Health System Specialist; Graduate Healthcare Administrative Training Program; GHATP Trainee

Summary

This position is being filled under the Pathways Recent Graduate Program. This program provides recent graduates with work experience directly related to their degree and career goals while offering eligibility for conversion to permanent employment upon completion of the program requirements.  for more information about the Department of Veterans Affairs's Recent Graduate Program.

To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement:03/12/2026. RECENT GRADUATE REQUIREMENT:
The Pathways Recent Graduates Program is open to recent graduates who are legally permitted to work in the U.S. To be eligible.. You must have obtained one of the following qualifying degrees - certificate - career - or technical education programs: associates - bachelors - masters - professional - doctoral - or technical/vocational degree or certificate (which may include Registered Apprenticeship Programs - Job Corps - Climate Corps - Ameri Corps - and Peace Corps) from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two years.

Preference eligible veterans who were precluded from applying due to their military service obligation begin their 2-year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty. Eligibility for these veterans cannot exceed 6 years from the date on which the degree (certification and/or career/technical program) was completed.

Education:

Must possess a Master or equivalent graduate degree or two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree - or LL.B or J.D.

- with courses related to the duties of this position. (Transcript(s) must be submitted) Preferred candidates will possess a degree from a program approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) - the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) - the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) - the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) - National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) or the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

AND Provide a Statement of

Purpose:

Explain how you believe the VHA Health Systems Management Trainee Program will assist you in further defining your primary personal and/or professional life goals. Why is now the best time for you to pursue this training? Your explanation should include - but not necessarily be limited to - a description of both your intermediate and longer-term career goals - as well as a current vision of your desired position upon program completion.

Please limit your response to no more than 4000 characters. AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT:
You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:
Specialized Experience (GS-9):
You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-7 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include - but are not limited to:
Qualifying specialized experience is defined as knowledge of analytical and investigative techniques concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of work operations carried out by administrative personnel - or substantive administrative support functions within a service line of a medical center related to preparing and coordinating budget - staff - and project papers and reports. Knowledge of programs and functions in a service line of a medical center obtained through health care administration master-level degree work or specialized experience to generate findings and recommendations for improvement in planning and management.

Skill in inter-personal relationships to present staffing recommendations and negotiate solutions to disputed recommendations. OR

Education:

Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in hospital administration - public health administration - or related fields such as business or public administration with course work in health care administration.

OR Combining

Education & Experience:

Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. Equivalent combinations of successfully completed graduate-level education (beyond 18 semester hours) as described above. Specialized Experience (GS-11):
You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-9 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include - but are not limited to:
Qualifying specialized experience is defined as knowledge of analytical and investigative techniques concerning the efficiency and…