Advance Your Career: Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at the VA

Are you a highly skilled clinical pharmacist looking to transition your expertise into a mission-driven environment? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner (CPP) - Primary Care for the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This is a premier opportunity to serve those who have served our country while working with an integrated, multidisciplinary medical team.

Job Responsibilities

As a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, you will serve as a subject matter expert within the Primary Care department. Your primary duties include:

Clinical Leadership: Managing all clinical pharmacy activities and consultations for assigned patient panels.
Medication Therapy Management: Developing and implementing cost-effective drug therapy programs that improve patient outcomes.
Consultation: Providing expert recommendations to providers regarding medication selection and pharmacotherapy protocols.
Quality Improvement: Utilizing data analysis to track adverse drug events, medication errors, and overall performance metrics.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Serving as the key pharmacy liaison to the primary care team.

Requirements

To be considered for this high-level position, you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education: Completion of an ACPE-accredited Pharmacy degree (BS or Pharm.D.).
Licensure: A full, current, and unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in a U.S. state or territory.
Experience: A minimum of one year of experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent, demonstrating advanced skill in clinical pharmacy practice.
Security: Ability to pass a background/security investigation and pre-employment physical.

Comparison of Qualifications

Qualification Type	Requirement Details
Basic Education	ACPE Accredited Degree (BS or Pharm.D.)
Licensure	Current, unrestricted U.S. Pharmacy License
Experience	1+ Year at GS-12 level or equivalent
Clinical Focus	Advanced Specialty/Primary Care Pharmacy

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-13 level, with a competitive annual salary range of $159,237 to $207,011. The compensation package reflects the high level of specialized clinical expertise required for this role.

Benefits

Beyond salary, the VA offers an industry-leading benefits package:

EDRP: Eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (up to $200,000 for qualified student loans).
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
Retirement: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) benefits.
Location Advantage: Tennessee residents enjoy the benefit of zero state income tax.

Application Tips

Be Precise: When describing your work history, ensure you define the specific scope of your patient care activities.
Documentation: Have your transcripts and license copies ready before starting the application.
Tailor Your Resume: Highlight residency training (PGY-1 or PGY-2) if you have it, as it is a major factor in the preferred selection process.

Serving as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence. With high earning potential, a robust student loan repayment program, and the chance to directly impact the lives of Veterans, this is a career-defining move for the right professional. Submit your application today and help us uphold President Lincoln's promise.

Why This Pharmacist(Clinical Specialist) Job Matters

Join the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System as a Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner and lead the charge in evidence-based patient care for our nation's heroes.

Pharmacist(Clinical Specialist) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled Pharmacist (Clinical Specialist) to serve within the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. In this pivotal role, you will manage clinical pharmacy services, oversee complex drug therapy protocols, and act as a subject matter expert in primary care. This position offers a unique opportunity to directly influence patient outcomes and work in an integrated care environment that serves over 146,000 Veterans.

Requirements for Pharmacist(Clinical Specialist)

U.S. Citizenship
Graduate of an ACPE-accredited School of Pharmacy (BS or Pharm.D.)
Current, full, and unrestricted pharmacy license
Proficiency in spoken and written English
One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level
Completion of pre-employment physical and drug screening
Participation in the annual influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Pharmacist(Clinical Specialist)

Completion of an ASHP-accredited PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice residency
Completion of an ASHP-accredited PGY-2 Ambulatory Care residency
Three years of mid-level provider experience in primary care
Expertise in chronic disease state management
Demonstrated ability to influence clinical and management decisions through advanced communication

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000)
✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive Health and Life Insurance
✓Federal Retirement System (FERS)
✓Generous Annual and Sick Leave accrual
✓Exceptional work-life balance
✓State income tax-free location

💡 How to Apply Pharmacist(Clinical Specialist) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Pharmacist(Clinical Specialist) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare your long-form resume or CV and gather required documents (SF-50, transcripts, license).
Complete the occupational questionnaire.
Upload all necessary documentation via the USAJOBS portal.
Submit your final application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience as it relates to the GS-12 level and required competencies.
Double-check that all licensure and degree documents are clear and legible.
If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure your DD-214 is attached.
Apply well before the deadline to account for system processing times.
Use the online status tracker to monitor your application progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for loan repayment?

Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides student loan reimbursement up to $200,000 based on VHA eligibility policy.

Can I work remotely?

This is not a virtual position. While the role allows for Ad-Hoc telework, you are expected to be available for on-site duties at the facility.

What level of experience is required for this GS-13 role?

Candidates must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level, demonstrating expert knowledge in clinical pharmacy specialty areas.

What is the trial period?

*A: As a condition of federal employment in this position, you will be required to complete a 1 or 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and suitability.*

Can I apply without a PGY-2 residency?

*A: While PGY-2 is preferred, the core requirements look for a combination of education and clinical experience. Ensure your resume highlights your substantial primary care patient care experience.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) is one of the nation's leading medical systems. Serving more than 146,000 Veterans across Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky, the TVHS operates two major hospitals—the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center in Murfreesboro and the Nashville VA Medical Center—plus 21 outpatient clinics. Our mission is centered on providing whole-person, compassionate care through innovation, research, and specialized clinical excellence.