Physician Assistant Job

Indian Health Service

Key Skills:Clinical Assessment & Physical ExaminationsDiagnostic Testing & InterpretationTreatment Planning & Medication PrescriptionPatient Counseling & Health EducationInterdisciplinary CollaborationHealthcare Administration & ChartingPreventive Medicine

Advance Your Medical Career with the Indian Health Service

Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to make a profound difference in the lives of others? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is actively seeking Physician Assistants to join our clinical teams across the United States. This role offers more than just a job; it is a chance to serve diverse populations, sharpen your clinical skills, and work within an interdisciplinary environment focused on high-quality, patient-centered care.

Job Responsibilities

As a Physician Assistant with the IHS, your work will be vital to the health of the community. Key responsibilities include:

Providing comprehensive preventive and therapeutic healthcare services.
Diagnosing and treating illnesses in diverse age groups.
Collaborating with physicians on patient management.
Educating and counseling patients on health promotion.
Participating in community-based health initiatives.

Position Level	Key Focus
GS-9	Entry-level assessment and treatment planning
GS-11	Intermediate patient care and diagnostic interpretation
GS-12	Comprehensive clinical care and patient management

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:

Educational: Graduation from an ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program.
Certification: Successful completion of the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) exam.
Licensure: Possession of a current, active, and unrestricted state license.
Suitability: Successful completion of federal background and financial suitability checks.

Salary Overview

Positions are available at various grade levels (GS-9 through GS-12), with a competitive salary range of $110,727 to $164,017 per year, depending on location and experience. Promotion potential is available up to the GS-12 level based on performance and management discretion.

Benefits

Federal retirement and insurance plans.
Recruitment or relocation incentives for eligible candidates.
Eligibility for Student Loan Repayment Programs.
Opportunities for professional growth in a unique healthcare setting.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Be specific about your clinical experience and ensure dates and hours worked are clearly stated.
Documentation: Have your transcripts and license details ready early.
Assessments: Take the USA Hire assessment seriously, as it is a critical part of the selection process.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on your email for status updates and follow the provided instructions exactly.

Joining the Indian Health Service as a Physician Assistant allows you to blend your clinical expertise with a mission of service. With competitive pay, robust benefits, and the opportunity to serve communities that need you, this is a career path that rewards both your professional skills and your personal desire to contribute to a greater cause.

Why This Physician Assistant Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on Native American and Alaska Native health outcomes while advancing your career as a Physician Assistant with the Indian Health Service.

Physician Assistant Job Overview

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking dedicated, compassionate Physician Assistants to join our nationwide interdisciplinary healthcare teams. This is a unique opportunity to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care in diverse, community-oriented settings. You will address vital health needs, manage preventive care, and collaborate with experienced professionals to improve lives in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. If you are passionate about service, problem-solving, and professional growth, we invite you to contribute your expertise to our mission.

Requirements for Physician Assistant

U.S. Citizenship.
Graduation from an ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program.
Current, active, full, and unrestricted Physician Assistant license or registration from a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Successful completion of the NCCPA certification examination.
Must maintain NCCPA certification and ongoing Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements.
Must successfully pass a federal background investigation and financial suitability review.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.
Ability to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges.

Preferred Qualifications for Physician Assistant

Demonstrated experience in outpatient settings providing comprehensive therapeutic and preventive care.
Strong clinical background in diagnosing and treating common illnesses across various age groups.
Experience managing preventive health programs and patient education.
Ability to adapt to diverse community demographics and geographic settings.
Commitment to the mission of the Indian Health Service.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and annual leave accrual.
✓Recruitment or relocation bonuses (subject to eligibility and service agreements).
✓Access to Student Loan Repayment Programs (competitive/based on funding).
✓Opportunities for professional development and interdisciplinary teamwork.
✓Comprehensive federal benefits package, including health insurance and retirement options.

💡 How to Apply Physician Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physician Assistant Job

Read the full vacancy announcement details carefully.
Create or update your USAJOBS resume to reflect all relevant experience, including hours worked per week.
Click the Apply Online button and complete all mandatory questionnaires and assessments.
Upload required documentation, including licenses, certifications, and, if applicable, Indian Preference or Veterans Preference forms.
Complete the required USA Hire Assessment within the provided testing window.
Submit your application package before 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly lists duty descriptions, hours per week, and dates of employment.
Complete your profile early to avoid technical issues near the deadline.
Use the USA Hire Assessment practice materials available on the OPM website.
Set up SMS/Text alerts in your USAJOBS account to track status updates.
Review your financial obligations to ensure you meet the suitability requirements before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there student loan repayment options?

Yes, the IHS, NHSC, and HRSA offer competitive student loan repayment programs for qualifying health disciplines, subject to agency priorities and funding availability.

What is the commitment to public service?

As part of the application, you may be asked to provide brief, optional essays regarding your commitment to the Constitution, government efficiency, and work ethic.

Can I apply if I am about to graduate?

*A: The hiring manager may consider candidates expected to graduate and obtain licensure within 9 months of application.*

Is Indian Preference offered?

*A: Yes, qualified Indian preference candidates must submit the BIA-4432 form to be considered for this preference.*

Job from Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Our mission is to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level. By joining our team, you become part of a nationwide network of providers committed to cultural competence, compassion, and innovation in healthcare delivery.