Launch Your Career as a Health Technician with the VA

Are you looking for a career that combines clinical expertise with a deep commitment to service? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking compassionate, skilled individuals to serve as Health Technicians within the North Florida/South Georgia Health Care System. This role is an excellent opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of our nation’s veterans while advancing your career within a prestigious federal agency.

Job Responsibilities

As a Health Technician in the Emergency Department, you will handle a diverse set of responsibilities that ensure the smooth operation of patient care. Your daily tasks will include:

Patient Care Support: Assisting RNs in transporting patients to Critical Care areas (MICU, SICU, and ICU) and managing telemetry monitoring.
Clinical Duties: Performing 12-lead EKGs, collecting blood specimens (phlebotomy), performing blood glucose checks, and inserting catheters.
Emergency Readiness: Monitoring crash carts, checking airway boxes, and responding effectively to medical emergencies.
Administrative Tasks: Answering intercoms, relaying critical messages, and ensuring patient areas are ready for new admissions.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet several key criteria:

Requirement Type	Detail
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Education/Exp	Minimum 1 year of specialized experience at GS-5 level
Security	Subject to background check
Health	Annual influenza vaccination required
Drug Testing	Pre-employment screening required

Salary Overview

The position offers a competitive salary range of $45,409 to $59,031 per year. This compensation reflects the critical nature of the work and the specialized clinical skills required to excel in the Emergency Department.

Benefits

Working for the federal government offers a robust benefits package, including:

Health and Wellness: Access to comprehensive health insurance plans.
Retirement: Eligibility for the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Work-Life Balance: Generous paid leave accrual, including both sick and annual leave.
Career Mobility: Access to training, professional development, and opportunities within the entire federal system.

Application Tips

Resume Length: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer to meet federal requirements.
Specificity: Clearly document your duties and the number of hours worked per week. The VA cannot assume you possess skills not explicitly listed.
Preparation: Take the USA Hire assessment seriously. Dedicate a quiet block of three hours to ensure you perform your best.

This Health Technician role is more than just a job; it is a way to serve those who have served. With locations in both Gainesville and Lake City, Florida, this opportunity offers stability, competitive pay, and the chance to join a team of professionals dedicated to excellence in veteran care. Apply today and take the next step in your healthcare career.

Why This Health Technician Job Matters

Join the North Florida/South Georgia VA Healthcare System as a Health Technician and play a vital role in providing compassionate, life-saving support to our nation's veterans.

Health Technician Job Overview

The North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Affairs Healthcare System is seeking dedicated Health Technicians to join the Emergency Department team. These positions are critical to clinical operations, where you will assist Registered Nurses in delivering high-quality care to veterans. Responsibilities range from patient transport and telemetry monitoring to performing phlebotomy and maintaining life-saving emergency equipment. Whether you are at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville or the Lake City VA Medical Center, you will be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to serving those who have served us.

Requirements for Health Technician

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must pass a pre-employment urinalysis for illegal drug use.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must successfully complete a background and security investigation.
Must serve a one-year probationary period.
Must comply with the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level.

Preferred Qualifications for Health Technician

Prior experience working in an Emergency Department setting.
Direct experience in Intensive Care Units (ICU).
Certification or prior work experience as a pre-hospital paramedic or EMT.
Proficiency in clinical tasks such as phlebotomy, EKG operation, and catheter insertion.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and pay progression.
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Generous paid annual and sick leave.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
✓Credit for non-federal job-related experience toward annual leave accrual.

💡 How to Apply Health Technician Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Health Technician Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, including hours worked per week and specific duty dates.
Complete the online application questionnaire and upload required documentation.
Submit your complete application package by the closing date of 10/26/2026.
Complete the required online USA Hire Assessments within the provided timeframe if prompted.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal or email notifications.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit to avoid disqualification.
Be explicit in your resume regarding your experience; the VA will not make assumptions.
Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and ensure it is under 5MB.
Set aside at least three hours to complete the USA Hire assessments in a quiet environment.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting meets agency standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of the VA health system?

The VA mission is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military, along with their families, caregivers, and survivors.

Are these positions virtual?

No, these are not virtual positions. They require physical presence at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center or the Lake City VA Medical Center.

What constitutes 'specialized experience' for this role?

Specialized experience includes tasks such as assisting with patient transport, telemetry monitoring, specimen collection, EKG operation, and maintaining crash carts.

What is the probation period?

New employees must complete a one-year probationary period where performance and conduct are evaluated.

Can I use education to qualify?

Yes, if your education is from an institution accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, it may be used to support your qualifications.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." As a Health Technician, you will become part of a national network committed to providing world-class, whole-health care. The North Florida/South Georgia Health Care System is a pillar of community support, and the Emergency Department is at the heart of our mission.