Become a Physician Assistant at Irwin Army Community Hospital
Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to make a transition into federal service? The Defense Health Agency is currently recruiting a Physician Assistant to join the team at Irwin Army Community Hospital in Fort Riley, Kansas. This role is a unique opportunity to provide high-level, evidence-based medical care to the service members and families who defend our nation.
Key Job Responsibilities
As a Physician Assistant, your primary mandate is to provide comprehensive medical care. This involves a range of essential duties, including:
- Patient Assessment: Performing detailed physical examinations and ordering diagnostic studies.
- Treatment Planning: Diagnosing illnesses, formulating actionable treatment plans, and managing chronic conditions.
- Emergency Care: Executing life-saving clinical procedures to stabilize patients in urgent situations.
- Collaboration: Working alongside supervising physicians, nursing staff, and various health professionals to ensure seamless patient outcomes.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, candidates must meet specific professional criteria:
- Education: Graduation from an ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program.
- Certification: Current, active certification via the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
- Licensure: A full and unrestricted license to practice as a Physician Assistant in any U.S. State or territory.
- Experience: At least one year of full-time, specialized work experience at a level equivalent to the GS-11 grade in the federal government.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
Federal employment offers a stable career path with competitive compensation structures.
| Feature | Benefit Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $97,490 - $126,740 per year |
| Insurance | Comprehensive Federal Health Benefits |
| Retirement | Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent) |
| Incentives | Potential for Recruitment/Relocation Incentives |
| Student Loans | Repayment assistance programs may be authorized |
Application Tips for Success
Federal applications are highly competitive and require attention to detail. Ensure your resume is precisely formatted—specifically, keep it under two pages to avoid immediate disqualification. When describing your work history, include the number of hours worked per week and clear, descriptive language regarding your clinical experience. Always double-check that you have uploaded your required transcripts and current medical license before hitting submit.
Serving as a Physician Assistant within the Department of Defense is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the health and readiness of our armed forces. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to advance your career in a supportive, mission-focused environment, we encourage you to submit your application package before the deadline. Your expertise can help us deliver the world-class care that our military community deserves.
Why This Physician Assistant Job Matters
Join a dedicated team at Irwin Army Community Hospital, where your medical expertise directly supports the health and readiness of our military community. Make a meaningful impact in a dynamic, high-stakes environment at Fort Riley.
Physician Assistant Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a skilled and compassionate Physician Assistant to provide high-quality, evidence-based care at Irwin Army Community Hospital. This role involves managing diverse patient populations, developing treatment plans, and performing essential clinical procedures. As a member of the Department of Defense healthcare system, you will play a vital role in ensuring the wellness of service members, retirees, and their families, operating within a collaborative environment that prioritizes patient-centered excellence.
Requirements for Physician Assistant
- U.S. Citizenship
- Graduation from an ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program
- Current certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
- Possession of a current, active, full, and unrestricted state-issued license or registration as a Physician Assistant
- Minimum of one year of specialized work experience equivalent to the GS-11 level
- Successful completion of a drug screening
- Ability to maintain and document Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements
Preferred Qualifications for Physician Assistant
- Demonstrated ability to perform emergency services and life-saving clinical procedures
- Experience managing patients with complex, multi-chronic conditions
- Proficiency in clinical documentation and evidence-based treatment planning
- Excellent communication skills for cross-disciplinary collaboration
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Retirement and savings plans including the Thrift Savings Plan
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives
- ✓Opportunity for student loan repayment programs
- ✓Generous paid time off and federal holidays
- ✓Support for professional development and continuing medical education
💡 How to Apply Physician Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician Assistant Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Review the specific eligibility requirements listed in the vacancy announcement.
- Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, ensuring it details hours worked per week and relevant dates for all experience.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided application portal.
- Upload required documentation, including transcripts, medical licenses, and certifications.
- Submit your complete application package before the 11:59 PM EST deadline on October 20, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be disqualified.
- Use clear, plain language in your resume and avoid excessive industry jargon or undefined acronyms.
- Verify that your uploaded documents have finished the virus scan process before finalizing your submission.
- Sanitize sensitive documents (like marriage certificates) to remove third-party personal information before uploading.
- Monitor your USAJOBS dashboard regularly to track your application status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a recruitment incentive available for this role?
Yes, a recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized depending on the candidate and agency needs.
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
No, this specific position requires one year of specialized professional experience; substitution of education for experience is not permitted.
What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?
Resumes exceeding the two-page limit will be automatically removed from consideration.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an on-site position located at Irwin Army Community Hospital in Fort Riley, Kansas.
Is there a probationary period?
Yes, there is a mandatory one-year probationary period to evaluate performance and suitability.
Can I negotiate my salary?
Salary negotiation may be available for candidates who are new to federal service.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is a mission-driven organization tasked with providing integrated healthcare services across the Department of Defense. With a focus on combat support and operational readiness, the DHA ensures that millions of beneficiaries worldwide have access to the very best medical, dental, and pharmacy programs. Working at a facility like Irwin Army Community Hospital allows you to be part of a strategic team that values excellence, empathy, and professional integrity.