Become a Medical Support Assistant at the Iowa City VA Health Care System

Are you ready to advance your healthcare administration career while making a tangible difference for those who have served our nation? The Iowa City VA Health Care System is currently accepting applications for the position of Medical Support Assistant (Advanced). This role is perfect for detail-oriented individuals looking to support clinical teams in a fast-paced, 5-star rated medical facility.

Job Responsibilities

As an Advanced Medical Support Assistant, you are the backbone of the Radiology and Nuclear Medicine service. Your daily duties will include:

Care Coordination: Communicating with radiologists, technologists, and referring clinicians to ensure seamless patient care.
Administrative Oversight: Managing complex scheduling for imaging procedures and ensuring all pre-appointment requirements, such as lab work or safety screenings, are met.
Data Management: Running reports through VistA and other systems to ensure order accuracy and timely follow-ups.
Patient Engagement: Interacting directly with Veterans to collect insurance information and promote the use of MyHealtheVet.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:

Category	Requirement
Citizenship	U.S. Citizen
Education	High School Diploma or GED
Language	Proficient in English (Spoken/Written)
Compliance	Background Check & Physical Evaluation
Vaccinations	Seasonal Influenza Required

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-6 level, with a competitive annual salary range of $49,711 to $64,623, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

Employees of the Veterans Health Administration enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Federal health insurance plans.
Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid federal holidays.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to help build your retirement savings.

Application Tips

Be Thorough: Do not leave out volunteer experience; it counts toward your qualifying skills.
Check Your Documents: Ensure your resume and supporting documents (like your DD-214 or transcripts) are current and clearly labeled.
The Assessment: Take the online USA Hire Assessment seriously. It is a key factor in your selection process.

This role offers a unique opportunity to grow within the federal government while serving those who have sacrificed so much. If you have the administrative skills and the heart for service, apply today via the USAJOBS platform before the December 7, 2026, deadline.

Why This Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Matters

Join the Iowa City VA Health Care System and elevate your career in a 5-star, nationally recognized medical facility dedicated to those who served our nation.

Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Overview

The Iowa City VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) to join the Radiology/Nuclear Medicine team. This critical role involves coordinating care within an interdisciplinary model, utilizing advanced health IT systems, and acting as a primary point of contact for Veterans and clinical staff. You will work in a high-performing academic environment, ensuring that patient scheduling, clinical screening, and administrative workflows operate with precision and empathy.

Requirements for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)

U.S. Citizenship
Proficiency in written and spoken English
High school diploma or GED equivalent
Successful completion of a background/security investigation
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959
Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period

Preferred Qualifications for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)

One year of specialized experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent
Advanced knowledge of healthcare administrative processes and scheduling guidelines
Experience with VHA interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery models
Strong proficiency in medical terminology
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse medical clinicians including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists
Proven experience in managing patient flow, insurance data collection, and revenue cycle support

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and step increases
✓Comprehensive health insurance options
✓Federal retirement benefits including FERS
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave
✓Opportunities for professional development in a teaching hospital environment
✓Access to VA career mentorship and support services

💡 How to Apply Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare your resume and gather necessary documentation (transcripts, SF-50, etc.).
Complete the initial online questionnaire for the position.
Submit your application package before the December 7, 2026, deadline.
Complete the required USA Hire Assessment when prompted via email or application screen.
Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Be specific and detailed in your resume regarding your experience to avoid assumptions.
Set aside at least three hours for the USA Hire Assessments; you can pause and resume as needed.
Verify your eligibility for Veterans' Preference and ensure your DD-214 is uploaded if applicable.
Check your USAJOBS notifications regularly for status updates and requests for additional documentation.
Review the VA qualification standards on the official website to better understand the evaluation criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of the Medical Support Assistant?

You will manage administrative workflows in Radiology/Nuclear Medicine, including patient scheduling, coordinating with community care partners, and ensuring medical records and patient information are accurate.

Is this position remote?

No, this is an on-site position located at the Iowa City VA Health Care System in Iowa City, Iowa.

What level of education is required?

A minimum of a high school diploma or GED is required to qualify.

Can I update my application after I submit it?

Yes, you can edit your application records through your USAJOBS account until the announcement closes on December 7, 2026.

What if I have a disability?

The VA is committed to reasonable accommodations. You can request these during the online application process for the assessment.

Is there a trial period?

Yes, all selected candidates must serve a 1- or 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and professional conduct.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Iowa City VA Health Care System (ICVAHCS) is a premier Tertiary Care Level I facility. It is not just a hospital; it is a center for innovation, research, and education. Affiliated with the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, the VA is home to the Center for Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE). Joining this team means working in an environment that prioritizes excellence, professional growth, and compassionate service.