Certain positions within the VA health care system require specialized knowledge that can only be obtained through a two-year internship in the VA Technical Career Field (TCF) Program. These full-time internships include salary, benefits, training, and travel.

Biomedical Engineer	Human Resources Management
Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist	Industrial Hygiene
Boiler Plant Operator	Inventory Management
Chief Business Office	Office of Health Information
Environmental Engineer	Office of Information and Technology
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Master's Program	Prosthetic Representative
Finance	Public Affairs
General Engineer	Safety Specialist
Health Information Management	Voluntary Management

Training for these internships is accomplished under experienced VA professionals known as preceptors. Chosen for their technical expertise and commitment to training, preceptors go through a lengthy application and screening process.

During the final year of training, preceptors work with interns to find a position that best fits their skills, needs, and circumstances. With more than 150 medical centers and hundreds of clinics nationwide, it is possible that you will need to relocate for a position. All interns are asked to sign a mobility statement before entering the TCF Program. If relocation is necessary for permanent placement, VA pays for moving expenses.

VHA offers a designated number of TCF Program positions each year, for 2013 there are 287 positions available. Job opportunities will be posted at various times in various locations (April -September); there is not one set date for job announcements at all locations. Selected locations are at this link, keep an eye out on www.vacareers.va.gov for specific job postings and instructions for applying online for individual positions. To find job postings, go directly to the Job Search feature at http://www.vacareers.va.gov/job-search/index.asp. From there you can search by Keyword (i.e., TCF, Pathways Recent Graduate), Occupation or Location.

Individuals selected for positions will begin working after June 2 but no later than September 30, 2013. Selection of participants follows the Federal government’s Office of Personnel Management (OPM) hiring standards. Applicants can be hired at the 5 or 7 level (GS-9 only for the Master Level participants), salary tables can be viewed on the OPM website at http://www.opm.gov/oca/11tables/index.asp. Beginning grades can vary across the country and are typically dependent on education level and experience in the field of interest.

For general information about TCF contact VHATCFProgramManager@va.gov.