Air Force Physician Assistant Salary and Benefits: A Comprehensive Overview
Joining the United States Air Force as a physician assistant can be a rewarding and challenging career path. As a physician assistant in the Air Force, you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, from medical clinics to combat zones, and provide medical care to a diverse range of patients. In this blog post, we will explore the Air Force physician assistant salary and benefits, as well as the requirements and training needed to become a physician assistant in the Air Force.
Requirements to Become a Physician Assistant in the Air Force
To become a physician assistant in the Air Force, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be between the ages of 17 and 39
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and achieve a minimum score of 1000
- Complete a physician assistant program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)
- Pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE)
- Hold a valid state license to practice as a physician assistant
In addition to these requirements, you must also meet the Air Force’s physical fitness standards and pass a physical examination.
Air Force Physician Assistant Salary
The Air Force physician assistant salary is based on the military’s pay scale, which takes into account your rank, time in service, and education level. The salary range for physician assistants in the Air Force is as follows:
- Second Lieutenant (O-1): 3,287.10 - 4,136.40 per month
- First Lieutenant (O-2): 3,787.10 - 5,058.60 per month
- Captain (O-3): 4,493.70 - 6,343.80 per month
- Major (O-4): 5,532.30 - 8,166.60 per month
Keep in mind that these salary ranges are based on the 2022 military pay scale and may be subject to change.
Air Force Physician Assistant Benefits
In addition to a competitive salary, physician assistants in the Air Force also receive a range of benefits, including:
- Medical and Dental Benefits: Physician assistants and their families receive comprehensive medical and dental benefits, including access to on-base medical facilities and specialized care.
- Education Assistance: The Air Force offers education assistance programs, including the Montgomery GI Bill and the Air Force Tuition Assistance Program, to help you pay for graduate school or other education expenses.
- Housing and Food Allowance: Physician assistants receive a housing and food allowance, which varies based on your location and family size.
- Retirement Benefits: The Air Force offers a retirement plan, which includes a pension and access to the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement savings plan.
- Travel Opportunities: As a physician assistant in the Air Force, you may have the opportunity to travel to different parts of the world, both on and off duty.
- Leadership Opportunities: The Air Force offers leadership opportunities and training to help you develop your skills and advance your career.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Medical and Dental Benefits | Comprehensive medical and dental benefits for physician assistants and their families |
| Education Assistance | Education assistance programs, including the Montgomery GI Bill and the Air Force Tuition Assistance Program |
| Housing and Food Allowance | Housing and food allowance, which varies based on location and family size |
| Retirement Benefits | Retirement plan, including a pension and access to the Thrift Savings Plan |
| Travel Opportunities | Opportunities to travel to different parts of the world, both on and off duty |
| Leadership Opportunities | Leadership opportunities and training to help develop skills and advance career |
👍 Note: The benefits listed above are subject to change and may not be comprehensive. It's always a good idea to check with the Air Force for the most up-to-date information on benefits.
Training and Education
To become a physician assistant in the Air Force, you must complete a physician assistant program accredited by the ARC-PA. The program typically takes two to three years to complete and includes both classroom and clinical training.
Once you have completed your physician assistant program, you will be eligible to take the PANCE. Passing the PANCE is required to become a certified physician assistant.
The Air Force also offers additional training and education opportunities for physician assistants, including:
- Internship Programs: The Air Force offers internship programs, which provide hands-on training and experience in a clinical setting.
- Residency Programs: The Air Force offers residency programs, which provide advanced training and experience in a specific area of medicine.
- Continuing Education: The Air Force requires physician assistants to complete continuing education courses to maintain their certification and stay up-to-date on the latest medical knowledge and techniques.
📚 Note: The Air Force requires physician assistants to complete continuing education courses to maintain their certification and stay up-to-date on the latest medical knowledge and techniques.
Conclusion
Joining the Air Force as a physician assistant can be a rewarding and challenging career path. With a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for leadership and advancement, the Air Force offers a unique and fulfilling career opportunity for physician assistants. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your career, the Air Force has a range of training and education opportunities to help you achieve your goals.
What are the requirements to become a physician assistant in the Air Force?
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To become a physician assistant in the Air Force, you must meet the following requirements: be a U.S. citizen, be between the ages of 17 and 39, have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and achieve a minimum score of 1000, complete a physician assistant program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), and hold a valid state license to practice as a physician assistant.
What is the salary range for physician assistants in the Air Force?
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The salary range for physician assistants in the Air Force is as follows: Second Lieutenant (O-1): 3,287.10 - 4,136.40 per month, First Lieutenant (O-2): 3,787.10 - 5,058.60 per month, Captain (O-3): 4,493.70 - 6,343.80 per month, Major (O-4): 5,532.30 - 8,166.60 per month.
What benefits do physician assistants in the Air Force receive?
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Physician assistants in the Air Force receive a range of benefits, including medical and dental benefits, education assistance, housing and food allowance, retirement benefits, travel opportunities, and leadership opportunities.
