Launch Your Career as a Physician Assistant with the Defense Health Agency
If you are a Physician Assistant (PA) passionate about serving those who protect our nation, the Defense Health Agency (DHA) offers a unique and fulfilling career path. We are currently recruiting highly skilled PAs for multiple positions across New Mexico and Texas. This is a chance to step into a professional role that balances clinical excellence with a deep commitment to military readiness and patient welfare.
Job Responsibilities
As a Physician Assistant within the DHA, your duties are both challenging and rewarding. You will:
- Perform comprehensive medical screening examinations.
- Develop and implement treatment plans while prescribing medications according to strict medical protocols.
- Act as a key consultant for patients and their families, providing vital medical education and care coordination.
- Exercise clinical judgment to identify early signs of physical, mental, or emotional health concerns.
Requirements
To ensure our high standard of care, candidates must meet rigorous professional criteria:
- Education: You must hold a degree from an ARC-PA accredited physician assistant program.
- Licensing: A current, active, and unrestricted state license is required.
- Certification: You must hold a current NCCPA certification.
- Experience: A minimum of one year of experience at the GS-11 equivalent level is mandatory for the GS-12 position.
| Feature | Requirement Status |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizen Required |
| License | Current/Active/Unrestricted |
| Certification | Current NCCPA |
| Experience | 1+ Year Specialized |
Salary Overview
The salary for this position is competitive, ranging from $89,508 to $170,597 per year, depending on qualifications and location. Locality pay and market supplements are included in this range to ensure our clinicians are fairly compensated for their vital expertise.
Benefits
Choosing a federal career with the DHA comes with significant perks:
- Comprehensive medical and life insurance.
- Generous federal leave policies.
- Potential eligibility for student loan repayment.
- Robust retirement savings plans.
- Relocation assistance for highly qualified candidates.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal position requires precision. Keep these tips in mind:
- Resume Length: Your resume must be two pages or less. This is non-negotiable.
- Clarity: Describe your duties in plain language. Do not assume the recruiter knows the specifics of your clinical history.
- Documents: Double-check that your license, certifications, and transcripts are included. Incomplete files will be rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the work environment like? A: You will work within a military installation, providing care in a structured, team-oriented medical environment.
Q: Is this a permanent position? A: Yes, this is a permanent federal opportunity, subject to a standard one-year probationary period.
Serving as a Physician Assistant for the Defense Health Agency is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the wellbeing of our armed forces. Apply today to bring your skills to a team that truly makes a difference.
Why This Physician Assistant Job Matters
Join a mission-driven healthcare team and provide vital clinical support to those who serve our nation—where your expertise directly impacts the readiness of our Joint Force.
Physician Assistant Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking dedicated Physician Assistants to join our elite medical team at various locations across New Mexico and Texas. This is an open continuous, direct-hire opportunity for mission-focused clinicians. You will deliver high-quality medical services to service members, retirees, and their families within a comprehensive healthcare network, ensuring optimal health and operational readiness.
Requirements for Physician Assistant
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Graduation from an ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program.
- Current, active, and unrestricted state or territory license as a Physician Assistant.
- Successful completion of the NCCPA certification examination with active maintenance.
- Minimum of one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level (or equivalent).
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Ability to satisfy security and background suitability requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Physician Assistant
- Extensive experience in clinical medical screening and diagnostic evaluations.
- Proven proficiency in managing complex treatment plans for diverse patient populations.
- Strong interpersonal skills for effective patient education and collaborative care.
- Exceptional ability to distinguish between normal and abnormal clinical findings under pressure.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay adjustments.
- ✓Potential for student loan repayment programs.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health and life insurance options.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
- ✓Access to federal retirement savings programs.
💡 How to Apply Physician Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician Assistant Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
- Prepare a resume (strictly limited to two pages).
- Gather supporting documentation, including transcripts, medical license, and certifications.
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Submit your application package before the closing date to be considered for current and upcoming vacancies.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to exactly two pages or less; longer resumes will be automatically excluded.
- Clearly document your work history, including hours per week and specific dates (month/year) to prove your experience level.
- Avoid acronyms and technical jargon that may not be understood by HR reviewers.
- Ensure your license and education transcripts are clearly attached, as these are mandatory for eligibility.
- Monitor your dashboard regularly for status updates on your submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this position requires on-site work at the specified military installations in New Mexico and Texas.
Can I substitute my education for the required experience?
No, for the GS-12 level in this specific announcement, you must meet the qualification requirements through professional experience alone.
Is a security clearance required?
No, this position is classified as Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk, though suitability and fitness checks are required.
Job from Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency is an integral part of the Department of Defense healthcare system. We are responsible for delivering world-class medical, dental, and pharmacy care to more than 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. Our mission is to build readiness, anytime and anywhere, by providing inspired, professional care.