Advance Your Medical Career: Physician Assistant Openings at the VA Manchester Healthcare System
Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to combine clinical excellence with a higher purpose? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking compassionate, skilled Physician Assistants (PAs) to join the VA Manchester Healthcare System. These roles represent a unique intersection of high-level clinical autonomy and the profound honor of serving those who have protected our nation.
Job Responsibilities
As a Primary Care PA, you will be the cornerstone of patient health management. Your primary responsibilities will include:
- Comprehensive Patient Care: Managing a panel of approximately 900 patients.
- Diagnostic Assessment: Conducting physical exams, ordering lab work, and interpreting diagnostic imaging.
- Treatment Planning: Prescribing medications and initiating consults.
- Preventive Care: Delivering health education and counseling to patients and their families.
- Mentorship: Serving as a preceptor for PA residents and students, contributing to the next generation of medical providers.
Requirements
To qualify for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A Master's degree in any discipline OR a bachelor's degree with at least one year of PA experience.
- Certification: Active PANCE certification.
- Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted license to practice in any U.S. State or territory.
- Professionalism: Ability to communicate effectively in English and pass a pre-employment physical.
Grade Comparison Table
| Level | Experience Requirement | Key Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| PA-I | Basic requirements met | Entry-level patient care and history taking |
| PA-II | 2 years practice or residency | Independent medical decision making |
| PA-III | 3 years practice or residency + 1 year | Clinical leadership and system-wide improvement |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary structure commensurate with experience, ranging from $87,079 to $163,929 annually.
Benefits
- EDRP: Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (up to $200,000).
- Security: Comprehensive federal benefits, including retirement planning and health insurance.
- Balance: A standard Monday-Friday schedule with a focus on high-quality outcomes rather than high-volume burnout.
Application Tips
- Use the Template: Always use the standard clinical resume document linked in the announcement.
- Be Clear: When detailing your experience, be explicit about your independent management of chronic disease.
- Double-Check: Ensure all certifications, including your PANCE status, are clearly listed.
This role offers more than just a paycheck; it offers a seat at a table of experts dedicated to the health of our Veterans. If you are ready to elevate your career while honoring the promise to those who have served, we encourage you to apply today.
Why This Physician Assistant - Primary Care Job Matters
Advance your clinical career while directly impacting the health and well-being of those who served our nation.
Physician Assistant - Primary Care Job Overview
The VA Manchester Healthcare System is currently seeking a dedicated Physician Assistant to join our Primary Care team. This role is essential to our Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) model, focusing on comprehensive, compassionate, and evidence-based care. We are hiring for two full-time positions: one based in Manchester, NH, and one focused on Women’s Health in Portsmouth, NH. This is a unique opportunity to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment where you can help Veterans take charge of their health through innovative, patient-centered approaches.
Requirements for Physician Assistant - Primary Care
- Master's degree in any discipline OR a bachelor's degree with one year of PA experience.
- Successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
- Current, full, and unrestricted state licensure to practice as a Physician Assistant.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination.
- Compliance with seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen (non-citizens may be considered if qualified citizens are unavailable).
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Physician Assistant - Primary Care
- 1-2 years of independent primary care management experience.
- Experience in chronic disease management and managing patient demographics.
- Prior experience within the VA Primary Care system.
- Advanced clinical expertise in evaluating complex, multi-symptomatic patient cases.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000
- ✓Comprehensive Federal health insurance plans
- ✓Generous paid time off and federal holidays
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including FERS and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and clinical preceptorship
💡 How to Apply Physician Assistant - Primary Care Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician Assistant - Primary Care Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Download and complete the mandatory Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA link.
- Upload your resume, PANCE certification, and academic transcripts.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of July 14, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume about your experience; do not assume the recruiter knows your scope of practice.
- Use the standard clinical resume template provided by the VA for your primary upload.
- Ensure all your contact information and eligibility documents (like DD-214) are attached before submitting.
- Check the status of your application via your USAJOBS dashboard periodically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EDRP program?
The Education Debt Reduction Program is a student loan reimbursement initiative offered by the VHA, potentially covering up to $200,000 in qualifying loans for eligible employees.
Can I apply if I am not a veteran?
Yes, this position is open to the public. Preference is given to eligible veterans, but all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an onsite role. Telework is not authorized for these specific positions.
Is relocation assistance offered?
*A: It may be authorized based on the needs of the agency.*
Can I work from home?
*A: This is an onsite, full-time position in either Manchester or Portsmouth, NH.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. At the VA Manchester Healthcare System, we operate under the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) model. This patient-centered approach empowers Veterans to take charge of their health through holistic, integrative, and evidence-based care. Our smaller panel sizes and supportive services ensure that our providers have the resources necessary to deliver truly comprehensive medicine.