How to Build a Federal Healthcare Career with Stability and Purpose
Some jobs may initially seem promising or even provide a few years of solid experience. But a career that has a high chance of securing your future? That seems like a tough challenge.
This is where federal healthcare makes a difference. Agencies like the Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DoD), and United States Public Health Service (USPHS) offer not just a job but a career path with strong security, competitive pay, and opportunities for meaningful growth.
The Long-Term Benefits of a Federal Healthcare Career
A long-term career isn’t just about staying in the same position for years or having tenure. It’s about finding a job that offers the most important parts of good life, such as stability and personal fulfillment. Here are other benefits of having a federal healthcare career:
Competitive Compensation
Federal healthcare offers promising salaries for all kinds of employees, from new hires to experts. It provides steady pay with built-in raises. Most positions use the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, which increases your salary over time based on nationwide wage trends and local cost of living.¹ High-demand healthcare roles also have higher pay rates to attract skilled professionals.
Additionally, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management highlights several benefits beyond just a paycheck for federal healthcare professionals, including:²
Student loan repayment and forgiveness programs
Childcare subsidies and workplace flexibilities
Affordable health, dental, and vision insurance
Generous paid time off, including 11 paid holidays
Retirement benefits through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and pensions
Funding for continuing education and professional development
Job Security
Healthcare professionals are always in demand, and this is especially true in federal agencies. Nearly 364,000 government employees—about 16% of the total federal workforce—work in health-related roles, making it the largest job category in the government.³
Federal healthcare jobs offer strong job security, even during unstable seasons. During economic downturns, federal agencies continue to hire and retain healthcare workers to support veterans, active-duty military, and public health initiatives. Unlike private-sector jobs, these positions are protected from sudden layoffs and budget cuts. Plus, once new hires complete their probationary period, they gain additional protections under federal employment rules, making it harder to lose the job without cause.
Career Development
Federal healthcare careers often come with clear promotion pathways. Many jobs follow a structured system where employees may move up in rank based on performance and experience. For instance, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can qualify you for GS-9 or higher, with opportunities to advance to GS-11 or GS-12 in specialized roles.
There are also many opportunities to upgrade your skills, which can lead to better job opportunities. Depending on their agency and role, federal employees can access tuition assistance, leadership training, and specialized certifications to improve their career standing.
A Sense of Purpose
If you want to make a real difference, federal healthcare is the best industry for you. Unlike private institutions, government agencies like the VA and the DoD are all about mission work, focusing on service rather than just profit.
Federal healthcare professionals serve veterans, active-duty military personnel, and underserved communities, ensuring they receive the care they need at the highest quality possible. Whether helping a veteran recover or bringing care to rural communities, their work revolves around changing lives.
How to Build a Long-Term Federal Healthcare Career
The benefits of a federal healthcare job are always there. But to ensure you get their full long-term potential, you need to make smart career moves from the start and take advantage of growth opportunities along the way.
1. Define the Career You Want for the Long-Term
What kind of work do you see yourself doing in 10 years? Based on previous experiences, what are your strengths, passions, and goals? Before applying for a federal healthcare job, imagine or map out the vision for your career.
Having a plan from the start helps you make smarter career moves. Instead of taking random jobs, you can focus on applying for positions that bring you closer to your dream federal job.
Read More: Going Through Career Transitions: Shifting from Civilian Healthcare to Federal Role
2. Research Jobs and Agencies That Match Your Vision
As you look for federal healthcare job posts, think about your vision to help you filter the best options. Agencies like the VA, DoD, and USPHS have different focuses and environments. So, beyond browsing job posts, research the agencies through websites, news, and social media to see how well they match your career goals.
Here's a list of things you can check as you consider a job and the agency offering it:
The populations they serve: Are they active-duty military, veterans, low-income families, or rural and isolated communities?
The agency’s mission: Is it disaster response or supporting veterans and their families' health?
The types of work arrangements: Will it have flexible schedules, on-site positions, or overseas travel opportunities?
Opportunities for advancement: Are there opportunities for leadership roles, specialization, or benefits related to continuing education?
3. Tailor Your Applications Based on Federal Standards
Federal job applications are different from the usual hiring process. For instance, government agencies often prefer thorough descriptions of work experiences while using an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to scan resumes. So, you have to write as detailed as possible while using keywords from federal job posts.
Also, federal hiring timelines vary. Emergency roles may fill fast, while senior positions can take months due to extensive reviews and background checks. To stay on top of strict timelines, it helps to learn the schedules and deadlines for applications. Successfully navigate your application process by reading recruitment instructions carefully on USAJOBS.gov, agency websites, and federal hiring guides.
4. Earn Certifications for Career Growth
Certifications can set you apart in federal healthcare, whether you’re just entering the field or aiming for a higher position. Employers see candidates with certifications as more skilled and prepared for the job. Likewise, certifications can help seasoned professionals rank up or move into specialized fields.
Certifications usually involve specialized training, working hours, and exams to prove expertise in a specific area. For example, the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) allows medical professionals to specialize in anesthesia care in federal hospitals after thousands of hours of clinical training, exams, and other requirements.⁴
Read More: How Professional Certifications Can Accelerate Your Federal Health Care Career Growth
5. Build Connections with Senior Professionals
Building relationships with those who know more about your desired field is key to advancing your career. This includes colleagues, mentors, directors, direct supervisors, and even instructors from your training or certifications. These connections can provide valuable insights, offer career advice, and sometimes even open doors for promotions or new roles.
To build these relationships, consider attending industry events, joining internal committees, or scheduling regular check-ins with mentors to stay connected. Even a simple coffee chat can strengthen your network and get you closer to your dream federal healthcare job.
Read More: Advancing Your Career in Federal Healthcare Through Mentorship and Networking Connections
6. Work With a Staffing Firm That Specializes in Federal Healthcare
A good staffing firm specializing in federal healthcare can make your job search easier. They have direct connections with agencies, so they can match you with opportunities that align with your career vision, especially those not usually available in public.
They also know how federal hiring works, helping you move through the process faster. From polishing your resume to navigating interviews, they’ll make sure you’re on track with every requirement. Plus, they’ll help you handle the complicated parts of the recruitment process—background checks, security clearances, and contract details—so you can focus on landing the right job for your goals.
Find your purposeful, stable federal healthcare career with Matrix Providers.
We specialize in connecting healthcare professionals like you with meaningful, long-term federal opportunities that provide not just a job but a path to growth and security.
Matrix Providers helps you tailor your resume for federal standards, assists with background checks, and guides you through certifications. Our strong network across federal agencies connects you with roles that match your long-term goals.
Check our job openings or contact us today to begin fulfilling your vision in federal healthcare!
References:
U.S. Office of Personnel Management. "General Schedule (GS) Pay System." OPM.gov, www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/pay-systems/general-schedule/. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
U.S. Office of Personnel Management. "Federal Employee Compensation Package." OPM.gov, www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/pay-administration/fact-sheets/federal-employee-compensation-package/. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
DeSilver, Drew. "What the Data Says About Federal Workers." Pew Research Center, 7 Jan. 2025, www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/01/07/what-the-data-says-about-federal-workers/. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
"Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)." Cleveland Clinic, 24 Nov. 2021, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22561-nurse-anesthetist-crna.