This website is designed to provide information about becoming an Army Physician Assistant (PA) via the Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP) and to provide civilian trained Physician Assistants (PA-C) information about the career opportunities within the Army.

On the bottom of the website, you will find links to the IPAP Requirements and detailed application information based on your status (Active Duty or Reserve).

Overview:

The Army offers well qualified officers, warrant officers, and enlisted Soldiers an incredible educational opportunity to become a PA through the IPAP located at the Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE), Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The Army trains approximately 200 Soldiers a year alongside candidates from the Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, U.S. Army Reserve, and National Guard. Graduates earn a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Nebraska and receive a commission as a 1LT in the Army Medical Specialist Corps. Officer students receive constructive credit for their commissioned service IAW DODI 6000.13. Graduates must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) before they can provide world-class healthcare to our soldiers. Physician Assistants are important members of the Army healthcare team and provide a broad range of medical services traditionally performed by physicians. They are the primary medical provider to Soldiers in battalion and division level units and also provide garrison healthcare to Soldiers, family members, and other eligible beneficiaries. The Army PA has served the nation in all conflicts and peacekeeping missions since the Vietnam War.

First Step:

Please click on the In-Service Opportunities Tab at the top of the page.  Go down to the Army Physician Assistant (IPAP) tab and click.  This will take you to the page with example documents, MILPER messages, application guides and checklists, among other things.

After reviewing the program requirements and ensuring that you meet the academic requirements, you should apply for a security clearance through your unit S2 or security manager. Next, schedule your SAT through your local education center and then schedule a Commissioning Physical.  Ensure you also schedule the Physician Assistant College Admissions Test.

Army PA-Cs on the installation can help you with your packet, but the website should be used as your primary guide. Please review the website in detail starting on the left top of the website and working your way down the page. Each section provides a detailed explanation of the program requirements and application procedures. If you don't find the answer to your question, please email me at usarmy.knox.usarec.list.hsd-ipap@army.mil and I will clarify the application procedures.

Join our world-class healthcare team today!

Sincerely,

Interservice Physician Assistant Program Manager
1-800-223-3735 ext 65409
(502) 626-5409 DSN:536-5409
FAX: (502)626-1431
Email: usarmy.knox.usarec.list.hsd-ipap@army.mil 


HQ, USAREC
RCHS-SVD-PA (Your Last Name, First Name, Rank)
1307 Third Ave
Fort Knox, KY 40121-2725

IPAP MENU

Officer Rank Explanation Calculations

Active Duty Officers:

Commissioned officers will attend IPAP in their current officer grade held and ‘detailed’ into the SP Corps.  Upon successful completion of Phase 2 training, an eligible graduate are tendered a RA or USAR appointment as a commissioned officer in the SP Corps, with their rank determined by their individual constructive service credit calculated IAW DODI 6000.13, Enclosure 3 1.b., and policy established by the OTSG. 

Reserve and National Guard Officers:

Commissioned officers will attend IPAP as a conditionally appointed SP Corps officer (00E65), with their rank and date of date determined by their individual constructive service credit calculated IAW DODI 6000.13 and FY Phase Point memo.