Become a Medical Technician (Phlebotomist) with the Department of Veterans Affairs

Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to make a significant impact on the lives of those who have served our nation? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring a Medical Technician (Phlebotomist) to join our Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service at Eglin AFB, Florida. This role offers an opportunity to provide high-quality clinical support while enjoying the stability and benefits of a federal career.

Job Responsibilities

As a Medical Technician, your primary responsibility is to provide technical support to our laboratory services. You will be on the front lines of patient care, ensuring that diagnostic processes begin correctly. Your daily tasks will include:

Specimen Procurement: Performing routine venipuncture and ensuring proper patient identification and labeling.
Patient Interaction: Educating patients on collection techniques and providing support during adverse reactions like nausea or fainting.
Laboratory Liaison: Acting as a bridge between the laboratory, medical providers, and patients to relay accurate information.
Quality Control: Identifying unusual test results and maintaining the integrity of samples through meticulous handling.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet specific federal criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Language: Proficiency in written and spoken English is required.
Skill Factor: You must have documented experience in performing phlebotomy on human patients.
Compliance: Candidates must pass a drug screen and background investigation.

Qualification Comparison

Requirement Type	Basic Standard
Experience	1 year of specialized experience at the GS-4 level.
Education	4-year degree (or 24+ relevant semester hours).
Combination	Excess of 60 semester hours combined with relevant experience.

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-5 grade level. The annual salary range for this location is $40,736 to $52,957 per year, commensurate with qualifications and step-level eligibility.

Benefits

Working for the VA provides more than just a paycheck. Employees have access to an extensive federal benefits package including:

Leave: Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Insurance: Federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance programs.
Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Balance: A standard work schedule of 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM (Monday–Friday) helps balance work and personal commitments.

Application Tips

To stand out, ensure your application is precise.

Resume Length: Keep your resume to two pages, as required by the Merit Hiring Plan.
Documentation: Always upload your transcripts if you are using education to qualify.
Clarity: Describe your duties with clear, action-oriented language. Don't assume the hiring team knows your specific job functions.

This position is a rewarding way to serve those who have served our country. If you have the technical skills and the heart for service, we encourage you to review the full job announcement and submit your application by the November 3, 2026, deadline.

Why This Medical Technician- Phlebotomist Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our country by joining the VA’s Pathology & Laboratory Medicine team at Eglin AFB.

Medical Technician- Phlebotomist Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Medical Technician (Phlebotomist) to join our team at Eglin AFB, Florida. In this role, you will perform critical specimen collection, processing, and laboratory support. This position is essential to providing high-quality, compassionate care to our Veterans, ensuring that laboratory diagnostics are handled with precision, empathy, and professional integrity.

Requirements for Medical Technician- Phlebotomist

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must possess English language proficiency (written and spoken).
Must have experience performing phlebotomy/blood draws on human patients.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Must be able to successfully complete a background/security investigation.
Must be able to serve a 1-year probationary period.
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must possess a REAL ID compliant form of identification.

Preferred Qualifications for Medical Technician- Phlebotomist

At least one full year of specialized experience at the GS-4 level in medical laboratory support.
Completion of a bachelor's degree with at least 24 semester hours in appropriate subjects.
Experience with complex laboratory testing, such as chemical, hematologic, or microbiologic examinations.
Demonstrated ability to follow meticulous sequential technical procedures.
Experience in effectively communicating with providers and patients in a clinical setting.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive Federal Health and Life Insurance
✓Generous Paid Annual and Sick Leave
✓Predictable and Flexible Scheduling
✓Federal Retirement Benefits (FERS)
✓Opportunities for Professional Growth and Career Development

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

Application Steps for Medical Technician- Phlebotomist Job

Log in or create an account on USAJOBS.
Prepare a two-page maximum resume highlighting relevant experience.
Complete the online questionnaire and required assessments.
Upload all necessary documentation, including transcripts and veteran documentation if applicable.
Submit your application through the portal by the closing date.
Monitor your email for status updates and potential links to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly lists job titles, specific duties, start/end dates, and hours worked per week.
Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Keep your resume to exactly two pages to comply with federal requirements.
Use clear, results-focused language and keywords from the job announcement.
Check your spam/junk folder frequently for communications from the agency.
Prioritize the most relevant and recent experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position remote?

No, this is not a virtual position. Candidates must reside within or be willing to relocate to a commutable distance of Eglin AFB, Florida.

What is the education requirement?

Applicants can qualify through experience, a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, or a combination of both. Transcripts are mandatory if education is used to meet qualification criteria.

Are veterans' preference points applicable?

Yes, veterans' preference is applied. Eligible veterans must submit a DD-214 or other supporting documentation to claim these points.

What if I have a disability?

The VA is committed to hiring individuals with disabilities. You may request a Reasonable Accommodation during the application process.

Do I need to be vaccinated for the flu?

Yes, participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment for all VHA health care personnel.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military. We pride ourselves on creating an environment that is welcoming, honorable, and deeply committed to patient-centered care. When you work for the VA, you are joining a community that values gratitude, service, and professional excellence.