Advance Your Career as a Physician Assistant in Acute Pain Management

Are you a dedicated clinical professional looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation’s Veterans? The VA Northern California Healthcare System is currently seeking a highly skilled Physician Assistant (PA) to join our Anesthesia department, specifically focusing on the Acute Pain Service. This is an exceptional opportunity to work in a collaborative, high-impact environment where your expertise directly improves patient outcomes and comfort.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will act as a core member of the Acute Pain Service (APS). Your duties will include:

Assessing preoperative patients and managing postoperative pain strategies.
Facilitating perioperative flow during the day of surgery.
Assisting with regional anesthesia procedures.
Managing intravenous infusions, PCA, and peripheral nerve catheter infusions.
Providing continuity of care through daily bedside rounds.
Collaborating with surgeons, primary care, and mental health teams to coordinate long-term pain management goals.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet several core criteria:

Education: A Master's degree in any discipline or a Bachelor's degree with at least one year of PA experience.
Certification: Successful passage of the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
Licensure: A full and unrestricted state license.
Physical Standards: Must pass a pre-employment physical, including visual and auditory acuity requirements, and possess the ability to perform heavy lifting and repetitive movements.

Feature	Details
Position Title	Physician Assistant - Acute Pain
Salary Range	$124,092 – $215,870
Work Schedule	Full-Time, Negotiable
Location	Mather AFB, CA
EDRP Eligibility	Yes (up to $200,000)

Salary Overview

This position offers a highly competitive annual salary range of $124,092 to $215,870. The exact starting salary is determined through a formal pay-setting process that evaluates your individual experience, credentials, and the needs of the department.

Benefits

Beyond the salary, the VA offers a superior benefits package. Key perks include:

EDRP: Potential for up to $200,000 in student loan debt reduction.
Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Retirement: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
Work-Life Balance: Generous leave policies, including paid federal holidays, vacation, and sick time.

Application Tips

Use the Required Template: Ensure you use the specific Clinical Resume template provided by the VA Careers website.
Be Thorough: Do not leave gaps in your work history. Include volunteer work and clinical rotations if applicable.
Follow Deadlines: While the position remains open until September 2026, applying before the initial cut-off date significantly increases your chances of early consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is this position eligible for relocation incentives? A: No, relocation/recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy, though EDRP is available.

Q: Are there vaccination requirements? A: Yes, as a VA health care professional, participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment.

If you are a motivated Physician Assistant ready to take the next step in your career, we invite you to join our team at the VA Northern California Healthcare System. Your skills in acute pain management are needed to ensure the highest standard of care for our Veterans. Apply online today to begin your journey with the VA.

Why This Physician Assistant - Acute Pain (Anesthesia) - Mather Job Matters

Join the VA Northern California Healthcare System and play a pivotal role in our Acute Pain Service, where your expertise directly impacts the recovery and quality of life of those who served our nation.

Physician Assistant - Acute Pain (Anesthesia) - Mather Job Overview

The VA Northern California Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated Physician Assistant to join our Anesthesia department, focusing on Acute Pain management. In this vital role, you will provide comprehensive care, manage perioperative pain protocols, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure our Veterans receive world-class medical support. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), offering up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement for qualifying candidates.

Requirements for Physician Assistant - Acute Pain (Anesthesia) - Mather

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 license to practice in a U.S. state, territory, or district.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may be considered if qualified citizens are unavailable).
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Physician Assistant - Acute Pain (Anesthesia) - Mather

Prior clinical experience specifically in Acute Pain Management.
Experience in an interdisciplinary hospital environment.
Post-graduate residency training in a relevant field.
Doctoral degree in a health-related discipline.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) up to $200,000
✓Comprehensive health insurance options
✓Federal retirement benefits
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Life and long-term care insurance
✓Flexible spending accounts

💡 How to Apply Physician Assistant - Acute Pain (Anesthesia) - Mather Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physician Assistant - Acute Pain (Anesthesia) - Mather Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Download the standard Clinical Resume document from the VA Careers website.
Prepare your full CV and any applicable eligibility documents (e.g., DD-214, transcripts, SF-50).
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the application link.
Upload all required documentation, including the mandatory one-page Clinical Resume into the designated field.
Submit your application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Submit your application early to be considered for the initial referral cut-off date.
Ensure your resume specifically addresses the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed for your target grade level.
Double-check that all required documents, especially the one-page Clinical Resume, are uploaded correctly.
Clearly detail your clinical experience, including volunteer work, as we cannot make assumptions about your background.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EDRP and how much does it provide?

The Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) is a student loan reimbursement program for VA employees. This position is eligible for awards up to $200,000, subject to program office approval and policy requirements.

Can I apply if I am a recent graduate without a license?

Yes, under specific circumstances, you may be appointed as a Graduate PA on a temporary basis for up to two years while you obtain your licensure, provided you meet other basic requirements.

How often is the application reviewed?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The initial cut-off for referrals is July 14, 2026, with subsequent reviews every two weeks until the closing date.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive care to those who have served in the United States military. The VA Northern California Health Care System (VANCHCS) serves as an integrated delivery system, offering everything from surgical care and rehabilitation to mental health services. Joining our team means becoming part of a community dedicated to honoring the service of our Veterans through clinical excellence.