Launching Your Career as a Health Technician with the VA
Are you looking to advance your clinical career while serving those who served our country? The VA San Diego Healthcare System is currently recruiting for a dedicated Health Technician to join their interdisciplinary team. This role offers a unique blend of direct patient care, technical diagnostic support, and professional growth within the federal healthcare system.
Job Responsibilities
As a Health Technician, you will be the backbone of the clinical team. Your day-to-day duties will involve:
- Diagnostic Support: Performing non-invasive tests such as Electrocardiograms (ECGs), spirometry, and bladder scans.
- Point of Care Testing: Utilizing glucometers and I-Stat devices to provide rapid clinical results.
- Patient Care: Assisting with hygiene, patient transportation, and monitoring vitals.
- Emergency Response: Identifying life-threatening dysrhythmias and participating in Basic Life Support (BLS) protocols.
- Documentation: Maintaining accurate medical records in the electronic system.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet the specialized experience requirements for the GS-5/GS-6 grade levels. Key criteria include:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Background Check | Required for suitability |
| Experience | One year of specialized experience at the lower grade level |
| Resume Limit | Strictly two pages or less |
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary range of $46,533 to $67,432 per year. Beyond the base salary, federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, which may include comprehensive health insurance, retirement planning, and generous leave accrual rates that reward federal service.
Application Tips
- Customize Your Resume: Clearly demonstrate your experience with cardiac monitoring, vital signs, and patient safety protocols.
- PDF Only: Use PDF files for all uploads to ensure formatting stays intact.
- Watch the Length: Since September 2025, federal agencies have restricted resumes to two pages. Any submission longer than this may be automatically disqualified.
If you have a strong background in acute care and a desire to serve the Veteran community in San Diego, this Health Technician role is an excellent career move. Ensure your application is thorough, compliant with the page limit, and submitted before the closing date.
Why This Health Technician Job Matters
Launch your healthcare career at the VA San Diego Healthcare System and make a lasting impact on those who served our nation.
Health Technician Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Health Technician to join the VA San Diego Healthcare System. In this role, you will provide vital clinical support in progressive, critical, or emergency care settings. Working under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, you will assist clinical staff, monitor patient health, perform diagnostic tests, and ensure high-quality, compassionate care for our Veterans.
Requirements for Health Technician
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must pass a background and suitability investigation
- Participation in mandatory drug testing as required
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959
- Completion of a 1-year probationary period
- Resume limited to a maximum of two pages
Preferred Qualifications for Health Technician
- Formal ECG education and training
- 3-5 years of experience as a nursing assistant in an acute care setting within the last 5 years
- Current BLS (Basic Life Support) certification
- Active participation in unit-based safety or professional committees
- Emergency preparedness training
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary and career advancement potential
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Federal leave accrual based on years of service
- ✓Supportive work environment dedicated to the 'I CARE' core values
- ✓Eligibility for federal health and retirement benefits
💡 How to Apply Health Technician Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Health Technician Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Ensure your resume is formatted to be two pages or less.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, including transcripts if applicable.
- Submit your application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically highlights how your past experience maps to the job duties, as assumptions will not be made by recruiters.
- Save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting consistency.
- Check your application status frequently via the USAJOBS dashboard.
- Confirm that all required documents (transcripts, certifications) are clearly attached before submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the promotion potential for this position?
This position has a full performance level of GS-6. Promotion to the full performance level may occur without further competition once all regulatory and performance requirements are met.
Is travel required for this position?
No, this position does not involve travel.
What is the primary supervision for this role?
You will report to a Nurse Manager and work daily under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
Is drug testing required?
Yes, this is a testing-designated position, and candidates must submit to a urinalysis prior to appointment.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to the mission of fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan." At the VA San Diego Healthcare System, this mission is brought to life through the 'I CARE' core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. As a federal employee here, you are part of an organization that values clinical precision and compassionate service.