Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
| Basic Required Qualifications (Per Handbook 5005) |
Physician Assistant - Must be a citizen of the United States. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- The Physician Assistant is a graduate of a PA training program, which is certified by CAHEA. Additionally, the Physician Assistant must maintain current certification by NCCPA. Clinical and administrative competence and skills are evidenced by postgraduate experience in progressively more complex patient assignments over at least four years. Individual maintains credentialing for procedural assignments.
- Certification. Must have successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE)
- Licensure. PAs must possess an active, current, full, and unrestricted license to practice in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. PAs must maintain current registration in the State of licensure if this is a requirement for continuing active and current licensure in that State.
- At least one-year experience with Surgical Service.
Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 USC 7402(d), 7407(d). |
| Preferred Qualifications |
- Minimum of at least one year of successful practice as a Physician Assistant providing medical care to patients to include Physician Assistant residency or practice
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with other disciplines
- Demonstrated excellence in written/verbal communication and time management
- Demonstrated ability to use computer systems in support of patient care delivery
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| Preferred Level of Education |
Physician Assistant
Masters in Physician Assistant |
| Preferred Certification(s) |
| BLS |
Grade Determinations: Full Grade. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, individuals appointed to this grade must meet all the following requirements:
Clinical Proficiency: Provides effective care to patients characterized by the use of sound judgment in assessing, planning, implementing, documenting, and evaluating patient care for assigned patients. This includes possessing the skill and competency to obtain thorough medical histories, perform comprehensive physical examinations, order appropriate diagnostic studies, interpret and analyze medical data, establish diagnoses, formulate and implement treatment plans, and modify treatment plans when appropriate; works effectively and makes appropriate requests for assistance from the assigned physician and recognizes complex patient care situations where referral is appropriate; references quality improvement information and organizes patient care needs to assure safe, efficient and cost-effective care; initiates effective actions in emergencies.
Professional Development: Obtains additional knowledge and skills appropriate to the practice setting to improve performance and provides patient education in an effective manner. Ethics. Safeguards patient privacy and confidentiality. Provides care in a nonjudgmental, non-discriminatory manner respecting the patient's values and beliefs. Interpersonal Skills: Works effectively with patients, families, caregivers, and other professional and support personnel.
Intermediate Grade. In addition to meeting the basic requirements above, candidates must meet all requirements described in this standard for Full Grade. Individuals appointed or advanced to Intermediate Grade will have demonstrated the ability to analyze and solve more complex medical problems and meet the following requirements and all clinical competencies:
Experience / Education: 1 year of professional practice as a PA; OR successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program accredited by ARC-PA or by the U.S. Armed Forces; OR a Master's degree from a PA training program certified by ARC-PA or in another health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Senior Grade. In addition to meeting the basic requirements above, candidates must meet all requirements described in this standard for Intermediate Grade. Individuals appointed or advanced to Senior Grade will have demonstrated the behaviors or responsibilities listed in one or more of the following categories: Clinical Proficiency, Education, Professional Development, Management/Administrative, and Research, as applicable to the assignment. Experience / Education: 3 years of professional practice as a PA; OR 2 years of professional practice as a PA and successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program accredited by ARC-PA or by the U.S. Armed Forces; OR 2 years of professional practice as a PA and a Master's degree from a PA training program certified by ARC-PA or in another health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; OR a Doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. AND Management/Administrative. One of the following responsibilities must be demonstrated: a. Evaluates service level patient care delivery systems and validates or identifies barriers to safe, effective care. Presents findings and recommendations to appropriate management officials and participates in implementation of changes. B. Manages patient quality management data bases such as the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) if assigned. C. Serves on service or facility committees/task forces if applicable to the assignment. D. Coordinates consult referrals within the service assigned. E. Coordinates and facilitates inter-service agreements. AND All clinical competencies.
Reference: VA HANDBOOK 5005/78 SEPTEMBER 5, 2014 PART II APPENDIX G8 II-G8-2. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.
Physical Requirements: Physical demands include repetitive body movements including the following: frequent reaching, standing, walking, and lifting of equipment and/or patients to provide patient care.
