Medical Technician - Phlebotomist Opportunity at the Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs, through the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS), is seeking a dedicated and skilled Medical Technician, specifically a Phlebotomist, to join their esteemed healthcare team in Little Rock, Arkansas. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the mission of providing exceptional care to our nation's Veterans while advancing your career in a stable and rewarding federal service environment. If you are passionate about healthcare, possess a strong commitment to patient well-being, and meet the qualifications, this role could be the perfect fit for you.

About the Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in the nation's military. The VA's mission is to provide Veterans with comprehensive healthcare services, including medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care. The Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS) is a vital component of this mission, serving Veterans across Arkansas with two inpatient campuses and numerous outpatient clinics. CAVHS is committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality, whole-health care, fostering an environment of healing and support for all who have served.

Job Responsibilities

As a Medical Technician - Phlebotomist at CAVHS, your primary responsibilities will include:

Phlebotomy Procedures: Performing venipuncture and capillary blood collection on patients of all age groups (adolescent through geriatric) in both inpatient and outpatient settings, strictly adhering to patient identification protocols.
Specimen Collection and Handling: Collecting blood and body fluid specimens using aseptic technique, ensuring specimen quality, patient comfort, and minimizing the need for re-sticks. Adhering to universal precautions and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
Specialized Collections: Conducting specialized collections such as glucose tolerance tests, blood cultures, midstream urine, 24-hour urine, and stool specimens for microbiology and parasitology.
Laboratory Support: Processing, labeling, and preparing specimens for testing and shipment, following established laboratory protocols to maintain specimen integrity.
Quality Assurance: Reviewing and resolving discrepancies to prevent erroneous results and ensuring compliance with all quality standards.
Computer Systems Usage: Utilizing Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, specifically VISTA and CPRS, to enter, review, and manage patient orders, laboratory data, and specimen tracking.
Data Management: Generating reports, printing appointment lists, and verifying orders for accuracy and completeness before specimen collection. Maintaining data integrity and confidentiality in accordance with the Privacy Act.
Patient Interaction: Communicating clearly and compassionately with patients, explaining procedures, answering questions, and ensuring their understanding to reduce anxiety and promote cooperation.
Patient Monitoring: Monitoring patients during and after specimen collection for any adverse reactions (e.g., dizziness, fainting) and responding appropriately, including initiating emergency protocols when necessary.
Age-Appropriate Care: Providing age-appropriate and compassionate care to diverse patient populations, ensuring their comfort, safety, and dignity.

Requirements

To be considered for this Medical Technician - Phlebotomist position, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
Application Process: All required steps, including the online application, questionnaire, and online assessment, must be completed.
Drug Screening: Tentatively selected applicants are subject to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use.
Selective Service: Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System.
Physical Requirements: The role requires regular and recurrent standing, walking between laboratory sections, reaching, and bending. Occasional lifting of heavy containers of reagents and supplies may be necessary.
Background Investigation: A background and/or security investigation is required.
Identification: Acceptable forms of identification will be required for pre-employment requirements.
Influenza Vaccination: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Probationary Period: A 1-year probationary period or a 2-year trial period will be evaluated for continued employment.

Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) and Specialized Experience

To qualify at the GS-4 grade level, applicants must possess at least 6 months of specialized experience and 6 months of general experience, or meet equivalent educational requirements, or a combination thereof.

Specialized Experience: This includes performing venipuncture and capillary blood collection on patients across all age groups in various settings, collecting and processing specimens using aseptic technique, adhering to universal precautions, conducting specialized collections, and utilizing computer programs for clinical laboratory support.
General Experience: Any work that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position or familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the occupation.

Education Substitution

Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. This typically involves completing 2 years of study above high school with courses directly related to the occupation at an accredited institution. A transcript is required to verify education.

Combination of Experience and Education

Qualifications may also be met by combining a percentage of qualifying specialized experience with education. The total percentage must equal at least 100% to qualify.

Salary Overview

The annual salary for this Medical Technician - Phlebotomist position ranges from $37,193 to $47,334 per year. This salary is based on the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, specifically at the GS-4 grade level.

Benefits

As a federal employee with the Department of Veterans Affairs, you are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

Health Insurance: Access to Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, offering a variety of plan choices.
Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), a defined benefit pension plan.
Paid Time Off: Earned annual (vacation) leave and sick leave, with the potential for service credit for prior non-federal work or military service to increase annual leave accrual rates.
Life Insurance: Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
Flexible Spending Accounts: For healthcare and dependent care expenses.
Professional Development: Opportunities for training, continuing education, and career advancement within the VA system.
Work-Life Balance: A commitment to supporting employee well-being.

Application Tips

To ensure a successful application, please consider the following:

Resume: Your resume is crucial. Ensure it is detailed, clearly outlines your duties, responsibilities, start and end dates (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Tailor your resume to highlight skills and experiences directly relevant to the job announcement.
Accuracy: Be honest and accurate in your application. Overstating qualifications or experience can lead to disqualification.
Documentation: Submit all required documents by the closing date. This includes transcripts (if using education to qualify), SF-50s (for federal employees), DD-214 (for veterans), and any other supporting documentation specified.
Online Assessments: Complete the required online assessments promptly and within the given deadline. Request any necessary accommodations in advance.
Clarity: Clearly articulate how your experience and education meet the minimum qualifications and any selective factors mentioned in the announcement.
Federal Employees: If you are a current or former federal employee, provide the most recent SF-50 that clearly demonstrates your time-in-grade eligibility.
Veterans Preference: Properly claim and document your veteran's preference to ensure you receive due consideration.
Review: Before submitting, carefully review your entire application package for completeness and accuracy.

