Student Trainee (Medical & Health)

Description:

The Pathways Internship Program allows students to join VA in career positions that emphasize long-term training and development. As a Student Trainee (Medical and Health), the incumbent performs duties of a medical laboratory aide in the clinical laboratory of the Harry S. Truman Veterans Affairs Medical Center in drawing routine specimens during high workload times, late clinic hours, and short staff coverage.

Requirements:

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 01/20/2026.

Internship Program: To be eligible, applicants must be accepted for enrollment or currently enrolled and seeking a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.) in a qualifying educational institution, on a full or half-time basis as defined by the institution in which you are enrolled.

Internship Program: To be eligible applicants must:

• Be accepted for enrollment or currently enrolled and seeking a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.) in a qualifying educational institution, on a full or half-time basis as defined by the institution in which you are enrolled.
• Be seeking a degree that is relevant to this position.
• Be able to work at least 4 hours per week.
• Meet the grade qualifications must be met prior to start date.

To qualify for the GS 4 grade level: Completion of 2 academic years of post-high school study or associate's degree (60 semester hours/90 quarter hours). Transcripts are required.

• Sign a Pathways Internship Program Participant Agreement,
• Maintain status as a current student,
• Maintain good academic standing, at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 grading scale,
• Adhere to an established work schedule approved by the supervisor,
• Provide proof of enrollment in a qualifying educational institution and academic transcripts at the end of each academic period and upon request,
• Perform, successfully, the duties and responsibilities in the assigned position description,
• Observe all workplace rules, such as dress code, office conduct and behavior,
• Participate in all VA mandatory training programs (either on-line or in the classroom),
• Notify the supervisor of any changes in the completion of the educational program, such as graduation date, changes in the major degree requirements, or changes in the educational institution's accreditation.

You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:

• Customer Service
• Infection Control
• Medical Information
• Specimen Collection
• Technology Application

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Note : A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/ .