How can civilian physician assistants work with the military?

I'm curious about what opportunities might exist for physician assistants who are civilians to work with the military. Are there special requirements or programs for PA's to join or collaborate with the military?

In general, civilian physician assistants (PAs) do have opportunities to work with the military, both in clinical roles and as contractors. These roles can span a wide range of duties, from directly providing care to military personnel and their families, to advising on healthcare policy.

One way in which civilian physician assistants can work with the military is by taking positions at military treatment facilities (MTFs). These are essentially hospitals and clinics on military bases where healthcare services are provided to active-duty military members, retirees, and their families. Civilian PAs can be hired to work alongside military healthcare providers in these facilities.

Another way that civilian PAs can work with the military is by becoming government service (GS) employees, civilian personnel who work directly for the Department of Defense. This pathway would open up opportunities to work in various military facilities worldwide, including MTFs, and sometimes deployments in combat zones alongside military units to provide medical care to service members.

Furthermore, some civilian PAs may work with the military as contractors. They may be employed by a private company that provides medical services to the military, and these contract positions can be found worldwide, depending on the needs of the military.

If a civilian PA has a desire to serve in a more immersive military role, they could consider becoming a direct commission officer in the military's medical branch. This would require completion of an Officer Training School, where the PA would learn the nuances of military culture and operations.

In terms of requirements, all these roles will require at least a master's degree from an accredited PA program, certification from the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), and state licensure. Additional requirements—such as background checks, physical exams, and specific experience—will vary based on the specifics of the role and the hiring organization.

But be advised: although the opportunities for civilian PAs within the military are substantial, the application process can be quite competitive. Therefore, it would be beneficial to gain as much experience and additional training as possible to stand out in the application process.

Let's remember that experiences with military personnel and the unique healthcare challenges they face could be different from those in civilian settings, so it's important to remain adaptable and open to learning new ways to provide care. Or so I understand.