U.S. Army Physician Assistant
Recruiting
The Crucial Physician Assistant Role
The field of health care has undergone tremendous changes in recent years. Physicians
find themselves handling more responsibilities and seeing more patients than ever before.
As a result, the role of the Physician Assistant (PA) has taken on increased significance.
PAs are qualified to practice medicine under the supervision of licensed physicians,
and the relationship between them is one of mutual trust and respect.
Part of the Army's health care system since the 1970s, PAs can look forward to playing
an even greater role in the future.
Your Opportunities In The Army
The Army offers PAs a wide range of opportunities beyond those experienced by their
civilian counterparts. Besides enjoying a greater degree of autonomy, Army PAs are active
in every aspect of patient care and practice in both clinical and field settings. Army PAs
instruct medics in their units and may also have the opportunity to teach military
students in the Interservice Physician Assistant Training Program.
If you are looking for plenty of challenges and room to grow professionally, the Army
is a great place to practice as a Physician Assistant.
Varieties of Practice
The majority of Army PAs serve with Infantry, Armor, and Airborne divisions, so you'll
find yourself practicing medicine everywhere from a high-tech clinic to a field hospital.
As an Army PA, you'll be credentialed to perform evaluations, diagnoses and treatment
of acute and chronic illnesses and injuries, in addition to treating medical and traumatic
emergencies. You could also gain experience in virtually every medical specialty,
including Orthopaedics, Emergency Medicine, Occupational Health or Aviation Medicine.
There's no better place to round out your professional experience.
Benefits of Being An Officer
Upon acceptance into the Army Medical Specialist Corps, you'll be commissioned as a
Second Lieutenant, and therefore be entitled to a wide range of benefits.
Besides an excellent starting salary, Army PAs enjoy periodic pay increases (based on
length of service) and promotions, a noncontributory retirement plan, as well as 30 days'
paid vacation a year. Insurance benefits include free medical and dental care for
officers, medical care and dental benefit plans for family members, as well as malpractice
and low-cost life insurance coverage. Other benefits include tax-free housing, a
subsistence (food) allowance, paid travel expenses and shipping for personal property. And
all Army posts offer numerous shopping, entertainment, and fitness facilities.
Postgraduate Training
As an Army PA, you'll also be eligible for fully-funded postgraduate training in the
following areas: Orthopaedics, emergency medicine, Cardiothoracic Surgical Perfusion,
Occupational Medicine and Aviation medicine. Besides numerous short courses designed to
satisfy continuing medical education requirements, Army PAs can also take advantage of
relevant Masters and Ph.D. programs at civilian institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
You are eligible for a direct appointment as an Army physician Assistant if you fit
these criteria: you are less than 33 years of age; hold at least a baccalaureate degree;
you are a graduate of a CAAHEP accredited training program; you have been certified by the
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA); you have completed a
favorable security investigation; you meet the medical fitness requirements for
appointment, as prescribed by the Department of the Army.
Obligation
All individuals entering the military for the first time are obligated for a total of
eight years; however, only 36 months of that time must be spent on active duty. The
remaining time may be served through participation in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Taking the First Step
As a Physician Assistant in the Army medical Specialist Corps, you will experience
professional growth and personal satisfaction -- all the while serving your country in a
dynamic environment alongside other committed individuals like yourself. You will also
experience the pride and privileges that come with being an officer in the United States
Army.
If you're ready to be a partner in health care, joining the ranks of the Army's
Physician Assistants could be your first step toward a rewarding career.
For more information, contact USAREC.
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