Physician Assistant Career Opportunities at the Indianapolis VA Medical Center
The Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis is currently seeking a highly qualified and motivated Physician Assistant (PA) to join its Surgical Service department. This role offers a unique opportunity to provide high-level, compassionate care to the veterans who have served our country, while working in a dynamic, research-oriented environment.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, the Physician Assistant will work in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) and cardiothoracic surgery sections. Key duties include:
- Coordinating patient care programs and acting as a primary provider.
- Performing comprehensive physical exams, diagnoses, and implementing complex treatment plans.
- Assisting surgeons in the operating room.
- Performing bedside procedures, including line placements and airway management.
- Maintaining quality assurance and participating in interdisciplinary team meetings.
Requirements
Candidates must meet the basic educational and licensure requirements, including:
- A degree from an accredited PA program and successful completion of the PANCE.
- An active, full, and unrestricted U.S. state license.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Ability to pass a mandatory pre-employment medical exam and drug screen.
Comparison Table: Qualifications and Skills
| Feature | Requirement/Detail |
|---|---|
| Experience Level | Entry to Advanced (PA-I to PA-III) |
| License Type | Unrestricted U.S. State/Territory License |
| Vaccination Requirement | Annual Influenza Vaccination |
| Travel | Up to 15% Travel Required |
| Schedule | Nights and Weekends (Rotating) |
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is $127,434 to $224,127 per year, depending on qualifications and formal pay-setting processes. The VA offers competitive compensation commensurate with clinical expertise and years of practice.
Benefits
Employees of the VA enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous leave accrual (vacation and sick leave).
- Federal retirement planning, including FERS and TSP matching.
- Professional development and continuing education opportunities.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances, ensure your resume uses the required Clinical Resume document format. Be explicit about your ICU and hemodynamic monitoring experience. If you are a veteran, include your DD-214 to claim preference points.
This role is an ideal career step for a Physician Assistant looking to make a significant impact in critical care. If you are ready to serve those who served us, apply via the USAJobs portal by September 30, 2026.
Why This Physician Assistant - Nights And Weekends Job Matters
Advance your clinical career in a high-impact role at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, supporting those who served our nation.
Physician Assistant - Nights And Weekends Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a skilled Physician Assistant for the Surgical Service at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. This critical role involves delivering specialized care within the Surgical Intensive Care Unit and cardiothoracic surgery sections during night and weekend shifts. Candidates will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team, manage complex patient cases, and perform high-level diagnostic and procedural tasks to ensure veterans receive world-class, compassionate healthcare.
Requirements for Physician Assistant - Nights And Weekends
- Must be a U.S. Citizen (or non-citizen if qualified citizens are unavailable).
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Master's degree in any discipline or a bachelor's degree with one year of experience as a Physician Assistant.
- Active, current, full, and unrestricted license to practice in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
- Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and drug screen.
- Must complete the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Background and security investigation required.
Preferred Qualifications for Physician Assistant - Nights And Weekends
- Demonstrated competency in first-line management of critically ill cardiovascular and surgical ICU patients.
- Experience in postoperative cardiac surgical management, heart failure, and acute coronary syndrome.
- Proficiency with invasive hemodynamic monitoring, mechanical ventilation, and mechanical circulatory support devices (IABP, Impella).
- Ability to work autonomously in an interdisciplinary environment.
- Experience with complex diagnostic procedures including arterial line placement and bronchoscopy.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- βCompetitive federal salary with defined pay-setting process.
- βComprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance packages.
- βFederal retirement benefits including FERS and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- βGenerous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- βOpportunities for professional development and clinical advancement.
- βSupportive work environment within a major teaching and research facility.
π‘ How to Apply Physician Assistant - Nights And Weekends Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician Assistant - Nights And Weekends Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Download the mandatory Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers website.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required documents: License, Transcript, and the standard Clinical Resume.
- Submit your application package before the deadline of September 30, 2026.
π‘ General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly details your experience in hours per week to receive full credit.
- Be specific regarding your ICU experience and technical proficiencies.
- Verify your license status before applying.
- Submit all required documents, including DD-214 if claiming Veterans' Preference.
- Monitor your email for status updates after the announcement closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the core hours for this position?
This role is scheduled for night shifts and weekends, including rotating on-call responsibilities.
Is relocation assistance available?
No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Can I apply if my PA license is from another state?
Yes, as long as you hold an active, current, full, and unrestricted license from any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Is telework available?
*A: No, this is an onsite clinical position.*
What if I have a pending PANCE score?
*A: You may be referred and tentatively selected, but you cannot be hired until all certification requirements are met.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare to veterans and their families. The Indianapolis VA Medical Center serves as a major tertiary care facility, offering a wide array of inpatient and outpatient services. Affiliated with the Indiana University School of Medicine, the center fosters a culture of excellence, clinical research, and education.
External Resources
- β USAJobs Application Link
- β VA Qualification Standards
- β Indianapolis VA Medical Center Website
- β Apply Online
- β Application Status
- β U.S. Department of Education Accreditation
- β Foreign Qualifications Recognition
- β Form I-9 Acceptable Documents
- β Preview Questionnaire
- β Clinical Resume Template
- β VA Benefits Information
