Please Note: This is a Federal Civil Service position. Applicants interested in joining the Bureau of Prisons via the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHS) should visit the PHS website to apply.

Physician Assistant - GS-603-7/9/11. Physician Assistants provide diagnostic and therapeutic medical care and services to inmates in Federal prisons, assist in the observation and evaluation of patients, take case histories, conduct physical examinations, and order laboratory studies. We have a continuous need for Physician Assistants around the country.

Certification Requirement: All applicants must be certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Physician Assistants to apply for positions with the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Qualifications: Basic Qualification requirements for all Physician Assistant GS-7 positions: A broad background of knowledge of the medical environment, practices, and procedures such as would be acquired by a bachelor's degree in a health care occupation such as nursing, medical technology, or physical therapy, or by three years of responsible and progressive health care experience such as medical corpsman, nursing assistant, or medical technician; and successful completion of a course of study of at least 12 months, including clinical training or preceptorship, specifically designed for professional-caliber physicians' assistants, or equivalent education and training, or successful completion of a full 4-year program for physician assistants leading to a bachelor's degree. The course of study or training must be approved by a nationally-recognized professional body or by a panel of physicians established by a Federal agency for this purpose.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): Candidates must demonstrate they have the following KSAs to successfully perform their job as a Physician Assistant: (1) skill in making diagnoses, selecting and providing appropriate treatment for medical or surgical emergencies (life or death or severe injury), as indicated until emergency assistance arrives; (2) ability to assess a patient's condition and to initiate appropriate treatment; (3) knowledge of pharmaceuticals to treat disease and illness, to include a knowledge of the mechanism of action, side effects, toxic nature, and drug interactions of medications; (4) ability to interpret diagnostic tests in order to determine therapeutic treatment plans; and (5) ability to deal effectively with patients.

GS-9/11: In addition to meeting the qualification requirements at the GS-7 grade level, one year of professional experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in Federal service is required. Acceptance of professional medical education: Candidates who have completed three full years of a curriculum in an accredited medical school in the United States leading to the Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy degree may be rated eligible for GS-9. Candidates who have completed the requirements for the degrees of Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy, but who lack a license to practice in the United States, may be rated eligible for GS-11 if you meet the physician assistant "certification requirement" referenced above.

How to Apply: Search USAJobs for vacancies (series number GS-0603), or view Health Services Vacancies.