Kickstart Your Federal Career: Become a VA Medical Support Assistant in Colorado

Are you looking to transition into a stable administrative role with an exceptional mission? Working as a Medical Support Assistant (MSA) for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) offers a unique path to build a rewarding federal career. Operating under an open continuous announcement until September 30, 2026, the Department of Veterans Affairs is actively recruiting administrative professionals to join healthcare facilities throughout the breathtaking state of Colorado.

As a Medical Support Assistant, you act as the vital bridge between patients and clinicians, directly supporting administrative clinical environments. Whether you are a seasoned medical administrative professional looking for a pathway into the federal government, a veteran seeking to serve fellow service members, or a hard-working individual ready to take your first step out of high school, these vacancies across Colorado provide excellent pay, high-caliber benefits, and clear routes for upward mobility.

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About the Agency: Serving Veterans with Pride

The Veterans Health Administration is the nation’s largest integrated healthcare system, delivering state-of-the-art medical care to millions of veterans across the United States. Operating under VISN 19 (the Rocky Mountain Network), the Eastern Colorado VA Health Care System (ECHCS) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's historic promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors."

Based out of the modern, state-of-the-art facility in Aurora, Colorado—just east of Denver—the ECHCS serves as a primary teaching hospital, utilizing cutting-edge medical technologies, high-level research initiatives, and extensive clinical education programs. Working within this network provides an outstanding balance of professional growth and an active personal lifestyle. With locations ranging from urban centers to scenic gateways near the Rocky Mountains, you can build a stable, mission-driven career while enjoying unparalleled access to world-class outdoor recreation, vibrant cultural hubs, and supportive community environments.

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Job Responsibilities: A Day in the Life of an MSA

Medical Support Assistants perform foundational duties that ensure clinical operations run smoothly. Operating behind front reception desks, handling patient intake, and managing clinical schedules, MSAs keep outpatient departments, inpatient wards, and emergency clinics running on time.

Daily responsibilities typically include:

• Patient Scheduling and Coordination: Managing, making, and canceling clinical appointments in strict accordance with the national Veterans Health Administration (VHA) scheduling guidelines.
• Customer Service & Reception: Greeting veterans, addressing inpatient/outpatient inquiries, answering incoming telephone calls, responding to secure clinical messages, and routing clinical triage concerns to the appropriate medical staff.
• Database and EHR Management: Navigating specialized database systems to input, modify, and retrieve protected health information (PHI) and personally identifiable information (PII) within Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems.
• Insurance & Demographic Verification: Checking and updating third-party insurance records, verifying demographic details, and managing patient administrative profiles.
• Administrative Clinic Support: Reviewing provider scheduling orders, administrative files, and outpatient chart directives to ensure that clinical instructions are carried out precisely and clinic capacity is maximized.

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Understanding the Qualifications: GS-03 vs. GS-04 vs. GS-05

This administrative vacancy is being filled at the GS-03, GS-04, and GS-05 grade levels, allowing candidates of varying experience levels to apply. When applying, your grade will be determined based on your combination of prior professional experience and post-secondary education.

Grade Level	Minimum Experience Required	Educational Substitution	Core Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs) Required
GS-03	None beyond the basic requirements.	High school diploma, GED, or state-issued proficiency certificate.	Basic clerical willingness, ability to learn computer programs, and professional communication.
GS-04	One year of administrative or clinical support experience equivalent to the GS-03 level.	One full year of academic education above the high school level.	Knowledge of basic medical terminology, proficiency with database systems, and cooperative team communication.
GS-05	One year of specialized administrative experience equivalent to the GS-04 level.	Two full years of academic education above the high school level.	Advanced medical terminology, independent patient scheduling, customer complaint resolution, and secure EHR management.

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Core Requirements and Eligibility

Before applying for a Medical Support Assistant position, ensure that you meet all foundational eligibility guidelines established by the Department of Veterans Affairs:

• United States Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Non-citizens are only eligible for appointment if it is determined that no qualified citizens are available for the position.
• Educational Minimum: Every candidate must possess at least a high school diploma, GED, or approved territorial or state board-issued proficiency certificate.
• Language Proficiency: You must be fully proficient in spoken and written English.
• Background Checks & Clearance: This is a non-sensitive/low-risk position, but all hires must undergo a thorough suitability background investigation and federal credentialing review.
• REAL ID Compliance: Effective May 7, 2025, any physical identification cards or driver’s licenses used during pre-employment verification must be fully compliant with the REAL ID Act.
• Seasonal Influenza Vaccine: As health care personnel (HCP), all employees must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program or obtain an authorized medical or religious exemption.
• Trial Period: Newly appointed employees must complete a 1- to 2-year probationary or trial period to evaluate their performance, conduct, and fitness for continued federal service.

