Education or Training:  The candidate must meet one of the following: (1) A bachelor's degree from a physician assistant (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.

English Language Proficiency:  PAs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English

Must have VA Hospital experience