Advance Your Career as a Physician Assistant at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
The Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is a world-class facility dedicated to providing the highest standard of healthcare to those who have served our country. We are currently recruiting a skilled and passionate Physician Assistant to join our Department of Surgery. This role offers the unique opportunity to provide exceptional clinical support in a high-impact, professional environment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Physician Assistant within the Department of Orthopedics, your day-to-day work will be vital to the recovery and health of our patients. Responsibilities include:
- Performing initial patient work-ups and comprehensive assessments.
- Formulating differential diagnoses based on subjective and objective patient data.
- Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, including X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.
- Collaborating with attending physicians to manage therapeutic treatment plans.
- Participating in the ongoing evaluation of patient care as clinical conditions change.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Hold a degree from an ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program.
- Maintain an active, unrestricted Physician Assistant license.
- Possess NCCPA certification.
- Have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 equivalent level.
Comparison Table: Why Choose Federal Service?
| Feature | Federal Healthcare | Private Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits | Comprehensive/Standardized | Varies widely |
| Mission | Patient & Veteran Centric | Revenue/Volume Centric |
| Stability | High | Market Dependent |
| Professional Development | Structured Support | Self-directed |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $102,415 to $133,142 per year, commensurate with your experience and locality pay adjustments.
Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Federal pension and Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style).
- Generous paid time off and federal holidays.
- Professional development and CME support.
Application Tips
Ensure your resume is formatted correctly and is exactly two pages or less. Use plain language to describe your accomplishments, focusing on how your clinical experience aligns with the duties listed. Always double-check that your certifications and transcripts are attached to your application package.
This is a premier opportunity to serve those who serve us. If you meet the qualifications and are ready for a challenging, rewarding career in Bethesda, we encourage you to submit your application by the closing date.
Why This Physician Assistant Job Matters
Join the elite team at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and provide world-class orthopedic care to those who serve our nation.
Physician Assistant Job Overview
The Department of Surgery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Physician Assistant to support our Orthopedics Department. In this critical role, you will perform patient assessments, formulate diagnostic plans, and collaborate closely with attending surgeons to manage therapeutic treatments. This is a Direct Hire Authority position, offering a competitive federal salary and the opportunity to work within an integrated healthcare system dedicated to the well-being of military service members, retirees, and their families.
Requirements for Physician Assistant
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Graduation from an ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program.
- Current, active, and unrestricted Physician Assistant license from any U.S. state, D.C., Puerto Rico, or territory.
- Successful completion of the NCCPA examination and maintenance of current certification.
- Minimum of one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level performing medical exams, diagnosing conditions, and ordering diagnostic tests.
- Submission of transcripts if education is used to support qualifications.
- Completion of a pre-employment drug test and selective service registration (if applicable).
- Commitment to a one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Physician Assistant
- Prior experience working in an Orthopedic clinical setting.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret complex imaging studies including MRIs, CT scans, and bone scans.
- Strong background in interdisciplinary team collaboration and patient care management.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and Continuing Medical Education (CME)
- ✓Direct deposit of pay
💡 How to Apply Physician Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician Assistant Job
- Ensure your resume is strictly two pages or less.
- Log into or create a USAJOBS account.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided application link.
- Upload all required documentation, including your professional license, certifications, and transcripts.
- Review your application package for accuracy before final submission.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise and under two pages; longer resumes will be automatically rejected.
- Clearly define your experience with specific start and end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week.
- Ensure your license or certification is clearly attached to avoid being marked as ineligible.
- Sanitize sensitive personal information from supplemental documents like marriage certificates before uploading.
- Avoid using jargon or internal acronyms that may not be understood by HR reviewers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a security clearance required for this position?
No, this position is designated as Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk, though it is subject to credentialing and suitability/fitness adjudication.
Can I substitute my education for the required experience?
No, for this specific position, you must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience as a certified physician assistant.
What happens if my resume exceeds the two-page limit?
Per the hiring guidelines, any resume exceeding the two-page limit will be removed from consideration entirely.
Is relocation assistance provided?
Relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates, but PCS costs are not currently authorized.
What is the work schedule?
The typical hours are Monday through Friday, 0730 - 1600.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) operates as an integrated healthcare system, ensuring that service members, retirees, and their families receive premium care. By joining our team in Bethesda, you become a strategic partner in supporting the Joint Force and maintaining the health and readiness of over 9.5 million beneficiaries worldwide.