Physician Assistant Job

Indian Health Service

Key Skills:Clinical assessment and diagnosisTreatment plan developmentPreventative healthcare managementPatient education and counselingDiagnostic test interpretation (X-rays, EKG, Lab)Collaborative healthcare managementCharting and medical documentation

Become a Physician Assistant with the Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is currently seeking talented and dedicated Physician Assistants (PAs) to join our mission-driven team. This is an exceptional opportunity for medical professionals who are passionate about improving health outcomes for American Indians and Alaska Natives. Working with the IHS offers more than just a job; it provides a platform to deliver high-quality, comprehensive healthcare in diverse settings while building a robust career within the federal system.

Job Responsibilities

Physician Assistants play a critical role in our clinical operations. Key duties include:

Providing therapeutic and preventative health services in outpatient settings.
Managing specific illnesses and developing long-term care plans.
Educating and counseling patients on health promotion.
Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests such as EKGs and laboratory work.
Collaborating with physicians and other staff to coordinate patient care.
Orienting tribal leaders and health boards on relevant healthcare issues.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet several core requirements:

Educational Background: Graduation from an ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program.
Certification: Must have passed the NCCPA exam and maintain active certification.
Licensure: A current, active, and unrestricted PA license from any U.S. state or territory.
Citizenship: Must be a United States citizen.
Background: Ability to pass a federal background check and financial suitability review.

Salary Overview

The positions range from grade GS-09 to GS-12, offering a highly competitive salary range.

Pay Grade	Annual Salary Range
GS-09 to GS-12	$110,727 - $164,017

Benefits

Beyond the competitive salary, employees enjoy an extensive federal benefits package, including:

Health and Life Insurance: Flexible options for you and your family.
Leave: Earn annual and sick leave based on your length of federal service.
Incentives: Recruitment or relocation bonuses may be available for select positions.
Loan Repayment: Access to competitive student loan repayment programs through the IHS or NHSC.

Application Tips

Use the Resume Builder: Ensure every detail, including hours worked per week and supervisor contact info, is included.
Transcript Preparation: Have your unofficial transcripts ready to upload during the application process.
Stay Responsive: Keep an eye on your email for USA Hire assessment links, which have specific deadlines.

Serving as a Physician Assistant with the Indian Health Service is a rewarding path for those who seek to make a genuine difference. By combining clinical excellence with community service, you will find a unique and fulfilling career. Start your application today to join our team of healthcare innovators.

Why This Physician Assistant Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of American Indians and Alaska Natives by joining the Indian Health Service as a Physician Assistant—where your professional expertise meets a community-focused mission.

Physician Assistant Job Overview

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking dedicated, compassionate Physician Assistants to join our clinical teams across various nationwide locations. In this role, you will provide essential patient-centered care, ranging from health promotion and disease prevention to comprehensive treatment plans. As a key member of our interdisciplinary healthcare team, you will enjoy a rewarding career that blends professional development with the chance to serve diverse communities. We offer a competitive total compensation package, and selectees may be eligible for recruitment or relocation incentives.

Requirements for Physician Assistant

U.S. Citizenship.
Graduation from an ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program.
Current, active, and unrestricted state license as a Physician Assistant.
Successful completion of the NCCPA certification examination and maintenance of current certification.
Satisfactory completion of a federal background investigation and financial suitability review.
Ability to obtain and maintain clinical privileges at assigned IHS facilities.
Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
Compliance with IHS Employee Immunization Policy requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for Physician Assistant

Clinical experience demonstrating the ability to independently perform patient assessments and formulate treatment plans.
Demonstrated ability to function effectively in an interdisciplinary healthcare environment.
Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with diverse populations or community health initiatives.
Commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care in rural or outpatient settings.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary within federal pay scales.
✓Federal leave accrual based on years of service.
✓Recruitment or relocation incentives (for eligible candidates).
✓Potential eligibility for federal student loan repayment programs.
✓Comprehensive federal benefits package, including health, life, and retirement insurance.
✓Professional development and interdisciplinary teamwork environment.

💡 How to Apply Physician Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physician Assistant Job

Log in to your USAJOBS account and click Apply Online.
Complete the application questionnaire and upload required documentation.
Submit your package by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
Complete any required USA Hire assessments as prompted after submission.
Track your application status via your USAJOBS profile.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all relevant work history and duties are clearly documented.
Clearly state hours worked per week and specific dates of employment for each position.
Submit your transcripts early to expedite the review process.
Be prepared to respond to four short optional essay questions regarding federal service and ethics.
Ensure your contact information is current and check your email regularly for assessment links.

Frequently Asked Questions

What locations are available for this position?

This announcement covers multiple locations across the United States. During the application process, you may select up to five preferred locations.

Is this a permanent position?

The majority of positions filled under this announcement are permanent, though it may also be used to fill time-limited appointments such as Term or Temporary.

Are there student loan repayment options?

Yes, the Indian Health Service has a competitive loan repayment program available for qualifying health disciplines, subject to agency priorities and funding.

Can I apply for multiple locations?

*A: Yes, you can select up to five locations during the application process to be considered for.*

Is a background check required?

*A: Yes, all selectees must complete a federal background and financial suitability review.*

Job from Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service is an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. We are responsible for providing federal health services to over 2 million American Indians and Alaska Natives across the country. Our culture is defined by compassion, creative problem-solving, and a deep commitment to our patients. As an IHS provider, you will work in an interdisciplinary environment that values innovation and community engagement.