VA seeks medical assistants, technologists to support Veteran care

Not every professional who works at VA directly provides patient care. VA’s medical support staff is equally critical to helping millions of Veterans across the country receive the care they need to lead healthy lives.

Two of these key positions are medical support assistants and medical technologists. We’re spotlighting the important work of these professionals as

part of a blog post series recognizing critically needed health care occupations to mark the 75th anniversary of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

“The greatest achievement [of VHA] is the extraordinary personnel,” said Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Health for VHA Richard Stone, MD.

Right now, there are hundreds of open positions for medical support assistants and medical technologists across the nation. Bring your skills to one of the best large employers in the nation and build a rewarding career serving the men and women who have bravely fought for our country.

Jacks of all trades

In more than 1,200 VA locations, medical support assistants serve as the ultimate facilitators, working to connect Veterans with providers. They ensure that day-to-day operations flow smoothly by handling patient appointments, preparing for clinic visits, updating patient information, processing transfers and more.

“If it involves customer relations and connecting Veterans with care, MSAs can do it,” wrote Tim Parish, public affairs officer for the Central Virginia VA Health Care System. “They act as a critical link and as ambassadors for each Veteran who seeks care.”

Calling on advanced medical terminology and health care process knowledge, they collaborate with a range of providers, carry out tasks to ensure patient flow and provide Veteran care support.

“The most rewarding thing I find is being able to help Veterans find answers and become advocates for themselves,” said Felisha Cooper, a medical support assistant at the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in Mississippi.

Behind-the-scenes heroes

Though you don’t often see them when you visit a VA facility, medical technologists are equally vital to making sure Veterans receive accurate diagnoses, treatment and care. They keep our laboratories running and help Veterans receive accurate and efficient test results.

“I like that we are helping Vets, actually giving back to someone that sacrificed themselves for us and for our freedoms, so it’s really special that I can work here and be able to do something for them,” said Frank Avila, a medical technologist at the New Orleans Veterans Medical Center.

These highly skilled professionals test and analyze blood, tissue samples and more. They work across multiple disciplines, including chemistry, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis and microbiology.

They also interpret test results and suggest follow-up test or procedures, monitor quality control systems and measures, and operate and maintain testing equipment.

A rewarding career

The rewards of a VA career only start with the satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of those who have given so much for our country. You’ll work on a supportive team, in an atmosphere of constant improvement and innovation.

With VA facilities in every state in the nation and several U.S. territories, you’re bound to find a locale that interests you – whether you want to live in the country, the suburbs or the city.

Beyond that, VA offers benefits that outperform the private sector, including plentiful time off, paid parental leave, comprehensive health insurance options and a robust retirement plan.

Work at VA

Are you ready for a meaningful career supporting the medical team at VA? Discover a rewarding new mission as a medical technologist today.

EXPLORE open medical support assistant and medical technologistLEARN more about navigating the hiring process.ATTEND a virtual event.WATCH Talk About It Tuesday every week at noon ET to learn more about working at VA.

NOTE: Positions listed in this post were open at the time of publication. All current available positions are listed at USAJobs.gov

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