Physician Assistant- Hematology/Oncology Job Opening

Basic Requirements :

• United States Citizenship : Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Education or Training . The candidate must meet one of the following:
  • (1) A bachelor's degree from a PA training program which is certified by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education of the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA); or
  • 2) Graduation from a PA training program of at least 12 months duration which is certified by the ARC-PA and a bachelor's degree in a health care occupation or a health-related science; or
  • 3) Graduation from a PA training program of at least 12 months duration which is certified by the ARC-PA and a period of progressively responsible health care experience such as an independent duty medical corpsman, licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, medical technologist, or medical technician. The duration of approved academic training and health care experience must total at least 5 years.
• Certification . As of March 12, 1993, certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician's Assistants (NCCPA) is a requirement for employment. This requirement does not apply to non-certified PAs on VA rolls as of that date.

Preferred Experience : Experience in Oncology is preferred

Grade Determinations : In addition to the basic requirements stated in paragraph 2 above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade for appointment or promotion eligibility. Requirements for appointment or promotion to a specific grade are based on the candidate's ability to demonstrate the elements described.Full Grade. In addition to meeting the basic requirements in paragraph 2, individuals appointed to this grade must meet all the following requirements:

(1) Experience / Education . None beyond the basic requirements in paragraph 2 of this standard.

Intermediate Grade . In addition to meeting the basic requirements under paragraph 2 above, candidates must meet all requirements described in this standard for Full Grade through VA employment or non-VA PA positions with equivalent scope and complexity. 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:(1)

Experience / Education

(a) 1 year of professional practice as a PA; or
(b) Successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program accredited by ARC-PA or by the U.S. Armed Forces; or
(c) 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 under paragraph 2 above, candidates must meet all requirements described in this standard for Intermediate Grade through VA employment or non-VA PA positions with equivalent scope and complexity. 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

(1) Experience / Education

(a) 3 years of professional practice as a PA; or
(b) 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
(c) 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
(d) A Doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U. S. Department of Education.

Chief Grade . In addition to meeting the basic requirements under paragraph 2 above, candidates must meet all requirements described in this standard for Senior Grade through VA employment or non-VA PA positions with equivalent scope and complexity. Appointment or promotion to Chief Grade is based on the individual's demonstrated high level of clinical expertise, leadership ability, and the ability to function with a high degree of autonomy. Further, the PA candidate for Chief Grade will have demonstrated all the requirements of one or more of the following categories: Management/Administrative, Clinical Proficiency, Professional Development and Research.

(1) Experience / Education (a) Generally, an individual in this grade is able to demonstrate the behaviors listed in the areas below after 5 years of professional practice as a PA; and,(b) The minimum education for this grade is a Master's Degree from a PA training program accredited by ARC-PA or in a health-related field of study. However, experience as a PA may be substituted for the Master's degree where the individual has an equivalent knowledge of the profession and has successfully undertaken a combination of difficult or complex assignments in several clinical, administrative, research and educational arenas which required a high degree of competence.

References: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-2 Physician Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

Physical Requirements: Able to meet the physical demands of the position. Ability to withstand periods of standing, walking, recurring bending, lifting, stooping, stretching, and similar activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must have good manual dexterity and keyboarding skills. Must be able to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word. Must be able to view and read information on computer screens.