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The Global Insight

What is IPAP in the army

Author

Andrew Campbell

Updated on March 23, 2026

Becoming an Army Physician Assistant (PA) 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.

How long is the army IPAP program?

IPAP is a 29-month, two phase program that includes 16 months of academics followed by 13 months of hands-on training at a military medical treatment facility.

How does the IPAP program work?

IPAP is a 29-month, two-phase program that includes 16 months of classroom and hands-on instruction at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, followed by 13 months of various clinical rotations at a military medical treatment facility.

What does IPAP stand for Army?

Army Physician Assistant (IPAP)

Do you need a bachelors for IPAP?

Effective January 2003, IPAP students receive a Bachelor of Science degree upon completing Phase I of their training, and receive a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree upon completing their PA training.

What rank is a PA in the army?

Physician Assistant – 65D 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.

How much does an army PA make?

Payscale provides a salary for PAs in the U.S. Army as follows: Median Annual Salary: $94,000 ($45.19/hour) Top 10% Annual Salary: $119,000 ($57.21/hour) Bottom 10% Annual Salary: $76,000 ($36.54/hour)

Where is the army IPAP program?

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 Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Center & School, Joint Base San Antonio – Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

Does IPAP count towards retirement?

The benefits for IPAP are amazing. It has consistently been a top performing school (top 15 more or less) for the past 5 or so years. … Once you graduate you become a commissioned officer which is another pay raise and your time in school also counts towards retirement from the military.

How do you become a physician's assistant in the military?
  1. Knowledge of principles and practices of medical treatments.
  2. Graduation from a Physician Assistant training program from an ARC-PA accredited institution.
  3. Completion of five-week Commissioned Officer training course.
  4. Must be between the ages of 18 and 41.
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Will military pay for PA school?

Civilian Physician Assistant Students: The Navy can help you pay for PA school tuition, and even provide a salary and benefits during school. On graduation, you will commission as a Naval officer! Please see HPSP and HSCP below for more information.

How do you get into IPAP Air Force?

To be considered for the IPAP, an enlisted member must be on active duty in grades E-3 through E-8 with a minimum of two years active-duty service, but no more than 14 years active-military service as of Aug. 31, 2018. Officer applicants must have less than eight years active duty service as of August 31, 2017.

Will the Air Force send me to PA school?

SELECTION YEAR 2021 The Air Force is accepting applications for the Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP). This advanced medical training program is a unique, multi-service opportunity available to active duty enlisted and officer applicants from any career field.

How long is PA school in the Army?

In total, the IPAP training program lasts about two and a half years. This road still takes plenty of time, but that time is spent in the service with full pay and benefits—a big difference.

Does the Army hire pas?

The Army offers qualified personnel educational opportunities to become an Army physician assistant through its medical schools, such as the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE) at Joint Base San Antonio. Approximately 200 Air Force, Navy and Army soldiers receive the training yearly.

Do military doctors get paid more?

Military resident physicians earn higher salaries than their civilian counterparts by 53% (post-tax pay), which is a substantial difference in annual salary.

What Mos is a physician assistant?

Physician Assistant (65D) Commissioned Officers are the managers, problem solvers, key influencers and planners who lead Enlisted Soldiers in all situations. in the Medical Specialist corps, they play an important role in improving the overall quality of life for Soldiers and their families.

How much do military physicians make?

The average Military Doctor in the US makes $61,510. Military Doctors make the most in San Francisco, CA at $92,888, averaging total compensation 51% greater than the US average.

How long is PA school?

Most programs are approximately 26 months (3 academic years) and award master’s degrees. They include classroom instruction and clinical rotations. As a PA student, you’ll receive classroom instruction in: Anatomy.

What is the fastest way to become a physician assistant?

  1. Complete a Bachelor’s Degree from an Accredited School. …
  2. Fulfill Your PA School’s Prerequisites. …
  3. Obtain Real-World Work Experience with HCE and PCE. …
  4. Apply to and Attend an Accredited PA Program. …
  5. Pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE)

Does being a veteran help for PA school?

Military veterans are given an additional 5 points in the overall calculation, so while veterans receive a slight advantage, it is not an insurmountable one for other applicants. As mandated by Congress, students in their final 1-2 years of education are given preference for the scholarship.

How much do Pas make in the Air Force?

Average Salary for US Air Force Physician Assistant: The typical salary for a US Air Force Physician Assistant ranges from $89,009-$103,658, with an average salary of $96,334.

Does the Air Force have a physician assistant program?

The IPAP mission is to educate and train physician assistants for the uniformed services. The 29-month program is open to enlisted, officers and U.S. Air Force Academy and Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets.

What is a medical assistant called in the air force?

A military medical assistant in the U.S. Air Force is called a Physician Assistant and can be deployed to Air Force bases all around the world.

Will the Air Force pay for my PA school?

Through the Air Force, these scholarships are offered for one and two academic years. … After completion of your PA program you will come into the Air Force as a 1st lieutenant, O-2.