this pivotal role, you will provide direct healthcare services, support medical readiness, and contribute to the health and well-being of service members, retirees, and their families. This is a unique opportunity to apply your clinical expertise in a dynamic, mission-essential environment where your contributions directly impact the operational readiness of the Joint Force.

Requirements for Physician Assistant

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Graduation from a physician assistant program accredited by the ARC-PA or its predecessors.
Current certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
Valid, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a Physician Assistant in any state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or U.S. territory.
Minimum of one full year of specialized experience as a certified Physician Assistant in occupational medicine, patient assessment, and physical examinations.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Must be willing to undergo a drug test.
Ability to serve as a Mission Essential employee during contingency or emergency operations.

Preferred Qualifications for Physician Assistant

Prior experience conducting deployment, separation, commissioning, and retirement physicals.
Strong background in administrative clinical documentation and patient education.
Proven capability in working within integrated healthcare systems.
Demonstrated expertise in ordering and interpreting laboratory and diagnostic imaging procedures.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay.
✓Potential recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and life insurance programs.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Generous paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave accrual.
✓Potential for salary negotiation for candidates new to federal service.
✓Mission-focused work environment with professional growth opportunities.

💡 How to Apply Physician Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physician Assistant Job

Log in or create an account on USAJOBS.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, clearly detailing your clinical experience with dates and hours worked.
Complete the online questionnaire via the provided USA Staffing link.
Upload all required documentation, including your PA license/certification and educational transcripts.
Verify the completeness of your application package before the closing date.
Submit your application and monitor the status through your USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be disqualified.
Be specific about your work history; include employer names, titles, and exact dates of employment.
Avoid using unexplained acronyms; write clearly so that someone outside your specific field can understand your duties.
Double-check that all uploaded documents have cleared the USAJOBS virus scan before the deadline.
Tailor your responses to reflect your experience specifically in occupational medicine and physical assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is education substitution allowed for the experience requirement?

No, this position requires at least one year of specialized professional experience as a certified physician assistant; education cannot be substituted for this requirement.

Is telework available for this position?

No, this position is not eligible for telework due to the requirement for direct, in-person patient care.

What does it mean to be a 'Mission Essential' employee?

As a mission-essential staff member, you are required to report for duty during contingency operations, extreme weather events, natural disasters, or other declared emergencies.

Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha

The Defense Health Agency is the primary healthcare provider for the Department of Defense. Operating an integrated, world-class system, the DHA provides comprehensive medical, dental, and pharmacy services to over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. Working at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton means joining a team dedicated to medical readiness and the highest standards of care.