Health Aid and Technician
Federal healthcare position performing patient care assistance, clinical support, vital signs monitoring, and health technician duties at VA hospitals and federal medical facilities.
💰GS-0640 Salary Information
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.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0640
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Technical and Medical Support Positions
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:
- GS-3: Successful completion of 1 year of study that included study in medical, health, or related fields.
- GS-4: Successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 12 semester hours in subjects related to the position.
- GS-5: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position.
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 |
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for GS-0640
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal health aid and technician position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your 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).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-0640
Occupational Therapist
Direct healthcare translation. Highlight occupational therapy, patient care, and rehabilitation.
Physical Therapist
Direct healthcare translation. Highlight physical therapy, patient care, and rehabilitation.
Hospital Corpsman Chief
Chief medical expertise.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Assist with patient care procedures
- •Collect specimens and vital signs
- •Prepare patients for examinations
- •Maintain medical equipment
- •Document patient information
- •Transport patients
🎯Key Competencies
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.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0640
What is a Health Aid or Technician?
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.
How much does a federal Health Technician make?
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.
What are the requirements for GS-0640 positions?
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.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0640?
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.
What is the career progression for Health Technicians?
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.
How do I apply for GS-0640 jobs on USAJOBS?
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.
Ready to Apply for GS-0640?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.