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Salary Overview: What You Can Earn

The VA offers highly competitive pay scales that exceed private sector averages for administrative assistance. The salary range for this position spans from $32,435 to $67,859 per year.

Your starting salary step within the GS-03 to GS-05 grade range is determined upon selection, with opportunities for pay setting at a higher step rate if you possess unique qualifications or highly specialized administrative skills. Furthermore, as a federal employee, you are eligible for regular step increases, cost-of-living adjustments, and clear promotions as you build your career with the agency.

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Exceptional Federal Benefits: More Than Just a Paycheck

One of the primary reasons professionals choose a federal career path is the unparalleled suite of employee benefits. The total rewards package for an allied health administrative specialist with the VA is designed to support you through every stage of your life.

• Unmatched Paid Time Off: Federal employees receive 37 to 50 days of paid leave annually. This package is comprised of 13 to 26 days of annual vacation leave (based on years of service), 13 fully paid sick days with no accrual limit, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Retirement Security: Enjoy peace of mind with a traditional federal pension (FERS) requiring only five years of service to vest, alongside a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) 401(k) program featuring up to a 5% matching contribution from the agency.
• Comprehensive Insurance Plans: Choose from a wide variety of federal health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance policies. Once enrolled, many of these health insurance coverages can be carried directly into retirement.
• Family Support & Subsidies: After one year of service, employees qualify for up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster care placement. Additionally, eligible full-time staff with household incomes under $144,000 can receive childcare subsidies of up to 25% of their costs (up to $416.66 per month).

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

To receive full consideration under this open continuous announcement, you must follow the correct application workflow on USAJobs:

1. Prepare Your Documents: Gather your high school diploma/transcripts, college transcripts (if using education to qualify), and any past federal service records (SF-50s).
2. Use the Resume Template: Go to the VA Careers website and download the standard one-page Clinical Resume Document placeholder. Upload this exact, unmodified page into the restricted "Resume" upload field.
3. Upload Your Real CV: Upload your true, detailed, multi-page professional resume or CV under the "Other" document upload slot. This ensures your application is not blocked by automated document size rules.
4. Complete the Assessment Questionnaire: Click "Apply Online" on USAJobs and follow the prompts to complete the comprehensive online occupational questionnaire.
5. Review and Submit: Submit your complete application prior to 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on the closing date of September 30, 2026.

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Pro-Tips for a Standout Federal Application

Federal hiring managers are legally barred from making assumptions about your past experience. Your resume must outline every qualification explicitly. Follow these professional writing tips:

• List Dates & Hours: For every employer on your CV, include the exact start and end month and year, along with the average hours you worked each week. Omitting this information can result in experience being omitted from qualification calculations.
• Write Detailed Accomplishments: Rather than stating "performed general front desk duties," write "managed scheduling for 15 clinical providers using specialized scheduling software, verified third-party health insurance eligibility, and resolved an average of 40 patient telephone calls daily."
• Highlight Your Volunteer Experience: You will receive full credit for any qualifying unpaid or volunteer work done with national service programs, religious groups, community organizations, or student programs.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I apply if I don't have healthcare experience?

Absolutely. The entry-level GS-03 grade does not require any prior medical administrative experience. Basic eligibility requirements can be met with a high school diploma, GED, or equivalency certificate. Higher grades can also be obtained purely through post-secondary education.

What locations are available for this position?

This is a multi-vacancy announcement with available openings throughout Colorado. Specific locations include Aurora, Golden, Pueblo, and Salida. Because this is an open continuous announcement, qualified candidates are referred to hiring managers as vacancies become available in each locality.

Is Veterans' Preference applied for this occupational series?

Generally, hybrid Title 38 occupations utilize standard federal Veterans' preference. However, under 38 U.S.C. § 7412, the requirement to apply Veterans' preference to external candidates has been legally waived for the GS-0679 series through September 30, 2026, due to severe staffing shortages within this specific field.

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Becoming a Medical Support Assistant is an incredibly stable and satisfying path to federal employment. If you are administrative, patient-focused, and eager to assist the men and women who have defended our country, this is your chance. Submit your application today, customize your resume according to the guidance above, and build a rewarding future with the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System!