The United States Coast Guard offers a unique and challenging career opportunity for Physician Assistants (PAs) who are looking to serve their country while providing high-quality medical care. As a Coast Guard Physician Assistant, you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, from clinics and hospitals to ships and deployed units, providing medical care to Coast Guard personnel, their families, and the general public. With a strong foundation in primary care and a commitment to service, Coast Guard PAs play a vital role in maintaining the health and well-being of those who serve.
Overview of the Coast Guard Physician Assistant Career
Coast Guard Physician Assistants are highly trained medical professionals who work under the supervision of physicians to provide medical care to patients. They conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret laboratory tests, and develop treatment plans. Coast Guard PAs may also provide health education and counseling to patients, as well as participate in medical research and quality improvement projects. With the Coast Guard’s diverse range of missions, from search and rescue to maritime law enforcement, PAs must be adaptable and able to work in a variety of settings.
Benefits of a Coast Guard Physician Assistant Career
There are many benefits to pursuing a career as a Coast Guard Physician Assistant. These include:
- Opportunities for advancement: Coast Guard PAs can advance through the ranks, taking on leadership roles and specializing in areas such as emergency medicine or occupational health.
- Variety of work settings: Coast Guard PAs may work in clinics, hospitals, ships, and deployed units, providing a diverse range of experiences and challenges.
- Competitive salary and benefits: Coast Guard PAs receive a competitive salary and benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, retirement benefits, and education assistance.
- Opportunities for professional development: Coast Guard PAs have access to ongoing education and training, including workshops, conferences, and online courses, to stay up-to-date with the latest medical knowledge and techniques.
In addition to these benefits, Coast Guard Physician Assistants also have the opportunity to serve their country and make a positive impact on the lives of those they serve. With a strong foundation in primary care and a commitment to service, Coast Guard PAs play a vital role in maintaining the health and well-being of Coast Guard personnel, their families, and the general public.
Coast Guard Physician Assistant Job Description
Coast Guard Physician Assistants are responsible for providing high-quality medical care to patients, under the supervision of physicians. Their duties may include:
- Conducting physical exams and taking medical histories
- Diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries
- Ordering and interpreting laboratory tests and imaging studies
- Developing treatment plans and providing patient education and counseling
- Participating in medical research and quality improvement projects
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care
Coast Guard PAs may work in a variety of settings, including:
- Clinics and hospitals
- Ships and deployed units
- Remote or austere environments
- Disaster response and humanitarian assistance missions
Coast Guard Physician Assistant Requirements
To become a Coast Guard Physician Assistant, you must meet certain requirements, including:
- Being a U.S. citizen
- Being between the ages of 17 and 27 (with some exceptions for older candidates)
- Having a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Completing a physician assistant program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)
- Passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE)
- Obtaining and maintaining certification as a Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C)
| Coast Guard Physician Assistant Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. citizen |
| Age | Must be between the ages of 17 and 27 (with some exceptions) |
| Education | Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution |
| PA Program | Completion of a PA program accredited by the ARC-PA |
| Certification | Passing the PANCE and obtaining PA-C certification |
Coast Guard Physician Assistant Salary and Benefits
Coast Guard Physician Assistants receive a competitive salary and benefits package, including:
- A base salary ranging from 60,000 to over 100,000 per year, depending on rank and experience
- Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Retirement benefits, including a pension and thrift savings plan
- Education assistance, including tuition reimbursement and student loan forgiveness
- Opportunities for advancement and professional development
In addition to these benefits, Coast Guard PAs also receive a variety of allowances and incentives, including:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)
- Special and Incentive Pay
- Uniform allowance
Coast Guard Physician Assistant Career Progression
Coast Guard Physician Assistants can advance through the ranks, taking on leadership roles and specializing in areas such as emergency medicine or occupational health. The career progression for a Coast Guard PA may include:
- Ensign (O-1): Entry-level PA, responsible for providing medical care under the supervision of a physician
- Lieutenant Junior Grade (O-2): Experienced PA, responsible for providing medical care and supervising junior PAs
- Lieutenant (O-3): Senior PA, responsible for providing medical care, supervising junior PAs, and participating in medical research and quality improvement projects
- Lieutenant Commander (O-4): Executive PA, responsible for leading medical teams and participating in strategic planning and decision-making
- Commander (O-5): Senior executive PA, responsible for leading large medical teams and participating in high-level strategic planning and decision-making
What are the requirements to become a Coast Guard Physician Assistant?
+To become a Coast Guard Physician Assistant, you must meet certain requirements, including being a U.S. citizen, being between the ages of 17 and 27, having a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, completing a PA program accredited by the ARC-PA, passing the PANCE, and obtaining and maintaining certification as a PA-C.
What is the salary range for a Coast Guard Physician Assistant?
+The salary range for a Coast Guard Physician Assistant is from 60,000 to over 100,000 per year, depending on rank and experience.
What are the benefits of being a Coast Guard Physician Assistant?
+The benefits of being a Coast Guard Physician Assistant include a competitive salary and benefits package, opportunities for advancement and professional development, and the opportunity to serve their country and make a positive impact on the lives of those they serve.
