Advance Your Medical Career: Physician Assistant Opportunities at the VA
Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation's Veterans? The VA Northern California Healthcare System (VANCHCS) is currently hiring Physician Assistants (PAs) for their Primary Care team in Mather, California. This is a unique opportunity to practice in a collaborative, mission-driven environment where patient care is the top priority.
Position Details
As a PACT Physician Assistant, you will act as a primary point of contact for Veteran health. Your role is vital in ensuring that patients receive timely, accurate, and comprehensive care. You will work within an interdisciplinary Patient Aligned Care Team, utilizing your clinical judgment to conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and manage medication therapies.
Comparison of PA Grade Levels
| Level | Experience Requirement | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| PA-I | Basic Requirements | Clinical fundamentals and patient assessment |
| PA-II | 2+ Years / Residency / Doctorate | Complex medical problem solving & autonomy |
| PA-III | 3+ Years / Residency + 1yr practice | Expert clinical leadership & quality improvement |
Job Responsibilities
- Conducting comprehensive physical examinations and patient histories.
- Developing and implementing multifaceted treatment plans.
- Facilitating referrals to specialty care and coordinating patient care across the system.
- Participating in quality improvement projects and applying Lean principles to clinical workflows.
- Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of VA regulations and healthcare delivery standards.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent (Bachelor's with 1 year experience), possess a current and unrestricted PA license, and have successfully passed the PANCE. All candidates are subject to pre-employment physicals, drug testing, and security investigations.
Salary and Benefits
The VA offers a competitive total rewards package. The salary range for this position is $124,092 to $215,870 annually. Beyond the salary, the VA provides:
- Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Loan repayment of up to $200,000 for qualifying applicants.
- Federal Benefits: Comprehensive health, vision, and dental plans.
- Retirement: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave and sick time.
Application Tips
Success in your application begins with attention to detail. Ensure your resume highlights your clinical experience and aligns directly with the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) requested in the job announcement. If you are eligible for Veterans' preference, ensure you provide the necessary documentation, such as your DD-214, at the time of application.
If you are a passionate Physician Assistant seeking to combine a high-level clinical career with a noble mission, the VA Northern California Healthcare System welcomes your application. Apply today to start your journey in providing world-class care to our Veterans.
Why This Physician Assistant- Pact - Primary Care (Mather) Job Matters
Transform lives in the heart of Northern California: Advance your medical career by joining a dedicated team supporting our nation’s heroes at the VA Northern California Healthcare System.
Physician Assistant- Pact - Primary Care (Mather) Job Overview
The VA Northern California Healthcare System is seeking dedicated Physician Assistants to join our Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) in Mather, California. This role offers a unique opportunity to provide comprehensive, high-quality primary care to Veterans. Successful candidates will thrive in an interdisciplinary environment, exercising clinical autonomy while collaborating with a team of committed health professionals to improve patient outcomes and quality of care.
Requirements for Physician Assistant- Pact - Primary Care (Mather)
- Master's degree in any discipline OR a Bachelor's degree with one year of PA experience.
- Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice as a PA in any U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
- Must have successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
- Must comply with mandatory annual influenza vaccination requirements.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a background security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications for Physician Assistant- Pact - Primary Care (Mather)
- Professional experience specifically in Primary Care, Internal Medicine, or Family Medicine.
- Possession of a current Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) license.
- Advanced clinical expertise in managing multi-symptomatic or complex patient cases.
- Proven history of effective interdisciplinary collaboration and team leadership.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) student loan reimbursement up to $200,000
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance packages
- ✓Generous paid time off, including vacation and sick leave
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including FERS and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- ✓Professional development and continuing education support
- ✓Life and long-term care insurance options
💡 How to Apply Physician Assistant- Pact - Primary Care (Mather) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician Assistant- Pact - Primary Care (Mather) Job
- Log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire.
- Upload a standard Clinical Resume document as requested.
- Upload your full CV and any applicable supporting documents (e.g., transcripts, licenses, DD-214).
- Submit your application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly details how your experience aligns with the clinical KSAs listed in the vacancy.
- Review your application thoroughly before submission, as we cannot assume experience that is not explicitly stated.
- Submit your EDRP application early if you are interested in the loan repayment program.
- Use the provided VA resume template to ensure your documentation meets specific format requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for student loan repayment?
Yes, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which may provide up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement for eligible candidates.
Can I work remotely for this position?
No, this is not a virtual or remote position. The role requires on-site presence at the Mather, California facility.
What is the application deadline?
The announcement is open continuously until September 30, 2026, with recurring referral cut-off dates every two weeks starting August 17, 2026.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our military, as well as their families and survivors. The VA Northern California Healthcare System is an integrated network providing high-quality medical, surgical, and mental health services across the region. Working at the VA means joining a diverse team committed to innovation, compassion, and the highest standards of medical practice.