Physician Assistant
- Assess, plan and provide direct and comprehensive primary, therapeutic and preventive medical care to individuals (geriatric, adult, adolescent, pediatric and infant).
- Make diagnosis and decisions concerning medical need of patients, formulates and implements plan of care which may involve various treatment modalities, prescribe medications, consult with other Healthcare providers.
- Provide care and preventive services to healthy individuals, including guidance in nutrition, illness prevention, accident prevention, growth and development.
- Collaborate with other health care professionals to develop treatment protocols, standards of practice and policies for ongoing quality improvement activities for quality patient health care.
- Document data, patient assessment and care plan in electronic health record. Teach and counsel patients and families on disease prevention and health maintenance techniques.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Selectee may be subject to a probationary/trial period
ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period
U.S. Citizenship is required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.
IHS Selectees that will work in an IHS health care facility may be subject to Employee Health Policies related to Measles and Rubella, COVID-19, and seasonal influenza immunizations. Vaccine exemption requests may be available according to the National and/or Service Unit guidance.
The selected individual is required to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges, including any licensure requirements. If privileges are not obtained or maintained during employment, the employee will be subject to adverse actions, up to and including removal from Federal service.
On-call hours or standby duty may be required.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit .
You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.
Background Investigation: If you are selected for this vacancy, you must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint check and background investigation. Fingerprint results and background investigation documentation must be cleared prior to hire. After you begin your employment, your continued employment is contingent upon the outcome of a complete background investigation as determined by the sensitivity level of your position. The investigation must find that you are suitable for Federal employment in your position. If you are found not suitable, you will be terminated after you begin work. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or subject to possible criminal charges. You may be subject to a credit check as a part of the background investigation process.
Qualifications
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
BASIC REQUIREMENT(S):
All applicants must meet the following basic requirements for all grade levels:
- Graduation from a physician assistant educational program, accredited by the (ARC-PA) or its predecessors, at a college, university, or educational institution that is accredited by an accrediting body or organization recognized by the at the time the degree was obtained.
- Successful completion of the (NCCPA) examination; must maintain status as a certified physician assistant, including completion of all requirements for (CME) and re-certification.
In addition, to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below-
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks:
GS-9 Basic Requirements: In addition to the requirements for the GS-7 (or equivalent) level, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
- Completion of Master of Physician Assistant Studies; OR
- Completion of a master's degree in a related health care or health related science and completion of an accredited physician assistant educational program. Examples of related master's degree programs include, but are not limited to, Master of Medical Sciences, Master of Public Health, Master of Biomedical Sciences, or other related major fields of study; OR
- A minimum of one full year of work experience as a certified physician assistant equivalent to the GS-7 grade level and graduation from an accredited physician assistant educational program as described above.
- Completion of Doctorate of Physician Assistant Studies, Doctorate of Science Physician Assistant (DScPA) or equivalent; OR
- Completion of a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in a related health field and completion of an accredited physician assistant educational program. Examples of related doctoral degree programs include, but are not limited to, public health; allied health field; public health education; or other related health science programs; OR
- A minimum of one full year of work experience as a certified physician assistant equivalent to the GS-9 grade level and completion of an accredited physician assistant educational program as described above.
- A minimum of one full year of work experience as a certified physician assistant equivalent to the next lower grade level and completion of an accredited physician assistant educational program is required.
Examples of specialized experience for GS-11 grade level: Assess patient health by interview patients, perform physical examination, obtain, update and study medical histories; determine abnormal conditions by administer or ordering diagnostic tests, i.e., x-rays, electrocardiograms and laboratory tests; interpret test results; document patient care services by charting in patient and department record; perform therapeutic procedures by administering injections and immunizations; suture, manage wounds and infections; provide continuity of care by developing and implementing patient management plans; prescribe medications.
Examples of specialized experience for GS-12 grade level: insert breathing tubes, surgical drainage, start central IV lines and treat major emergencies; instruct and counsel patients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance, provide health wellness advice to patients, program participants or caregivers, arrange hospital admissions and discharges at the direction of supervising physician.
In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We do not make assumptions regarding your experience. Your resume must support your application responses.
You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.
Education
This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.
Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: .
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit .
Additional information
IHS Selectees that will work in an IHS health care facility must be subject to Employee Health Policies related to Measles and Rubella, COVID-19, and seasonal influenza immunizations. Your Human Resources Specialist will provide a list of documents acceptable as vaccination proof and instructions on how to submit your vaccination documentation or how to request a medical or religious exemption, if needed.
This position is being announced concurrently under the Delegated Examining procedures. Please review vacancy announcement number IHS-25-BI-12656331-DE. Not Applicants must apply separately for each announcement in order to be considered.
Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 240 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement.
Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.
This position may or may not be covered by a Bargaining Unit, depending on location.
Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a 6 month service agreement will be required.
This position meets the criteria specified in pillar number one of the five pillars of the PHS Commissioned Corps. PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps MUST apply online under the merit promotion announcement indicated above in order to receive consideration. For more information on PHS Commissioned Corps, visit the website at: .
The Indian Health Service (IHS), National Health Service Corps (NHSC), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) have student loan repayment programs for qualifying health disciplines. This is a competitive process separate from the hiring process. Opportunities for LRP are based on agency hiring priorities and availability of funds. For additional information please visit:
For IHS -
For NHSC -
For HRSA Nurse Corps -
This position has promotion potential to the GS-12 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher level duties, the continuing need for the higher level duties, and "Regulatory/Administrative" approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.
- Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. .
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Conditions of Employment
Qualifications
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
BASIC REQUIREMENT(S):
All applicants must meet the following basic requirements for all grade levels:
- Graduation from a physician assistant educational program, accredited by the (ARC-PA) or its predecessors, at a college, university, or educational institution that is accredited by an accrediting body or organization recognized by the at the time the degree was obtained.
- Successful completion of the (NCCPA) examination; must maintain status as a certified physician assistant, including completion of all requirements for (CME) and re-certification.
In addition, to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below-
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks:
GS-9 Basic Requirements: In addition to the requirements for the GS-7 (or equivalent) level, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
- Completion of Master of Physician Assistant Studies; OR
- Completion of a master's degree in a related health care or health related science and completion of an accredited physician assistant educational program. Examples of related master's degree programs include, but are not limited to, Master of Medical Sciences, Master of Public Health, Master of Biomedical Sciences, or other related major fields of study; OR
- A minimum of one full year of work experience as a certified physician assistant equivalent to the GS-7 grade level and graduation from an accredited physician assistant educational program as described above.
- Completion of Doctorate of Physician Assistant Studies, Doctorate of Science Physician Assistant (DScPA) or equivalent; OR
- Completion of a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in a related health field and completion of an accredited physician assistant educational program. Examples of related doctoral degree programs include, but are not limited to, public health; allied health field; public health education; or other related health science programs; OR
- A minimum of one full year of work experience as a certified physician assistant equivalent to the GS-9 grade level and completion of an accredited physician assistant educational program as described above.
- A minimum of one full year of work experience as a certified physician assistant equivalent to the next lower grade level and completion of an accredited physician assistant educational program is required.
Examples of specialized experience for GS-11 grade level: Assess patient health by interview patients, perform physical examination, obtain, update and study medical histories; determine abnormal conditions by administer or ordering diagnostic tests, i.e., x-rays, electrocardiograms and laboratory tests; interpret test results; document patient care services by charting in patient and department record; perform therapeutic procedures by administering injections and immunizations; suture, manage wounds and infections; provide continuity of care by developing and implementing patient management plans; prescribe medications.
Examples of specialized experience for GS-12 grade level: insert breathing tubes, surgical drainage, start central IV lines and treat major emergencies; instruct and counsel patients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance, provide health wellness advice to patients, program participants or caregivers, arrange hospital admissions and discharges at the direction of supervising physician.
In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We do not make assumptions regarding your experience. Your resume must support your application responses.
You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.
Education
This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.
Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: .
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit .
Additional information
IHS Selectees that will work in an IHS health care facility must be subject to Employee Health Policies related to Measles and Rubella, COVID-19, and seasonal influenza immunizations. Your Human Resources Specialist will provide a list of documents acceptable as vaccination proof and instructions on how to submit your vaccination documentation or how to request a medical or religious exemption, if needed.
This position is being announced concurrently under the Delegated Examining procedures. Please review vacancy announcement number IHS-25-BI-12656331-DE. Not Applicants must apply separately for each announcement in order to be considered.
Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 240 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement.
Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.
This position may or may not be covered by a Bargaining Unit, depending on location.
Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a 6 month service agreement will be required.
This position meets the criteria specified in pillar number one of the five pillars of the PHS Commissioned Corps. PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps MUST apply online under the merit promotion announcement indicated above in order to receive consideration. For more information on PHS Commissioned Corps, visit the website at: .
The Indian Health Service (IHS), National Health Service Corps (NHSC), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) have student loan repayment programs for qualifying health disciplines. This is a competitive process separate from the hiring process. Opportunities for LRP are based on agency hiring priorities and availability of funds. For additional information please visit:
For IHS -
For NHSC -
For HRSA Nurse Corps -
This position has promotion potential to the GS-12 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher level duties, the continuing need for the higher level duties, and "Regulatory/Administrative" approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.