This Medical Technician - Phlebotomist position at the Department of Veterans Affairs offers a rewarding career path for individuals passionate about healthcare and dedicated to serving Veterans. By joining the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, you become part of an organization committed to excellence, compassion, and the well-being of those who have served our country. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply.

Why This Medical Technician - Phlebotomist Job Matters

Advance your career in healthcare and serve those who served our nation. The Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated Medical Technician - Phlebotomist to join their compassionate team.

Medical Technician - Phlebotomist Job Overview

The Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS), part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, is looking for a skilled Medical Technician, specifically a Phlebotomist, to join their dynamic clinical laboratory team. In this vital role, you will be instrumental in providing essential phlebotomy services to our nation's Veterans, ensuring accurate diagnostic testing and contributing to their overall well-being. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of Veterans while advancing your career in a supportive and professional environment. Located in Little Rock, Arkansas, CAVHS offers a chance to live in a city rich in history and culture, with easy access to the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

Requirements for Medical Technician - Phlebotomist

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must complete all required steps in the application process, including an online assessment.
Must be able to undergo a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
Physical requirements: Regularly requires standing, walking, reaching, and bending. May involve occasional lifting of heavy containers.
Selected applicants will be subject to a background/security investigation.
Must complete an online onboarding process and provide acceptable identification.
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must successfully complete a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period.

Preferred Qualifications for Medical Technician - Phlebotomist

Experience in phlebotomy procedures, including blood and body fluid collection.
Knowledge of laboratory disciplines such as chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, microbiology, and coagulation.
Experience with specialized collections (e.g., glucose tolerance tests, blood cultures, urine specimens).
Proficiency in specimen processing, labeling, and preparation for testing.
Experience maintaining specimen integrity through proper handling, storage, and temperature control.
Ability to review and resolve discrepancies to prevent erroneous results.
Experience utilizing computer programs for clinical laboratory support, including VISTA and CPRS systems.
Skill in generating reports, printing appointment lists, and verifying orders.
Familiarity with Privacy Act regulations and secure system access.
Excellent communication skills for explaining procedures to patients and answering questions.
Ability to monitor patients for adverse reactions and respond appropriately.
Experience providing age-appropriate, compassionate care to diverse patient populations.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health insurance and retirement plans.
✓Paid time off, including vacation and sick leave.
✓Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
✓A supportive work environment dedicated to serving Veterans.

💡 How to Apply Medical Technician - Phlebotomist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Medical Technician - Phlebotomist Job

Visit the USAJOBS website and create or log in to your account.
Locate the 'Medical Technician - Phlebotomist' position announcement (Position ID: CBST-13102475-27-TC).
Click 'Apply Online' and follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents.
Complete the online application, including the questionnaire.
Attach all necessary supporting documentation (e.g., resume, transcripts if applicable, SF-50s for federal employees, DD-214 for veterans).
Submit your complete application package by 11:59 PM ET on November 6, 2026.
If required, you will receive notification via email and on your USAJOBS application status page to complete online assessments through the USA Hire system within a specified deadline.
Review all instructions carefully before starting assessments and request accommodations if needed.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is detailed, accurate, and highlights experience relevant to the job description. Include job titles, duties, start/end dates (month/year), and hours worked per week.
Prioritize your most relevant and recent experience when tailoring your resume.
Use clear, concise, and results-focused language in your resume.
Align the language used in your resume with the keywords and competencies mentioned in the job announcement.
Clearly state any specialized experience or education that meets the occupational requirements.
For federal employees, ensure you submit the correct SF-50 forms to verify time-in-grade and eligibility.
Veterans must submit appropriate documentation (e.g., DD-214) to claim preference.
Double-check that all required documents are uploaded before the closing date. No additional information will be requested after submission.
If you need to request a reasonable accommodation for the online assessment, do so before starting it.
Familiarize yourself with the USA Hire assessments and utilize the provided resources for preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary range for this position?

The annual salary range for this Medical Technician - Phlebotomist position is $37,193 to $47,334.

What are the basic qualifications for this role?

To qualify, applicants generally need a combination of specialized experience in phlebotomy and medical laboratory support, or relevant education. This includes performing venipuncture, collecting and processing specimens, and utilizing laboratory computer systems. Specific details on experience and education requirements can be found in the 'QualificationSummary' section.

What type of work schedule can I expect?

The typical work schedule is Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM, with rotating holidays. This schedule may be subject to change based on the facility's needs.

Is relocation assistance or a recruitment incentive offered?

Relocation, recruitment incentives, and permanent change of station (PCS) are not authorized for this position. A critical skills incentive (CSI) is also not approved.

What documentation is required for veterans applying for this position?

Eligible veterans must claim preference and provide a legible copy of their DD-214 showing dates and character of service. Disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference must also submit an SF-15 with required proof.

Can I use my foreign education to qualify?

Yes, you can use foreign education, but you must submit a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency along with your transcript to receive credit for that education.

Medical Technician - Phlebotomist Job

Veterans Health Administration