A specialty that makes a difference
According to data from the most recent census, almost half of Veterans (49%) are 65 or older, while 27.9% were 75 or older. That makes the field of geriatrics hugely important here at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
That’s because we’re dedicated to meeting Veterans on their own terms, and where they need us the most.
But what does geriatrics mean for you? At VA, you can find a rewarding career serving those who have served, as well as opportunities to learn and grow in a system that supports you.
Finding your place in geriatrics
As a growing and important field, geriatrics holds options across all spectrums of care at VA.
- Our physicians specialize in providing what the patient needs, which is important for geriatric Veterans with complex issues that require more attention.
- Nurses are the backbone of VA’s health system, particularly in geriatrics, where their time and attention can profoundly impact the everyday care these Veterans receive.
- Geriatric psychiatrists focus on prevention, evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional needs in older Veterans who may have multiple medical issues.
- VA pharmacists can make clinical decisions on behalf of their patients, writing and filling prescriptions based on a patient’s medication history and your expertise.
- Occupational therapists evaluate the skills needed to perform crucial daily tasks, which is invaluable for geriatric Veterans who wish to remain at home.
VA also has a variety of care environments that are focused on the needs of aging Veterans.
- Community Living Centers for long-term care
- Geriatric evaluation and management units
- Dementia care units
- Outpatient geriatrics clinics
- Home Based Primary Care programs
- Hospice and palliative care units
- Specialty geriatric consultation teams
With the combination of careers and care environments, there are nearly limitless opportunities to build a meaningful career at VA as one of our geriatrics clinicians.
Investing in the future
VA is a leader in providing innovative geriatric care models, and we are also committed to developing the next generation of clinicians. That’s why we’re proud to invest in new programs like this one launched at VA facilities across the country: the Geriatrics and Extended Care Nurse Practitioner Residency Program.
This residency is designed for newly graduated, board-certified nurse practitioners seeking post‑graduate training in geriatric care. It expands access to valuable specialty care critical to the health and well-being of older Veterans, and continues our dedication to advancing and enhancing career opportunities within VA.
In fact, VA anticipates that at least 70% of these residency graduates will accept VA employment after completing training, making this program an incredible chance to start a VA career, with all the employment benefits that come with it: competitive salaries, comprehensive health insurance and a commitment to providing work-life balance.
A mission that matters
Geriatrics healthcare professionals find that the connections they build with older patients are inspirational. Working with geriatric patients creates deep, meaningful relationships that create opportunities to learn from that hard-earned experience and grow into better healthcare providers.
You’ll find similar stories from the many staff members here at VA.
Ask team member and you’ll hear that the work we do is part of an honorable mission to provide care to those who have served our country with honor. We take that mission to heart, advocating for our Veterans and making sure they get the care they need, when they need it.
Join our team
At VA, we’re dedicated to high-quality, Veteran-centered care. As we continue to expand and innovate our work in geriatrics, it’s a perfect time for geriatrics physicians to join our team. Start your search for a rewarding career serving Veterans at VA Careers.
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I think this article is a joke. I am a 73 y/o veteran that lives in the Columbia SC area and go to the William Jennings Bryan Dorn Hospital. I have generally used the VA health system for help with medications. My non-VA providers have order medications that are on the formulary but the hospital refuses to help me with the medication. I am scheduled for heart procedure on Sept 28, 2026. I reached out to the team I am assigned to for help getting the medications I needed. I was told I couldn’t receive the medication until I go a community healthcare program. I have been on and received one of the medicines I need for the heart procedure for several years prior. I was able to come off of it after I had a Watchman device placed. I now need cardiac ablation in three areas of my heart and I need to take Eliquis 30 days prior and 60 days post procedure. The nurses on the Blue team told me I had to see the practitioner before I can receive the medications which is fine and I understand that to a point but I is in my records why I took and medication and that I have received it prior. My problem is that the nurse told me there are no appointments available until October 28th. I asked her, so you are telling me a Veteran that is having a heart procedure done can’t be seen or even telehealth to get the medication required for the procedure and she said yes. I then reached out to patient advocate to see if they could help and their response was we will send my message to the Blue team. I told her that is a waste of time. In a couple days the Blue team nurse called and told me the same thing that she did prior, the VA didn’t have any appointments available. I receive and read all this emails and stories on the internet on how the VA is helping Veterans. I have been unable to receive competent healthcare.
Wilmington Medical b Center is denied Veterans health care benefits in violation of federal law