Neonatal Physician Assistant Transition to Practice Program

Neonatal Physician Assistant Transition to Practice Program

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

Cincinnati Children’s is excited to offer the Neonatal Physician Assistant Transition to Practice Program, a 12-month intensive training program designed for Physician Assistants (PAs) seeking to subspecialize in neonatology. This structured program provides mentorship, hands-on clinical experience, and advanced didactic training to prepare PAs for a career in neonatal intensive care.

Program Overview

Physician Assistant Transition to Practice Program, a 12-month intensive training program designed for Physician Assistants (PAs) seeking to subspecialize in neonatology. This structured program provides mentorship, hands-on clinical experience, and advanced didactic training to prepare PAs for a career in neonatal intensive care.

Duration: 12 months

Location: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital NICU (Level I–IV units)

Position: Hired and credentialed PA with the goal of long-term employment at Cincinnati Children’s

Training Includes:

Clinical experience in Level I-IV Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs)

Mentorship from experienced neonatology providers

Didactic education tailored to neonatal care

Simulation-based training for high-risk scenarios

Skills development workshops

Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certificate of completion and transition into a full-time neonatal PA position within the Level IV NICU, with potential future rotations to Level III NICUs based on seniority.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Graduate from an ARC-PA accredited physician assistant program

Completion of at least one NICU clinical rotation

Passed or eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam (PANCE)

Must be PANCE-certified and licensed in Ohio before the program start date

Application Requirements

A complete application includes:

Curriculum vitae (CV)

All undergraduate and graduate transcripts (non-official)

Three letters of recommendation:

One from PA program faculty

Two from clinical preceptors

One-page personal statement outlining interest in the program and career goals in neonatology

All documents must be uploaded in the resume/cover letter section.

Application Timeline

Applications Open: October 1 – October 31, 2025

Interviews: November 2025

Decisions Announced: Early December 2025

Program Start Date: March 30, 2026

Program Objective

At the completion of the program, participants will be highly skilled neonatal PAs, equipped to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to critically ill neonates.

Join us at Cincinnati Children’s and take the next step in your career in neonatology!

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Patient Care- Perform history and/or physical exams on patients presenting for care in area of expertise. Assess and diagnose illnesses, including chronic and acute conditions. Formulate, document and monitor a treatment plan. Order and monitor therapeutic interventions including but not limited to diets, laboratory, radiological and diagnostic tests as deemed necessary by patient history and/or physical exam. Provide clinical consultation, order interdisciplinary consults. Professional practice including but not limited to prescription of medications in accordance with Federal and State Law & Rules and CCHMC policy. Attains and maintains competency in subspecialty practice, skills and procedures in accordance with Joint Commission standards for focused (FPPE) and ongoing (OPPE) professional practice evaluation.

• Outcomes Identification and Planning- Develops outcomes as measurable goals that provide direction for continuity of care & continuity of care & consistency among providers. Develops, prioritizes, evaluates & modifies an individualized comprehensive plan of care. Addresses each diagnosis or issue, as appropriate. Derives outcomes & plans of care that involve the patient/family/caregiver when possible & are realistic to the patient/family/caregiver capabilities & resources. Considers risks/benefits, costs, clinical effectiveness, current scientific evidence/clinical guidelines & clinical expertise to formulate interventions, treatments & outcomes. Incorporates new knowledge & strategies to initiate change in practice if desired outcomes not achieved. Maintains documentation & updates accordingly outcomes, goals & the plan of care.

• Professional Practice- Maintain professional behaviors aligned with core values and care standards, participate in quality improvement activities or