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Federal healthcare position performing patient care assistance, clinical support, vital signs monitoring, and health technician duties at VA hospitals and federal medical facilities.
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-3 | $27,434 | $28,349 | $29,264 | $30,179 | $31,094 | $32,009 | $32,924 | $33,839 | $34,754 | $35,660 |
| GS-4 | $30,795 | $31,822 | $32,849 | $33,876 | $34,903 | $35,930 | $36,957 | $37,984 | $39,011 | $40,038 |
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-6 | $38,407 | $39,687 | $40,967 | $42,247 | $43,527 | $44,807 | $46,087 | $47,367 | $48,647 | $49,927 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0640
Individual Occupational Requirements for GS-0640:
Specialized Experience (GS-4 and above): Technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled. Applicants must demonstrate support duties to medical or health personnel including audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists.
Education and Training Alternatives:
Experience and Education Requirements by Grade Level (Group Standard):
| Grade | General Experience | Specialized Experience | Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1 | None | None | None |
| GS-2 | 3 months | None | High school diploma or equivalent |
| GS-3 | 6 months | None | 1 year above high school |
| GS-4 | 6 months | 6 months | 2 years above high school |
| GS-5 | None | 1 year at GS-4 level | 4-year bachelor's degree |
| GS-6+ | None | 1 year at next lower grade | Graduate education if directly related |
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal health aid and technician position
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that transition to GS-0640
Health technician pathway.
Health technician pathway.
Health technician pathway.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Ability to assist healthcare professionals with patient care activities.
Knowledge of medical terms and healthcare vocabulary.
Skill in operating basic medical and diagnostic equipment.
Ability to maintain accurate patient records and documentation.
Skill in taking and recording patient vital signs.
Knowledge of basic infection prevention procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients and healthcare team.
Skill in providing technical support in clinical settings.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
GS-0640 Health Aids and Technicians provide clinical support at federal medical facilities. They assist with patient care procedures, collect specimens and vital signs, prepare patients for exams, maintain equipment, document patient information, and transport patients. They're essential support staff at VA hospitals and clinics.
GS-0640 positions range from GS-3 ($27,434) for health aids to GS-7 ($42,679-$55,486) for senior technicians. Most positions are GS-4 to GS-6 ($30,795-$49,927). Specialty technicians (EKG, phlebotomy, ophthalmology) may reach GS-7. Add locality pay and federal benefits.
At GS-3, you need 6 months of general experience or 1 year of education above high school. Higher grades require specialized healthcare experience. Certifications in phlebotomy, EKG, or other specialties strengthen applications. Basic life support (BLS) certification is typically required.
Absolutely. Military medic, corpsman, or healthcare experience directly qualifies. 68W (Combat Medic), Hospital Corpsman, 4N0 (Aerospace Medical Service) and similar MOSs are perfect preparation. Your clinical skills, medical terminology knowledge, and patient care experience translate directly to these positions.
Entry at GS-3/4 with progression to GS-6/7. This is an excellent entry point to federal healthcare careers. Many use it as a stepping stone to nursing (with education), specialized technician roles, or healthcare administration. VA offers tuition assistance for advancement.
Search USAJOBS for 'Health Technician,' 'Nursing Assistant,' or 'Health Aid.' VA hospitals and clinics are the largest employers. Emphasize your clinical experience, certifications, and patient care skills. Veterans with medical MOSs have directly applicable experience—your military medical training is highly valued.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.