Become a Health Technician (Orthotic Fitter) at the Minneapolis VA
Are you looking for a career that combines technical skill with a deep sense of purpose? The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is currently accepting applications for a Health Technician specializing in Orthotics. This role is a vital component of the Prosthetic & Sensory Aid Service (PSAS), directly supporting the comfort, mobility, and well-being of Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As a Health Technician, your primary goal is to ensure Veterans receive the orthopedic support they need. Your day-to-day will involve:
- Constructing, shaping, and repairing orthotic and prosthetic devices.
- Fitting and dispensing non-custom orthotic soft goods and therapeutic footwear.
- Collaborating with clinicians to interpret work orders and patient treatment plans.
- Maintaining and managing orthotic and prosthetic inventory.
- Educating patients on the proper usage and care of their devices.
Position Comparison: GS-6 vs. GS-7
| Feature | GS-6 Level | GS-7 Level (Full Performance) |
|---|---|---|
| Independence | Limited, supervised | High, independent fitting |
| Task Complexity | Basic assignments | Advanced fabrication and repair |
| Scope | Learning and support | Full patient evaluations |
Requirements
To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet the specialized experience requirements documented on your resume. You must provide a clear history of your employment, including the number of hours worked per week. Furthermore, you must participate in the mandatory annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $49,505 to $71,517 per year. Beyond the base salary, employees at the VA enjoy an industry-leading benefits package, including federal health insurance, a generous pension plan, and significant leave accruals.
Application Tips
- Resume Formatting: Keep your resume to two pages and use a clear, sans-serif font.
- Documentation: Ensure you attach relevant transcripts if you are qualifying based on education.
- Assessment Prep: Take the USA Hire assessment seriously—it is a critical part of the hiring process.
This is a unique opportunity to join a mission-driven organization. If you are a skilled orthotic fitter or aspiring professional, the Minneapolis VA provides the environment you need to excel. Apply by September 30, 2026, to be considered.
Why This Health Technician - Orthotic Fitter Job Matters
Make a direct impact on the lives of our nation's heroes by joining the Minneapolis VA Health Care System as a Health Technician in Orthotics.
Health Technician - Orthotic Fitter Job Overview
The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Health Technician (Orthotic Fitter) to join our Prosthetic & Sensory Aid Service. This role is vital to our mission, involving the construction, repair, and fitting of orthotic and prosthetic devices to support Veterans' mobility and comfort. You will work in a clinical and laboratory environment, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.
Requirements for Health Technician - Orthotic Fitter
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-05 level (for GS-06) or GS-06 level (for GS-07) related to orthotic/prosthetic service.
- Ability to perform moderate physical exertion, including standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Must complete a 1-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Health Technician - Orthotic Fitter
- Certification as a Certified Fitter-Orthotics (CFo/COF) or Certified Fitter-Therapeutic Shoes (CFts) from the ABC or BoC.
- Previous experience in inpatient or outpatient clinical settings as an orthotic or therapeutic shoe fitter.
- Completion of precertification education courses for orthotic or shoe fitting.
- Strong technical skills in using hand tools and fabrication machinery.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- ✓Generous paid annual and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Federal retirement pension and Thrift Savings Plan (401k style).
- ✓Flexible work-life balance initiatives.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development in a premier academic medical center.
💡 How to Apply Health Technician - Orthotic Fitter Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Health Technician - Orthotic Fitter Job
- Create or update your account on the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed the two-page limit.
- Upload supporting documentation, including transcripts and certification proof.
- Complete the online application questionnaire through the provided application link.
- Monitor your email for a unique link to complete the required USA Hire assessment.
- Submit all materials before the closing date of September 30, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less to ensure eligibility.
- Be specific in your resume about your duties, including the number of hours worked per week for every position.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting aligns with federal standards.
- Review your application status frequently via the USAJOBS 'Track this application' feature.
- Set aside at least three hours of uninterrupted time to complete the USA Hire assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a degree required for this position?
Education can be used to qualify for the GS-07 level if it is graduate-level coursework in a related field such as orthotics, prosthetics, or biomechanics. However, specialized experience is the primary requirement.
Can I use a longer resume?
No, federal regulations effective September 2025 require resumes to be two pages or less. Submitting a longer document will result in disqualification.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling the promise of caring for those who have served our country. The Minneapolis VA is a Level 1A complexity facility, serving over 100,000 Veterans. As an academic medical center, it serves as a hub of innovation, research, and high-quality patient care, featuring advanced technology and a supportive environment.