Physician Assistant Career Opportunities at the Defense Health Agency
Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to advance your career while supporting the brave men and women of our armed forces? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently inviting applications for Physician Assistant roles at the Guthrie Army Health Clinic located at Fort Drum, New York.
About the Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated healthcare system responsible for delivering medical services to more than 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. By joining the team at Fort Drum, you will become a strategic partner in the joint force, helping to maintain medical readiness and ensuring world-class care, anytime and anywhere.
Position Responsibilities
As a Physician Assistant within the Family Medicine department, your role will be multi-faceted and clinically focused. Responsibilities include:
- Patient Management: Assess, plan, and modify treatment plans for patients with acute and chronic illnesses.
- Diagnostic Proficiency: Discriminate between normal and abnormal diagnostic results to detect early indicators of health concerns.
- Collaborative Care: Work closely with the physician team to adjust therapeutic strategies and meet primary care requirements.
- Prescriptive Authority: Manage medications and prescribe controlled substances within the scope of your practice.
- Preventative Health: Lead initiatives to oversee compliance with adult preventive healthcare requirements.
Requirements for Success
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet rigorous professional standards:
Comparison of Qualifications
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | ARC-PA accredited program graduate |
| Certification | Active NCCPA Certification |
| Licensure | Unrestricted state license |
| Experience | Minimum 1 year specialized practice |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $100,167 to $130,219 per year, commensurate with qualifications and locality pay. Employees may also benefit from federal insurance programs, retirement planning, and the potential for student loan repayment.
How to Apply
- Register: Ensure you have a current account on the USAJOBS portal.
- Documents: Prepare your resume (max 2 pages), transcripts, license copies, and NCCPA certification.
- Submit: Complete the online questionnaire and attach all required documents via the application link.
Serving as a Physician Assistant at Fort Drum is an opportunity to provide exceptional care in a unique environment. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to contribute to military health readiness, apply through the USAJOBS system today.
Why This Physician Assistant Job Matters
Advance your clinical career while supporting those who serve: join the Defense Health Agency at Fort Drum as a dedicated Physician Assistant.
Physician Assistant Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is currently seeking skilled Physician Assistants to join the Family Medicine team at the Guthrie Army Health Clinic in Fort Drum, New York. In this role, you will play a vital part in providing high-quality medical care to uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. This is a collaborative position where you will manage acute and chronic conditions, perform diagnostic screenings, and contribute to the overall readiness of our military community.
Requirements for Physician Assistant
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Graduation from an ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program.
- Current National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) certification.
- Active, full, and unrestricted state licensure as a Physician Assistant.
- Minimum of one year of specialized experience as a certified Physician Assistant.
- Ability to pass a drug test and meet security/suitability requirements.
- Successful completion of a one-year trial or probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Physician Assistant
- Demonstrated ability to diagnose and manage complex acute and chronic illnesses.
- Expertise in clinical diagnostic testing and interpretation.
- Strong collaborative skills for multidisciplinary team environments.
- Experience with preventative healthcare planning and patient advocacy.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Life insurance and retirement benefits.
- ✓Potential for student loan repayment programs.
- ✓Possibility of recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
- ✓Salary negotiation opportunities for candidates new to federal service.
💡 How to Apply Physician Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician Assistant Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume limited to two pages or less highlighting your specialized experience.
- Gather required documentation, including transcripts, licenses, and NCCPA certifications.
- Submit your application package, including the online questionnaire, via the USAJOBS portal.
- Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes month and year of employment for all experience entries.
- Specify the number of hours worked per week for each role listed on your resume.
- Avoid using acronyms or technical jargon that may be difficult for non-specialized hiring officials to interpret.
- Double-check that all required supporting documents are uploaded before the deadline, as incomplete applications will not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
No, for this specific position, you must meet the qualification requirements through direct work experience alone.
Is relocation assistance provided?
Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized; however, a recruitment or relocation incentive may be offered at the agency's discretion.
What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?
Per the application instructions, any resume exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.
Is this a remote position?
No, this role requires on-site work at the Guthrie Army Health Clinic in Fort Drum, NY.
Can I negotiate my salary?
Yes, salary negotiation is available for candidates who are new to the federal government.