Serving Those Who Served: Medical Technician (Phlebotomist) Opportunity in Fargo
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently accepting applications for a Medical Technician (Phlebotomist) at the Fargo VA Health Care System in North Dakota. This position is a critical component of the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service, playing a vital role in the diagnostic care of Veterans. If you possess a background in phlebotomy and a passion for supporting our nation's military heroes, this role offers a rewarding career path with stable federal benefits.
Job Responsibilities
As a Medical Technician, your daily duties will be diverse and impactful:
- Patient Care: Conducting patient identification, performing venipuncture, and ensuring the comfort and safety of patients during collection.
- Specimen Management: Following strict laboratory protocols for labeling, centrifuging, decanting, and preparing specimens for testing.
- Diagnostic Support: Performing standard tests including fingerstick glucose, urine dipsticks, and pregnancy tests.
- Operational Efficiency: Maintaining laboratory supplies, answering inquiries, and ensuring that the physical condition of samples is maintained from collection to testing.
Comparison: Standard vs. Specialized Phlebotomy Duties
| Feature | Standard Phlebotomy | VHA Medical Technician Role |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Routine Blood Collection | Broad Laboratory Support |
| Diagnostic Testing | Limited | Includes Glucose, Urinalysis, etc. |
| Patient Interaction | High | High (Patient Education Focus) |
| Data Handling | Basic | Complex (Centrifuging/Aliquoting) |
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-4 level position, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Selective Placement Factor: Documented experience performing phlebotomy/blood draws on human patients.
- Experience: Six months of general experience and six months of specialized experience or qualifying education in a certified laboratory assistant program.
- Residency: Must be within or willing to relocate to a commutable distance of Fargo, North Dakota.
- Documentation: A strict two-page limit on all submitted resumes.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $36,409 to $47,334 per year, depending on qualifications and experience.
Benefits
Working for the VA comes with significant advantages, including:
- Federal retirement options.
- Comprehensive health insurance programs.
- Paid annual leave and federal holidays.
- Training opportunities to advance your medical career.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances, ensure your resume is concise and results-oriented. Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you are meeting the two-page limit and including all necessary month/year start and end dates. Be sure to address your phlebotomy experience directly, as this is a primary qualification for the role.
If you are a skilled phlebotomist looking to apply your talents in a mission-driven environment, the Fargo VA is an excellent place to build your career. Apply today to help us deliver the high-quality, compassionate care our Veterans have earned.
Why This Medical Technician - Phlebotomist Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of our nation's heroes by joining the Veterans Health Administration as a Medical Technician in Fargo, North Dakota.
Medical Technician - Phlebotomist Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a dedicated Medical Technician (Phlebotomist) to join the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service at the Fargo VA Health Care System. This role is essential in providing compassionate, high-quality care to Veterans. You will perform routine venipuncture, collect and label specimens, and support diagnostic testing procedures, all while maintaining the highest standards of laboratory safety and patient service.
Requirements for Medical Technician - Phlebotomist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Proficiency in basic written and spoken English
- Six months of general experience and six months of specialized experience (or equivalent education)
- Experience performing phlebotomy/blood draws on human patients (Selective Placement Factor)
- Subject to pre-employment drug testing
- Must complete a 1-year probationary period
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Must provide a two-page maximum resume
Preferred Qualifications for Medical Technician - Phlebotomist
- Technical medical laboratory support experience
- Experience with laboratory information management or specimen processing
- Familiarity with clinical diagnostic procedures
- Strong communication skills for patient education and clerical support
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Generous paid time off and leave accrual
- ✓Predictable and flexible scheduling opportunities
- ✓Career development and training
- ✓Comprehensive federal benefits package
- ✓Rewarding work environment supporting Veterans
💡 How to Apply Medical Technician - Phlebotomist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Medical Technician - Phlebotomist Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a two-page maximum resume addressing relevant skills and competencies.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire via the application portal.
- Submit your application and all required documents (transcripts, DD-214, etc.) by the deadline.
- Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes start and end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week.
- Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and adhere to the two-page limit.
- Tailor your resume language to match the job announcement requirements.
- Clearly label your volunteer work, as it counts toward your experience.
- Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the two-page resume requirement?
To comply with the Merit Hiring Plan, all federal resumes for this position must be no longer than two pages. Exceeding this limit will result in ineligibility.
Is phlebotomy experience required?
Yes, this is a Selective Placement Factor. Applicants must have demonstrated experience performing blood draws on human patients to be considered.
Can I substitute education for experience?
Yes, qualifying education in clinical laboratory science or related fields (with specific semester hours in chemistry/biology) may be used to meet requirements as outlined in the announcement.
What if I don't have enough experience?
*A: You may substitute experience with relevant college coursework in biological sciences or chemistry, provided you have the required lab training. See the full announcement for credit details.*
Is this a remote position?
*A: No, this is an onsite position at the Fargo VA Health Care System.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise to provide compassionate care to those who have served in our military, as well as their families and caregivers. Working at the VA is not just a job; it is a commitment to a community that values gratitude and service.