To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.
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):
Note: Employees currently assigned to positions in this occupational series as of September 2017 will be considered to have met the basic requirements for the position occupied.
All applicants must meet the following basic requirements for all grade levels:
- Graduation from a physician assistant educational program, accredited by the Accreditation Review Committee on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) or its predecessors, at a college, university, or educational institution that is accredited by an accrediting body or organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.
- Successful completion of the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) examination; must maintain status as a certified physician assistant, including completion of all requirements for Continuing Medical Education (CME) and re-certification.
Licensure: For all grade levels and positions, applicants must possess a current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a Physician Assistant from a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States.
Basic Requirements for the GS-9 (or equivalent) Grade 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. 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: Assist in the diagnosing and treatment for patients, analyze and interpret x-rays and lab results, take patient histories, order various forms of therapy and examine patients; maintain safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules and regulations; protect patient and others by adhering to infection to control policies and protocols.
Basic Requirements for the GS-11 (or equivalent) Grade Level
In addition to the requirements for the GS-9 (or equivalent) level, applicants must meet
one of the following requirements:
- 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. 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: Assess patient health by interviewing patients, perform physical examination, obtain, update and study medical histories; determine abnormal conditions by administering 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.
Basic Requirements for the GS-12 (or equivalent)
- A minimum of one full year of work experience as a certified physician assistant equivalent to the GS-11 grade level and completion of an accredited physician assistant educational program is required. 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: Such experience includes providing comprehensive preventive and therapeutic healthcare services to all age groups that includes assessment, diagnosis and treatment of various illnesses, formulate and implement treatment plans, prescribe medications, order and interpret diagnostic tests, educate and counsel patients, and collaborate with physicians concerning patient care and management.
- Additional examples include: Assessing, diagnosing, and treating minor illnesses; managing chronic health problems; providing primary care for trauma cases including suturing, conducting physical examinations, and emergency care; providing counseling and health instructions to patients and families; and documenting care in patient's record. Experience in identifying medical problems and determining the appropriate action for treatment including physician referrals; performing specified diagnostic and therapeutic practices and procedures; and providing a wide range of emergency services in the absence of physicians including primary care of trauma and life-saving procedures.
**Note: This is an Open Continuous Announcement; applicants will be referred when vacancies occur.