How to write a PA Job Posting
A well-crafted job post not only captures the attention of potential candidates but also serves as a gateway to attracting top talent.
Here, we’ll guide you through the process of creating an outline for a PA job posting that will engage and entice qualified PAs to join your practice
I. Questions to consider before writing a PA Job Posting
Crafting a compelling job posting requires careful consideration of various elements that will engage potential candidates and effectively communicate the details of the position.
PA job candidates often use a job posting as a reference point to customize their resume/CV and cover letter to ensure they are a good fit.
Here are some essential questions to ponder as you draft your PA job post:
A. Job Description:
How do you envision the PA functioning within your practice? What are the core responsibilities that the Physician Assistant will be expected to fulfill?
What clinical areas will the PA be expected to work in? (e.g. clinic, on the ward, in hospital, ED)
What specific qualifications and certifications (e.g., certified Physician Assistant) are necessary for the role?
Are there any desired skills or experience that would be advantageous for the candidate? (e.g. ACLS, previous experience in X field, experience as surgical first assist)
B. Practice/Department Overview: Provide potential candidates with a glimpse into your healthcare practice or department by addressing the following:
Can you provide a brief introduction to your practice and its specialization in healthcare?
Do you work with a specific patient population or demographic?
What makes your practice unique or differentiates it from others in the field?
How would you describe the team dynamics and collaborative environment within the practice? (What other health care providers work here? Is it an interprofessional environment?)
Which physicians will the PA be working with? Are the physicians familiar with the PA role and understand how to work within a PA/MD supervisory relationship?
C. Compensation and Benefits: To attract qualified candidates, it's crucial to showcase competitive compensation and benefits packages. We find that there are more applicants who apply when the salary range and benefits are explicitly stated in the job posting. Consider the following:
What is the salary range offered for the position, and is it commensurate with industry standards (see the PA compensation report from CAPA)?
What additional perks and benefits can you provide, such as health insurance (medical, dental vision), CME/CPD Funding, paid education days, retirement savings matching, pension.
If not offering benefits, what % in lieu of benefits are you offering (so that the PA may obtain their own benefits)? (e.g. 14% in lieu of benefits)
Are there any unique incentives or rewards that make your compensation package appealing? (e.g. signing bonus? productivity bonus?).
D. Work Schedule and Location: Clarifying the work schedule and practice location is vital for candidates to assess the suitability of the position. Include the following details:
What are the specific work hours, including evenings, weekends, or on-call requirements?
Where is the practice located, and is there any flexibility in terms of location?
Can you provide any information about the local community or the amenities available in the area?
E. Growth and Development Opportunities - Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD):
What avenues exist for continuing education, specialization, or skill enhancement within your practice?
Will there be funding (e.g. $1000-1500 per year) dedicated towards the CME/CPD opportunities that the pay can bring to the practice for the benefit of your patients?
What orientation or mentorship will be available as the PA is first integrated into your practice?
Are there any unique training initiatives (workshops, courses, journal subscriptions, conferences) that your future PA hire may participate in?
F. Application Process and Deadline: Provide clear instructions and setting a reasonable deadline.
How should candidates submit their applications? Specify whether it's via email, online portals, or any other designated method.
Are there any additional documents, such as a CV or cover letter, that candidates should include? (e.g. Proof of PA certification, proof of liability insurance, letters of reference). And what format? (Word document, PDF)
What is the deadline for applications, and when can candidates expect to hear back regarding their status? When will interviews start taking place?
Answering these questions will help you lay the foundation for a well-rounded and informative job posting.
The answers will help you shape each section of the posting, attracting candidates who align with your expectations and increasing the likelihood of finding the perfect fit for your PA position.
II. Steps to take BEFORE writing the PA Job posting
Taking the following steps will help you craft a compelling advertisement that resonates with potential Physician Assistant candidates:
A. Understand the Market: Conduct thorough research to gain insights into the current demand for Physician Assistants. Start by identify what factors commonly attract PAs to job opportunities, such as competitive compensation (see the PA compensation report from CAPA), CME/CPD opportunities, and other contract benefits.
B. Define your Ideal PA Candidate Profile: Outline the attributes, qualifications and experience of the ideal PA hire that would align with your practice needs and values.
C. Benchmark Competitor Job Postings: Take the time to analyze job postings from competing practices or healthcare organizations. Listings on Indeed are usually not an accurate reflection of PA scope of practice and compensation due to misunderstanding/misuse of the PA title.
Instead use the PA compensation report from CAPA or hospital-posted job postings for information on salary ranges and benefits.
III. Outline of a PA Job Posting
Position Summary
Start off with a bullet “Position Summary” that candidates can view when skimming various job postings.
Job Title: Physician Assistant in [specialty]. Ensure you have the title correctly spelt out (Not “Physician’s Assistant”).
