Five VA jobs you may qualify for with military training

You’ve spent years sacrificing for your country and working hard to protect it. But what happens when it comes times to transition to a civilian career? Are job opportunities available to you after military service?

Here’s some good news: You have a variety of options when it comes to a career at VA. VA Careers has a Transitioning Military Personnel initiative designed to raise awareness about civilian careers for former service members at the nation’s largest integrated health care organization.

In fact, based on certain military occupational specialties you learned in service, you can apply for several positions immediately after your service. Other VA positions offer preference for Veteran applicants or are a good fit for those who worked in military health.

The even better news? We offer employees premium-paid health insurance and robust retirement plans. Veterans working at VA also enjoy education support through Veteran-focused scholarships, professional development opportunities and accommodations to make the workplace fully accessible.

Ready to kick start a civilian career? Check out these five VA jobs you may be well suited for after military service:

1. Intermediate Care Technician (ICT)

Former military medic or corpsman should look at ICT careers. As an ICT, you apply your military medical training and skills as a health care provider at a VA medical center (VAMC). You perform complex technician-level diagnostic and treatment procedures. You also provide intermediate and advanced paramedic-level care, intervene in crises and do much more.

Ryan Wyatt was the first paramedic ICT at the Southern Arizona Health Care System. He’s one of hundreds of service members who’ve transitioned to a civilian career as a VA ICT.

“When I got out of the Navy, there were no jobs that I could do that had the excitement of what I did in the Navy without having to go back to school,” he says. “The ICT program allows medically trained transitioning service members to continue what we do best, which is taking care of our military family. The team mentality is that we can change our patient’s outcomes by providing a positive experience in some of the worst times of their lives.”

2. Health Technician/Para Rescue Specialist

Former corpsmen and medics bring the skills, abilities and experience acquired during active duty to careers as health technicians. These include delivering direct patient care, taking vital signs, administering medication and communicating results. Other responsibilities include providing diagnostic support and medical assistance to VAMCs and specialty clinics.

3. Medical Support Assistant (MSA)

MSA positions require tact and diplomacy, and that’s why former military personnel are right for these roles. As the front-line contact with patients and staff, you set the tone for customer service at VA. You use your shared experience to comfort fellow Veterans coping with administrative processes or difficult health issues.

4. Nursing Assistant

Approximately 16% of all VA nurses are Veterans. That’s not a surprising figure. Former military personnel bring the skills learned during service — working as team, caring for others and supporting a mission — to VA nursing careers.

Consider starting at VA as a nursing assistant. This role involves helping licensed nursing staff provide patient care. Although certification is desirable, it’s not necessary for your application. Nursing staff may take advantage of the special education support programs we offer to earn the degrees and certifications necessary to become a Licensed Practical Nurse or a Registered Nurse.

5. Support Services

Every team member at VA has a meaningful role to play in the care of Veterans, including those in the support services role. These positions include housekeeping aid, federal protective officer, engineering technician or transportation clerk. Housekeeping aides, in particular, are given Veteran’s preference during the hiring process.

“Our housekeeping staff keep facilities safe for our patients, and Veterans and their families rely on them,” said Darren Sherrard, Associate Director of VA Recruitment Marketing. “We are actively looking to fill these positions with quality employees, including our Veterans.”

Choose VA today 

Start your next mission serving and caring for fellow Veterans. See if a career with VA is right for you.

• EXPLORE VA careers for Veterans and transitioning military.
• SEARCH by keyword for an open position near you or view careers by location.
• GET more information in the transitioning military flyer (pdf).
• LEARN about the benefits of a VA career.
• CHOOSE VA for your career in healthcare at www.VAcareers.va.gov.