Launch Your Career as a Medical Records Technician (Tumor Registry) with the Defense Health Agency
If you are a detail-oriented professional with a passion for clinical data and healthcare excellence, a rewarding opportunity awaits you at the Joint Pathology Center. The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently hiring for a Medical Records Technician (Tumor Registry) in Silver Spring, Maryland. This role is pivotal in supporting our nation's service members by maintaining the integrity of high-stakes pathology and cancer registry data.
Job Responsibilities
As a Medical Records Technician, you will be at the heart of our data operations. Key responsibilities include:
- Data Management: Compiling and updating tumor registry and pathology data within the Automated Central Tumor Registry (ACTUR).
- Case Accessioning: Reviewing consultation requests and ensuring that case information is accurately entered into our automated database systems.
- Compliance Monitoring: Triaging reports and supporting materials to ensure they meet strict submission requirements.
- Coordination: Acting as the primary point of contact for external facilities to obtain missing documentation or specimens.
- Reporting: Providing essential registry data to both internal and external stakeholders for research and clinical purposes.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: You must be a United States citizen.
- Experience: Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent. This includes experience in a research, medical laboratory, or treatment facility setting.
- Clearance: A Secret security clearance is required for this position.
- Probation: A one-year probationary period is mandatory upon hire.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive federal salary range designed to attract top-tier talent.
| Pay Grade | Salary Range | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| GS-7 | $57,736 - $75,059 | Per Year |
Benefits
Employees of the Defense Health Agency enjoy a robust suite of federal benefits, including:
- Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
- Federal Retirement System (FERS) participation.
- Paid annual and sick leave.
- Opportunities for professional growth and training.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of selection, keep your resume concise (two pages or less) and clearly mapped to the specialized experience described. Ensure every position listed includes the employer name, title, dates of employment (month/year), and the number of hours worked per week. Avoid obscure acronyms—clarity is your greatest asset in federal applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the deadline to apply? A: The announcement closes on November 13, 2026. Q: Is relocation assistance offered? A: Relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates, but PCS costs are not currently authorized.
Serving as a Medical Records Technician within the Defense Health Agency is more than a job—it is a chance to contribute to the health and readiness of our military community. Apply today to begin your journey with the Department of Defense.
Why This Medical Records Technician (Tumor Registry) Job Matters
Join the Defense Health Agency in a mission-critical role where your attention to detail directly impacts cancer research and patient care across the Department of Defense.
Medical Records Technician (Tumor Registry) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a detail-oriented Medical Records Technician (Tumor Registry) at the Joint Pathology Center in Silver Spring, Maryland. This role is essential for maintaining the integrity of the Automated Central Tumor Registry (ACTUR) and supporting pathologists in case accessioning. You will serve as a vital link in a healthcare system dedicated to providing world-class medical support to over 9.5 million service members, retirees, and their families.
Requirements for Medical Records Technician (Tumor Registry)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-6 grade level.
- Experience performing administrative and clinical support in a medical research, laboratory, or treatment facility.
- Proven history of maintaining data in the Automated Central Tumor Registry (ACTUR) or similar database systems.
- Experience in case accessioning and identifying malignant disease cases in medical records.
- Ability to coordinate effectively with healthcare providers to secure missing or updated documentation.
- Must pass a Secret security clearance background check.
- Must complete a one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Medical Records Technician (Tumor Registry)
- Strong proficiency in medical terminology and coding standards.
- Experience navigating electronic health record (EHR) systems.
- Proven ability to manage high-volume case workloads while maintaining strict accuracy.
- Effective communication skills for coordinating with internal staff and external medical facilities.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay adjustments.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and career progression within the DoD.
💡 How to Apply Medical Records Technician (Tumor Registry) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Medical Records Technician (Tumor Registry) Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided application portal.
- Upload required documentation, including your resume and any applicable performance appraisals.
- Verify that your resume clearly highlights the number of hours worked per week and specific dates for all relevant experience.
- Submit your complete application package before the 11:59 PM EST deadline on November 13, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages; anything longer will result in automatic disqualification.
- Use plain, clear language; avoid jargon or acronyms that may be misunderstood by hiring officials.
- Include specific start/end dates (month and year) and hours per week for every position listed.
- Double-check your uploaded documents to ensure they are legible and have cleared the system's virus scan prior to submission.
- Focus your resume narrative specifically on the specialized experience requirements mentioned in the job announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is telework available for this position?
No, this position is not listed as telework eligible.
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
No. For this specific position, you must meet the qualification requirements using specialized experience alone.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, this position requires a Secret level security clearance.
Job from Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated healthcare system that delivers world-class services across the Department of Defense. From dental and pharmacy programs to specialized clinical pathology research, the DHA ensures that over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families receive the care they deserve. Joining the team at the Joint Pathology Center means becoming part of a strategic, mission-driven organization committed to worldwide healthcare readiness.