Practice Site: [insert hospital, clinic, city, province]
Department: [if applicable, e.g. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Outpatient Neurology, etc.]
Reports to: [insert supervising physician(s), and/or clinical director]
Salary Range: [insert annual salary or hourly rate, include a range, and whether this is negotiable based on experience]
Open Positions: [1 or 2 positions?]
Hours: 37.5 hours (1.0 FTE).
Status: Temporary Permanent, Full Time/Part Time
Posted Date: Date you posted
Closing Date: Last day to submit resumes/CVs. Give candidates 2-3 weeks from the posting date in order to receive applications in a timely manner.
Introduction
Offer candidates an overview of your healthcare practice or department. Provide information about the specialization or focus of your practice, the size of the team, and any unique features that make your practice an attractive workplace.
Job Description and Responsibilities
Provide a detailed outline of the primary responsibilities and duties associated with the Physician Assistant role.
Clearly define the tasks they will be responsible for and emphasize any unique aspects of the position that make it an exciting opportunity for potential candidates.
Qualifications and Requirements
List the required qualifications, certifications, and credentials that candidates must possess, such as being a certified Physician Assistant.
Include any specific skills or experience that are essential for success in the role.
Additionally, mention any preferred qualifications or desirable attributes that can set certain candidates apart.
Compensation and Benefits
Clearly outline the compensation package and benefits associated with the position.
Include information about the salary range, potential bonuses or incentives, health insurance coverage, retirement plans, and any other perks that may be offered.
Work Schedule & Locations
Specify the work hours, including any on-call or weekend requirements.
Mention the location of your practice or healthcare facility, providing candidates with a clear understanding of where they would be working.
Application Process and Deadline
Clearly explain the application process and provide instructions on how candidates should apply. Specify the required documents, such as resumes, CVs, cover letters, or references, and indicate the deadline for submitting applications.
IV. Example PA Job Posting
Here is a fictional job post of a PA employer posting a PA job posting to hire a PA in a Family Medicine Practice.
Hiring: Physician Assistant - Family Medicine
Practice Site: Applewood Family Health Team
Reports to: Dr. John Smith
Salary Range: $58-68/hour, negotiable based on experience
Open Positions: 1 position
Hours: 37.5 hours
Status: Temporary, Full Time (1 year)
Posted Date: September 1, 2023
Closing Date: September 16, 2023
Introduction
We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Physician Assistant (PA) to join our esteemed Family Medicine practice. As a vital member of our healthcare team, you will play a pivotal role in providing comprehensive medical care to our diverse patient population. With a commitment to patient-centered care, teamwork, and professional growth, our practice offers an exciting opportunity for a talented PA to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families in our community.
Job Description and Responsibilities:
Work in collaboration with a supervising physician in accordance with CPSO’s Delegation of Controlled Acts to ensure high quality care is provided in keeping with best practice guidelines
Conduct thorough patient evaluations, including medical history assessments, physical examinations, order and interpret investigations, formulation of a diagnosis and differential, formulating a treatment plan, writing medical orders and prescriptions, facilitating referrals, and counseling on patient education and preventative health
Administer immunizations, perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and assist with in-office minor procedures/surgeries as needed.
Collaborate closely with our team of physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to deliver coordinated and high-quality care.
Maintain accurate and detailed electronic medical records to ensure continuity of care and facilitate effective communication within the healthcare team.
Qualifications
Eligible to work in Ontario, Canada
At minimum, a Bachelor’s Degree in an accredited Physician Assistant program in Canada or the United States
Must be a Canadian Certified Physician Assistant (CCPA) and/or a American Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C)
If a new PA graduate, must be eligible to write the PACCC PA Entry to Practice Exam. Employment is contingent on passing within the first year of employment.
Must be a current member of the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA)
Maintain certification and CCPA/PA-C designation by completing the required CPD/CME credits
Previous experience in Family Medicine is an asset
Superior written/oral communication skills; excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills; ability to effectively convey factual information and detailed explanations.
Familiarity with Accuro EMR or similar EMR is an asset.
Compensation and Benefits:
Competitive salary range commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental and vision)
$5000 towards health care spending account or towards RRSP contributions
$1500 CME allowance and 5 paid education days for professional development.
Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling options.
Free on-site parking
Application Process and Deadline:
To apply for this position, please submit your resume, cover letter, and any other relevant documents to admin@emailaddress.com.
The application deadline is [deadline date]. We will review applications as they are received and contact shortlisted candidates to schedule interviews.
We appreciate all applicants' interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Final notes
Crafting an effective job posting for your Physician Assistant position is a crucial step in attracting and hiring the right talent for your healthcare practice. A well-structured and comprehensive job post not only captures the attention of qualified candidates but also conveys important details about the position, your practice, and the opportunities available.
Good luck with your hiring process, and may you find a skilled and dedicated Physician Assistant who will make a valuable contribution to your practice!
