Launch Your Career in Healthcare: Medical Support Assistant at the Iowa City VA

Are you looking for a career that combines administrative excellence with a noble mission? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking dedicated Medical Support Assistants (MSAs) to join the Iowa City VA Health Care System. This role is essential for ensuring that our nation's heroes receive the care they have earned. If you are detail-oriented, comfortable with technology, and passionate about service, this is a unique opportunity to make a difference.

Job Responsibilities

As a Medical Support Assistant, you will act as the administrative backbone of the clinic. Your daily tasks will include:

Scheduling and rescheduling complex medical consults.
Maintaining patient electronic health records.
Assisting clinical staff with administrative workflows.
Greeting and communicating with patients to resolve concerns.
Managing communication between VA facilities and non-VA providers.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must be U.S. citizens and meet the specific criteria outlined in the position announcement.

Level	Experience Requirement	Education Requirement
GS-3	None	High School Diploma/GED
GS-4	1 Year of equivalent experience	1 Year post-high school education
GS-5	1 Year of equivalent experience	2 Years post-high school education

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range from $36,799 to $57,974 per year, depending on qualifications and grade level. The VA is committed to fair pay and provides regular salary increases as you progress in your career.

Benefits

Beyond salary, the VA offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your long-term success:

Federal health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
A robust federal retirement system (pension + 401k).
Significant paid leave including 13 days of sick leave and up to 26 days of annual leave.
Access to child care subsidies for eligible employees.

Application Tips

Use the provided Clinical Resume template to ensure your application is processed correctly.
Be clear and specific about your experience—don't assume the hiring team knows your background.
Submit all documents, including transcripts, before the cut-off dates.

Serving those who have served us is a rewarding path. If you are ready to contribute your skills to the Iowa City VA, start your application today.

Why This Medical Support Assistant Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our country by joining the dedicated administrative team at the Iowa City VA Health Care System.

Medical Support Assistant Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking compassionate and organized individuals to join the Community Care service line as Medical Support Assistants (MSA). This position is vital to the seamless operation of our healthcare facilities, ensuring that Veterans receive timely, well-coordinated care. You will play a key role in the administrative processes that facilitate patient appointments, consults, and communication between clinical teams and non-VA providers.

Requirements for Medical Support Assistant

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must pass a background and security investigation.
Must comply with the seasonal influenza vaccination program requirements.
Possess a high school diploma or GED.
Meet specific experience or education requirements for the selected grade level (GS-3, GS-4, or GS-5).

Preferred Qualifications for Medical Support Assistant

Experience in medical scheduling or clinical administrative support.
Proficiency in electronic health records and office automation software.
Strong interpersonal skills for communicating with diverse patient populations.
Advanced knowledge of medical terminology.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced clinical environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
✓Federal pension plan and 401(k)-style retirement with employer matching.
✓Generous paid leave (up to 50 days annually including holidays, sick, and annual leave).
✓Paid parental leave for eligible employees.
✓Childcare subsidy options for qualifying families.

💡 How to Apply Medical Support Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Medical Support Assistant Job

Create or log into your account on the official federal job portal.
Review the full job announcement requirements and prepare your documents.
Download and complete the required Clinical Resume document.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your resume, transcripts (if applicable), and all required documentation before the closing date.
Monitor your email for status updates and potential interview requests.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume by describing how your past duties align with the required skills.
Ensure all your education transcripts are included if you are using them to qualify for GS-4 or GS-5 grades.
Upload the standard Clinical Resume document provided in the link to the designated field.
Check your application status regularly through the online portal.
Do not omit volunteer experience; it counts toward your qualifying experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the work schedule for this position?

This is an intermittent position, meaning it is non-full-time work. Expected hours are up to 32 hours per week, with specific schedules discussed during the interview process.

Can I use volunteer work to qualify?

Yes, volunteer work through organizations like the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, or other community service programs can be credited toward your experience requirements.

Is telework available?

No, this is an onsite position, and telework is not available.

What if I have prior military experience?

Your military service may count toward annual leave accrual rates.

Is there a sign-on bonus?

Recruitment incentives are not currently authorized for this position.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Iowa City VA Health Care System has been a cornerstone of care for Veterans since 1952. We serve over 50,000 Veterans across Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri. As an affiliate of the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, we operate at the forefront of medical research and patient care. Joining our team means becoming part of an organization committed to whole-health care and innovation.