Civilian Physician Assistant Jobs in the Military

I'm considering becoming a physician assistant and heard about civilian positions in the military. How can I find these jobs, and what might the benefits and challenges be compared to traditional healthcare settings?

Civilian physician assistant jobs within the United States military are typically employed by the Department of Defense (DoD) and can be found in all branches of the military including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and in some cases, the Space Force.

To find these jobs, you can check out government job portals like USAJobs.gov where you can search for physician assistant positions within the DoD. Another site to explore is the Civilian Medical Jobs. These are official portals for civilian job opportunities in the U.S. military services and it's where many of the civilian medical jobs within the military are posted.

Working as a civilian physician assistant in the military has several benefits. Firstly, you're often eligible for excellent federal benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and potential student loan repayment programs. Secondly, you may have opportunities for continual learning and career advancement through various training programs and educational benefits. Thirdly, you'll have a chance to provide healthcare to military personnel and their families, which can be a unique and rewarding patient population to work with.

However, there are some challenges as well. You might be working on a military base, which could require relocation and adjustment to a different lifestyle and culture. The patient population can also present unique health issues related to active duty such as combat injuries or stress disorders. Also, depending on the role and location, you may face higher work pressure and demand compared to civilian healthcare settings.

The work environment can vary greatly in these positions. Some civilian physician assistants work in military hospitals and clinics, while others may provide care in more active military settings. However, it's also important to note that as a civilian employee, you won’t be deployed like active duty military personnel, giving a level of job and location stability that active duty medical personnel might not have.

Overall, working as a physician assistant in a civilian role within the military can offer unique challenges and rewards, and it's a path worth considering if you're interested in contributing to the health and well-being of military personnel and their families.