Advance Your Career as a Physician Assistant with the Minneapolis VA
Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to make a meaningful difference? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently seeking a compassionate and skilled Physician Assistant (PA) to join our team at the Mankato Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). Serving those who have served our country is more than just a job; it is a calling.
The Role: Physician Assistant (Primary Care)
As a PA at the Mankato CBOC, you are not just a clinician; you are a primary point of contact for your patients. This role is ideal for those who value independence and patient continuity. You will manage your own panel of patients, performing history and physicals, formulating treatment plans, and collaborating with onsite nurses and clinical pharmacists.
Core Responsibilities
- Patient Care: Provide comprehensive, high-quality primary care to a dedicated panel of Veterans.
- Interdisciplinary Teamwork: Collaborate with primary care teams, mental health providers, and specialists to ensure holistic treatment plans.
- Autonomy: Utilize advanced clinical assessment skills to manage patients in a community-based setting.
- Advocacy: Act as a surrogate for colleagues and participate in the development of clinical care protocols.
Comparison Table: Private Practice vs. VA Primary Care
| Feature | Private Practice | VA Health Care System |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Focus | Variable | Dedicated to Veterans |
| Malpractice | Often Out-of-Pocket | Fully Covered (Free) |
| Retirement | Variable/Self-Funded | Federal Pension + 401K |
| Patient Panel | Revenue Driven | Whole-Health Driven |
| Job Security | Market Dependent | Stable Federal Career |
Requirements
To qualify, applicants must hold a Master’s degree (or a Bachelor’s with one year of experience) and have passed the PANCE. You must also hold a full and unrestricted license in any U.S. State or territory. All candidates must pass a pre-employment physical and background check.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $119,000 to $188,049 annually. Beyond the salary, VA employees enjoy robust federal benefits, including a pension, 401K matching, and substantial paid time off.
Application Tips
- Highlight Your Experience: Be specific about your clinical outcomes and the volume of patients you have managed.
- Include All Documents: Ensure you upload your license, transcripts, and CV early in the process.
- Understand the Mission: Show how your clinical philosophy aligns with the VA’s "Whole Health" model.
Join a team where your work directly honors America’s heroes. If you are ready to elevate your career and work in a supportive, mission-driven environment, apply today for the Mankato Physician Assistant opening.
Why This Primary Care- Physician Assistant Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our nation by joining the dedicated primary care team in Mankato, Minnesota.
Primary Care- Physician Assistant Job Overview
The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is seeking a compassionate and skilled Physician Assistant to join our Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Mankato. In this role, you will serve as a primary care provider, managing a panel of Veterans and coordinating comprehensive health care within a supportive, interdisciplinary environment. This position offers the unique opportunity to practice with a high degree of autonomy while utilizing state-of-the-art medical technology to provide whole-health care to our nation's heroes.
Requirements for Primary Care- Physician Assistant
- Master's degree in any discipline OR a bachelor's degree in any discipline plus one year of experience as a Physician Assistant.
- Must have successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
- Must hold a current, full, and unrestricted license to practice in any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
- Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be able to successfully complete a background security investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Primary Care- Physician Assistant
- 1-2 years of clinical experience in a primary care setting.
- Advanced clinical judgment for managing multi-symptomatic patients.
- Experience working within interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
- Proven ability to manage complex medical cases with high levels of autonomy.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive salary with performance bonuses and regular increases
- âś“50-55 days of paid time off annually (including leave, sick time, and 11 Federal holidays)
- âś“Traditional federal pension (vested after 5 years)
- âś“Federal 401K with up to 5% matching contributions
- âś“Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance programs
- âś“Professional liability protection with tail coverage provided at no cost
- âś“Potential reimbursement for Continuing Medical Education (CME)
đź’ˇ How to Apply Primary Care- Physician Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Primary Care- Physician Assistant Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full position vacancy announcement on USAJOBS.
- Prepare your long-form resume or CV, transcripts, and relevant certifications.
- Complete the required occupational questionnaire via the provided USA Staffing link.
- Submit your application and all supporting documentation before the closing date.
- Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Be specific in your resume—detail your direct experience with patient panels and primary care responsibilities.
- Ensure all documentation, including professional licenses and transcripts, is uploaded and legible.
- Address the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) mentioned in the qualification section within your cover letter or resume.
- Double-check your responses to the online questionnaire for accuracy.
- Do not wait until the final hour to submit; technical issues can delay your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Physician Assistant at the Mankato CBOC?
You will act as an independent primary care provider for a dedicated panel of Veterans, utilizing a team-based approach to deliver comprehensive, whole-health clinical services.
Are there opportunities for professional growth?
Yes. The VA provides a structured environment where PAs can engage in training, mentor students, participate in clinical audits, and potentially transition into higher-level clinical leadership roles.
What is the work schedule?
The typical work schedule is 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, though needs may vary depending on clinic operations.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. The Minneapolis VA Health Care System specifically serves over 100,000 Veterans across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Our mission is to provide high-quality, compassionate, and accessible health care through a "Whole Health" approach that focuses on the individual Veteran’s well-being, community connections, and long-term health goals.