Become a Medical Technician (Phlebotomy) with the VA in Iowa City
Are you a skilled healthcare professional looking to make a genuine difference? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is searching for a dedicated Medical Technician to join our Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service at the Iowa City VA Health Care System. This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to providing high-quality care to the men and women who have served our country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Medical Technician (Phlebotomy), you will be the face of our laboratory services. Your daily duties will include:
- Specimen Collection: Performing routine venipuncture on human patients with precision and care.
- Patient Interaction: Educating patients on proper collection techniques and ensuring their comfort.
- Laboratory Support: Preparing samples, including labeling, centrifuging, and documenting results.
- Diagnostic Testing: Conducting standard procedures like pregnancy tests, fingerstick glucose tests, and urinalysis.
- Communication: Acting as a point of contact for the laboratory, providing accurate information to staff and patients.
Role Requirements Comparison
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Employment Type | Full-Time |
| Salary | $43,600 - $56,683 / Year |
| Location | Iowa City, IA |
| Citizenship | United States Citizen Required |
| Experience | Phlebotomy Required |
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet specific federal requirements, including:
- Phlebotomy Experience: This is a selective placement factor. You must have proven experience drawing blood from human patients.
- English Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to speak and write English clearly.
- Compliance: Ability to pass a drug test and background investigation.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $43,600 to $56,683, reflecting the importance of this role within our clinical team. As a federal position, it includes stability, potential for career progression, and access to the comprehensive federal benefits package.
Benefits
The VA provides an industry-leading benefits package, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Retirement savings plans with agency contributions.
- Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
- Work-life balance programs that prioritize employee health.
Application Tips
To stand out, ensure your resume is concise and focuses on your achievements. Use the USAJobs resume builder, stick to the two-page limit, and ensure that every role listed on your resume contains the month, year, and hours per week worked. If you have any questions regarding your application, the human resources office is available to assist.
Serving our nation’s Veterans is a rewarding career path. If you are a compassionate phlebotomist with the skills to ensure high-quality patient care, we encourage you to apply. Join our team in Iowa City and help us continue our mission of excellence.
Why This Medical Technician - Phlebotomy Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our nation by joining the VA team as a Medical Technician in Iowa City.
Medical Technician - Phlebotomy Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is seeking a dedicated Medical Technician specializing in Phlebotomy for our Iowa City healthcare facility. This role is central to our mission, ensuring that Veterans receive compassionate, high-quality laboratory support. You will perform essential specimen collection, patient education, and diagnostic testing, serving as a vital link in the diagnostic process for those who have sacrificed for our country.
Requirements for Medical Technician - Phlebotomy
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must be proficient in basic written and spoken English.
- Must have proven experience performing phlebotomy/blood draws on human patients.
- Must successfully complete a pre-employment urinalysis screening.
- Must undergo a background/security investigation.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must register for Selective Service.
- Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Must be willing to serve a 1-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Medical Technician - Phlebotomy
- Six months of specialized experience in medical laboratory support, including chemical, microbiologic, or hematologic testing.
- Educational background including an associate degree with relevant training in a certified laboratory assistant program.
- Coursework in chemistry and biological sciences at an accredited institution.
- Strong interpersonal skills for patient-centered communication and clinical settings.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal healthcare insurance options.
- ✓Generous paid time off, including annual and sick leave.
- ✓Predictable and flexible scheduling opportunities.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the VA system.
- ✓Contribution to a noble mission supporting American Veterans.
💡 How to Apply Medical Technician - Phlebotomy Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Medical Technician - Phlebotomy Job
- Create or update your account on USAJobs.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Ensure your resume includes specific dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for all experience.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, such as transcripts or veteran preference documents, in PDF format.
- Submit your application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Use the USAJobs resume builder to ensure you meet formatting standards.
- Be explicit in your resume; the agency will not make assumptions about your skills.
- Ensure your document file size is 5MB or less.
- Highlight your specific phlebotomy experience clearly as it is a selective placement factor.
- Use a clean, sans-serif font like Arial or Calibri to ensure readability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an on-site position located in Iowa City, IA. You must reside within a commutable distance.
What is the resume length requirement?
Federal agencies now strictly enforce a two-page limit for resumes. Ensure yours does not exceed this length to avoid disqualification.
Do I need a degree?
You can qualify through a combination of education and experience or through specialized experience alone. Please review the specific substitution of education requirements in the job posting.
Is there a residency requirement?
Yes, you must live within a commutable distance of the Iowa City facility.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. We provide care to over 9 million Veterans annually. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in the military and for their families. We pride ourselves on creating a supportive, mission-driven environment where every employee plays a part in honoring those who served.