Launch Your Career: Health Technician (Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology) at the Columbia VA

Are you looking to transition into a rewarding healthcare career where your daily work directly supports the brave men and women who served our country? The Columbia VA Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated Health Technician (Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology) to join its dynamic clinical team. This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about patient care and looking to build a stable, meaningful career within the federal government.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will work under the supervision of licensed audiologists and speech-language pathologists. Your responsibilities are multifaceted, covering both clinical and administrative support:

Patient Support: Preparing patients for specialized tests, including evoked potentials.
Clinical Maintenance: Managing the cleaning, sterilization, and disposition of reusable medical equipment (RME), such as endoscopes.
Administrative Duties: Charting patient visits, maintaining medical records, and ensuring clinical policies are strictly followed.
Patient Education: Assisting with hearing assistive technology and facilitating home programs developed by therapists.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-07 level position, you must meet several criteria:

U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Ability to pass a background investigation and pre-employment physical.
Commitment to the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Relevant experience or education (e.g., two years post-high school or six months of comparable technical experience).

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $40,723 to $65,599 per year. Beyond the paycheck, federal employment with the VA provides a comprehensive benefits package that is hard to beat:

Benefit Type	Description
Health Coverage	Choice of various comprehensive health insurance plans
Retirement	Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style) and Federal Pension
Leave	Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
Career Growth	Training and development opportunities within the VHA

Application Tips

Customize Your Resume: Clearly describe your experience in healthcare or clinical support. Use the terminology found in the announcement to help HR identify your qualifications.
Don't Forget Documents: Ensure your transcripts, DD-214 (if applicable), and SF-50 are clearly legible.
Prepare for Assessments: If you are asked to take a USA Hire assessment, take it seriously. It is a key factor in your ranking for the position.

Becoming a Health Technician at the Columbia VA Healthcare System is more than just a job; it is a commitment to service. If you possess the right qualifications and a desire to help our Veterans lead better lives, we encourage you to submit your application package before the closing date. Take the first step toward a fulfilling career today.

Why This Health Technician (Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology) Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of our nation's heroes by joining the dedicated Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology team at the Columbia VA Healthcare System.

Health Technician (Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology) Job Overview

The Columbia VA Healthcare System is seeking a compassionate and detail-oriented Health Technician (Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology) to join our team. In this vital role, you will assist licensed professionals in providing high-quality care to Veterans. You will manage patient diagnostics, support administrative functions, and facilitate essential patient education. This position is a fantastic opportunity for individuals who want to contribute to the well-being of Veterans while gaining hands-on experience in a clinical environment.

Requirements for Health Technician (Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology)

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Completion of a background and security investigation.
Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Successful completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period.
Must undergo a urinalysis drug screen prior to appointment.
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Health Technician (Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology)

Prior experience as an Audiology Technician or Assistant.
Demonstrated ability to mentor and train new staff.
Experience preparing patients for advanced testing, such as evoked potentials.
Knowledge of dysphagia risk factors and monitoring components.
Understanding of linguistic parameters to assist in therapeutic programming.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
✓Retirement savings plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave accrual
✓Paid federal holidays
✓Opportunities for professional development and training
✓Work-life balance with a set Monday-Friday schedule

💡 How to Apply Health Technician (Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Health Technician (Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement thoroughly.
Prepare your long-form resume and supporting documents (transcripts, SF-50, etc.).
Submit your application through the online portal before the deadline.
Complete the required online assessment questionnaire.
Check your email for any notifications regarding the USA Hire assessment link.
Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifically addresses the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed in the announcement.
Do not assume the hiring team knows your previous experience; be descriptive and clear.
Submit all required documentation early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Review the USA Hire assessment resources to prepare for the competency-based tests.
Double-check that your transcripts and certifications are legible and officially recognized.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of this role?

The Health Technician provides direct clinical and administrative support to Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists to ensure Veterans receive high-quality, compassionate care.

Is this position eligible for telework?

No, this role requires on-site presence at the Columbia VA Healthcare System to assist with patient care and clinical operations.

Are there specific education requirements?

Yes, you must have either six months of relevant experience, two years of education beyond high school, or an equivalent combination of both.

What is the trial period mentioned?

As a condition of federal employment, you will serve a 1 or 2-year trial period where the agency evaluates your performance and conduct.

Is there flexibility in the work schedule?

The shift is generally Monday–Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, providing a reliable schedule.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Columbia VA Healthcare System is a cornerstone of medical excellence in South Carolina. Part of the Veterans Integrated Service Network 7 (VISN 7), the system serves a 36-county area through its main facility, the Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center, and various outpatient clinics. The agency is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served and their families, providing everything from routine checkups to complex specialty care.