Advance Your Career as a Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant at the Indianapolis VA
The Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis is currently seeking a highly skilled Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant to join its surgical team. This role offers the unique opportunity to provide expert care to our nation's veterans while working within a facility known for its research, academic affiliations, and commitment to holistic health.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will serve as a key member of the cardiothoracic section of the Department of Surgery. Key duties include:
- Patient Care: Providing inpatient and outpatient care for patients with complex, multi-symptomatic cardiothoracic conditions.
- Surgical Support: Assisting surgeons in the operating room (first or second assist) and performing bedside procedures such as chest tube removal, central line placement, and bronchoscopy.
- SICU Coordination: Serving as a primary coordinator for the surgical team, writing orders, managing airway weaning, and ensuring high-quality postoperative care.
- Leadership: Managing quality assurance tasks and collaborating with social work, dietary, and rehabilitation teams to optimize patient outcomes.
Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Licensure | Full, unrestricted PA license in a U.S. state |
| Education | Master’s degree or Bachelor’s with 1+ year experience |
| Certification | Current PANCE certification |
| Screening | Must pass background check and drug testing |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $127,434 to $224,127 per year. The exact salary is determined through a formal pay-setting process based on experience and credentials.
Benefits
Employees of the VA enjoy a robust total rewards package, including federal health insurance, retirement plans (FERS), paid leave, and significant professional growth potential through academic partnerships.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances, ensure your resume is formatted clearly with dates of employment and specific clinical duties. Always use the provided VA-specific Clinical Resume document, as it is a required upload.
If you are a Physician Assistant looking to make a meaningful impact in cardiothoracic surgery while working in a supportive, mission-focused environment, we encourage you to apply. Join the team that honors America’s veterans with world-class care.
Why This Physician Assistant Cardiothoracic (Recruitment & Relocation Incentive Authorized) Job Matters
Join a mission-driven team in Indianapolis and provide life-changing cardiothoracic care to our nation’s heroes with competitive recruitment and relocation incentives.
Physician Assistant Cardiothoracic (Recruitment & Relocation Incentive Authorized) Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Physician Assistant to join the Cardiothoracic Surgery department at the Richard L. Roudebush (RLR) VA Medical Center in Indianapolis. In this critical role, you will provide comprehensive medical and surgical care for both inpatient and outpatient settings, focusing on patients with complex cardiothoracic conditions. You will serve as a primary coordinator for multidisciplinary care teams, assisting surgeons in the OR and managing patients within the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at a major tertiary care facility affiliated with the Indiana University School of Medicine.
Requirements for Physician Assistant Cardiothoracic (Recruitment & Relocation Incentive Authorized)
- U.S. Citizenship (or appointment of non-citizens when qualified citizens are unavailable).
- Current, full, and unrestricted Physician Assistant license in any U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia.
- Successful completion of the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
- Master’s degree in any discipline OR a Bachelor’s degree with at least one year of professional PA experience.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
- Ability to perform physical duties associated with patient care, including lifting up to 35 lbs.
Preferred Qualifications for Physician Assistant Cardiothoracic (Recruitment & Relocation Incentive Authorized)
- Completion of a VA-sponsored or accredited postgraduate PA residency program.
- Doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited university.
- Two to three years of successful professional practice as a Physician Assistant.
- Demonstrated experience in surgical intensive care and interdisciplinary team coordination.
- Proven expertise in managing multi-symptomatic, complex cardiothoracic surgical cases.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive Federal Salary with annual pay adjustments
- âś“Comprehensive health insurance plans
- âś“Generous federal retirement and pension benefits
- âś“Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- âś“Professional development and training opportunities
- âś“Recruitment and Relocation Incentives authorized for qualified candidates
đź’ˇ How to Apply Physician Assistant Cardiothoracic (Recruitment & Relocation Incentive Authorized) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician Assistant Cardiothoracic (Recruitment & Relocation Incentive Authorized) Job
- Create or update your profile on USAJOBS.gov.
- Prepare your full CV or resume ensuring it includes dates of employment (mm/yyyy) and hours worked per week.
- Download the mandatory Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA link.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package, including the specific Clinical Resume and your full CV/resume, through the USAJOBS portal.
- Monitor your email for status updates regarding your eligibility and referral.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your clinical experience with dates and full-time/part-time status.
- Double-check that you have uploaded the mandatory one-page clinical resume into the designated slot.
- If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure your DD214 is legible and clearly shows the character of service.
- Review your application for completeness; errors or missing information may result in disqualification.
- Apply early, as the announcement may close before the deadline if a selection is made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are recruitment or relocation incentives available for this role?
Yes, recruitment and relocation incentives are authorized for this position to attract top-tier talent.
What is the expected schedule?
The schedule is typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with additional requirements for on-call duties and weekends.
Do I need to be a veteran to apply?
No, this position is open to the public, though veterans' preference will be applied to eligible candidates.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling the promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military. The Indianapolis VA serves over 61,000 patients and operates in affiliation with the Indiana University School of Medicine. Our facility is a hub of innovation, maintaining a $25 million annual research portfolio.