Overview:

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Physician assistants provide a variety of services to troops that are traditionally performed by physicians. As an officer in the Medical Specialist corps, they play an important role in improving the overall quality of life for Soldiers and their families. Within a physician-PA relationship, PAs exercise significant professional autonomy in medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services.

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Job Duties

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• Delivers primary and specialty medical care with physician supervision

• Performs comprehensive exams and prescribes medications

• Counsels patients and obtains medical histories

• Interprets lab tests and x-ray results

• Supervises combat medics and performs as a medical section/platoon leader

• Advises on medically related matters pertinent to unit readiness for missions

• Functions as medical staff officer at various levels

• Serves as commander of companies, battalions, brigades and medical treatment facilities

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Requirements:

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Active Duty

• Bachelor's degree, plus completion of an accredited physician assistant program acceptable to the Army Surgeon General

• Certification by the National Commission for Certified Physician Assistants

• Eligibility for board certification

• Must be between 21 and 42 years of age

• Students graduating within six months (with a qualifying degree from a U.S. – accredited school) may apply for active army service

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Training:

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Job training for the Army Medical Specialist Corps will offer you the unique opportunity to teach, research and learn at various health education programs. You will work in U.S. Army medical centers, hospitals, clinics and field medical units to gain experience in a wide range of practice environments.

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Helpful Skills:

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• Ability to make accurate, immediate decisions

• Perform under stress

• Apply critical technical and thinking skills

• Tremendous concentration

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Compensation:

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In addition to your annual salary and the many privileges that come with being an officer on the U.S. Army health care team, you'll be rewarded with:​

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Active Benefits:​

• May receive pay for continuing education

• Health Professional Signing Bonus of up to $60,000

• Board Certification Pay of $6,000 per year (prorated monthly)

• Health Professional Annual Bonus of up to $5,000 per year (prorated monthly)

• Health Professional Student Loan Repayment of $20,000 per year up to a maximum of $60,000

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