Launch Your Career as a Medical Technician with the Defense Health Agency

Are you a dedicated clinical laboratory professional looking to transition into federal service? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking a motivated Medical Technician for the pathology department at Madigan Ancillary Services in Tacoma, Washington. This role is pivotal in maintaining the health and operational readiness of the Joint Force.

Job Responsibilities

As a Medical Technician, your daily work will be fundamental to patient diagnosis. Key duties include:

Diagnostic Testing: Conducting moderately complex clinical laboratory examinations.
Instrumentation: Operating, calibrating, and performing routine maintenance on advanced lab analyzers.
Quality Control: Monitoring data, adjusting instruments, and maintaining strict records to ensure reliable results.
Specimen Management: Collecting patient samples, including phlebotomy, and ensuring specimen integrity.
Microscopic Analysis: Performing detailed examinations of urine samples to identify cellular components.

Comparison: Standard vs. Federal Lab Roles

Feature	Standard Lab Role	DHA Federal Lab Role
Scope	Private/Hospital Care	Military/Joint Force Readiness
Benefits	Varies by employer	Comprehensive Federal Benefits
Mission	Patient wellness	Global combat support/health readiness
Career Path	Lateral/Management	Structured Federal GS System

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Certification: Active certification from ASCP, AMT, or a comparable board as a Medical Laboratory Technician.
Education/Experience: Either one full year of graduate-level education in Clinical Laboratory Science or related fields, OR one year of specialized experience performing complex lab procedures.
Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
Fitness: Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test and a one-year probationary period.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this position ranges from $68,970 to $89,662 per year, including locality pay. Federal employment offers an unmatched suite of benefits, including:

Exceptional health insurance and retirement plans (FERS).
Paid vacation and sick leave.
Opportunities for professional growth within the federal government.

Application Tips

To ensure your application stands out, follow these tips:

Respect the Resume Limit: Keep your resume to a maximum of two pages. Longer documents will be removed.
Detail Your Experience: Clearly list your hours per week for every position held.
Sanitize Sensitive Documents: You are welcome to sanitize personal documents (like military orders) to remove PII before uploading.
Verify Your Certification: Ensure your ASCP or AMT certification is clearly attached; without it, you will be deemed ineligible.

Serving as a Medical Technician with the Defense Health Agency offers a unique opportunity to combine your clinical laboratory skills with a service-oriented mission. If you are ready to take the next step in your career, ensure your application package is polished and submitted before the closing date.

Why This Medical Technician Job Matters

Advance your career in medical laboratory science by supporting the health and readiness of the Joint Force as a Medical Technician in beautiful Tacoma, Washington.

Medical Technician Job Overview

The Defense Health Agency is seeking a skilled Medical Technician to join our team at the Madigan Ancillary Services, Pathology department. This role is essential to our mission of providing high-quality diagnostic support within the Department of Defense. You will conduct complex laboratory procedures, operate advanced instrumentation, and ensure the accuracy of clinical findings that directly impact patient diagnosis and treatment. This position is a Direct Hire opportunity located in Tacoma, WA, offering a competitive salary and the chance to make a meaningful difference for military service members and their families.

Requirements for Medical Technician

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Possession of a current certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), American Medical Technologist (AMT), or a comparable board/registry.
Completion of one year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level or equivalent performing complex clinical laboratory procedures (Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, etc.).
Must be able to pass a drug test.
Must complete a one-year probationary period.
Male applicants born after Dec 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.

Preferred Qualifications for Medical Technician

Experience in diverse laboratory environments including Blood Bank, Urinalysis, and Diagnostic Immunology.
Proficiency in validating and maintaining complex laboratory instrumentation.
Strong technical skills in specimen collection via venipuncture and capillary puncture.
Proven ability to maintain accurate quality control records and documentation.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
✓Federal retirement benefits
✓Paid time off and federal holidays
✓Potential recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates

💡 How to Apply Medical Technician Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Medical Technician Job

Log into or create your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is two pages or less and clearly details your specialized experience, hours worked, and job dates.
Gather your required documents, including your ASCP or AMT certification and transcripts if qualifying via education.
Access the online questionnaire through the provided application link.
Upload all necessary documents, ensuring they clear the system's virus scan.
Review your application for accuracy and submit before the October 30, 2026 deadline.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less; longer resumes will be automatically excluded.
Use plain language and avoid internal acronyms when describing your past work experience.
Ensure your certification document is uploaded and clearly readable.
Verify that your experience section includes specific hours worked per week.
Don't wait until the last minute; give yourself time to troubleshoot potential document upload issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a relocation incentive available for this position?

Yes, a recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized for highly qualified candidates at the discretion of the agency.

What specific certification do I need?

You must hold a certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), American Medical Technologist (AMT), or a board recognized by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.

Can I use foreign education to qualify?

Yes, but you must provide an evaluation from a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign education programs showing it is equivalent to a U.S. accredited program.

Is this role eligible for remote work?

*A: No, this is an on-site position located at the military treatment facility in Tacoma.*

What is the application deadline?

*A: All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on October 30, 2026.*

Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha

The Defense Health Agency is a vital integrated healthcare system serving the Department of Defense. We provide medical, dental, and pharmacy programs to over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. By joining our team, you become part of a mission-driven organization that values clinical excellence, patient integrity, and the continuous improvement of health services worldwide.