Explore how your federal experience as a Health Aid And Technician (GS-0640) translates into civilian opportunities — including salary comparisons, transferable skills, certifications, and top employers.
Understand how your GS level aligns with common corporate roles, responsibilities, and compensation. This helps frame your experience in terms that civilian employers recognize.
| GS Level Group | Corporate Titles | Responsibilities | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-0640 levels 1-4 | Health Care Assistant, Medical Aide, Patient Care Technician | Assist in basic patient care activities, help patients with daily living tasks, maintain cleanliness and organization in patient areas, and support nursing staff with documentation of patient information. | $30,000 - $40,000 |
| GS-0640 levels 5-7 | Medical Assistant, Health Services Coordinator, Clinical Technician | Perform clinical tasks, such as taking vital signs, administering basic treatments, scheduling patient appointments, and providing information to patients about procedures and medications. | $40,000 - $55,000 |
| GS-0640 levels 8-9 | Health Services Manager, Clinical Operations Specialist, Quality Assurance Coordinator | Oversee the operational aspects of health services delivery, manage health care personnel schedules, ensure compliance with health regulations, and coordinate between departments to improve patient care processes. | $55,000 - $70,000 |
| GS-0640 levels 10-11 | Health Program Manager, Clinical Director, Patient Care Administrator | Develop and implement health programs, manage staff training and supervision, monitor budget and expenditures, and analyze health service outcomes for quality improvement. | $70,000 - $90,000 |
| GS-0640 levels 12-13 | Director of Health Services, Clinical Operations Director, Healthcare Quality Improvement Consultant | Lead strategic initiatives related to health services delivery, analyze complex health care data to drive policy changes, collaborate with executive leadership on organizational improvements, and enforce standards for patient safety and satisfaction. | $90,000 - $120,000 |
| GS-0640 levels 14-15 | Vice President of Patient Care Services, Regional Healthcare Director, Chief Clinical Officer | Establish organization-wide health strategies, oversee multiple departments or facilities, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and drive innovation in health service models to enhance patient care quality. | $120,000 - $160,000 |
| GS-0640 SES | Chief Executive Officer - Health Sector, Senior Vice President of Health Services, Executive Director of Healthcare Systems | Steer the overall vision and strategy for health service organizations, engage with stakeholders to shape health policies, optimize performance across services, and ensure sustainable operations and growth. | $160,000 - $250,000 |
Highlight the skills you've developed in federal service that directly apply to private sector roles. These core strengths help you stand out in interviews and on resumes.
Explore certifications and academic paths that enhance your value in the civilian job market. These credentials can bridge gaps and validate your expertise to employers.
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
The CMA certification demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of clinical and administrative skills in medical settings, which directly aligns with the duties performed by a Health Aid and Technician. Acquiring this credential can enhance employability in civilian roles within healthcare facilities, offering a competitive edge over those without formal recognition.
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
The BLS certification is crucial for health aides and technicians, as it validates the ability to respond to emergencies effectively, a common requirement in civilian healthcare jobs. It reassures potential employers of the candidate's readiness to handle critical situations involving patient care.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Earning the CNA certification showcases foundational patient care skills, making transitioning from a federal Health Aid and Technician role smoother into civilian nursing environments. This credential is widely recognized in hospitals and long-term care facilities, enhancing job prospects significantly.
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Certification
The PTCB certification equips Health Aid and Technicians with essential skills relevant to pharmacy practice, providing an avenue for employment in retail and hospital pharmacies. It also demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and further education in the health sector.
Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
Pursuing the RHIT credential allows former Health Aids and Technicians to specialize in health information management, which is increasingly important in the civilian sector. This certification aids in understanding electronic health records and compliance, critically needed in today's health systems.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification
An EMT certification adds significant value for those transitioning from federal Health Aid and Technician roles, as it provides advanced patient care skills, particularly in emergency situations. This credential opens up many opportunities in ambulance services, hospitals, and urgent care centers in the civilian realm.
First Aid/CPR Certification
Obtaining a First Aid/CPR certification is essential for demonstrating preparedness for common health emergencies, enhancing the practicality of a Health Aid and Technician’s skills in civilian healthcare settings. It is often a prerequisite for many healthcare support roles, thereby increasing job eligibility.
Medical Billing and Coding Certificate
Completing a Medical Billing and Coding program can pivot a career from hands-on patient care to the administrative side of healthcare, expanding employment options for individuals coming from the Health Aid and Technician background. Familiarity with medical terminology and codes enhances efficiency in various medical settings.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Certification
Acquiring OSHA certification signifies a commitment to workplace safety standards, which is crucial in many healthcare environments. This knowledge not only improves workplace safety but also boosts a candidate's profile when applying for roles that prioritize compliance and safety management.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification
The ACLS certification prepares former Health Aids and Technicians to manage acute cardiovascular emergencies, making them more competitive for specialized positions in healthcare facilities. Many hospitals require this certification for certain roles, increasing job prospects significantly.
See which companies and industries commonly hire professionals with your background. Use this insight to focus your job search and tailor your applications.
Get practical strategies to navigate the shift from federal to private sector work. Learn how to present your experience and avoid common transition pitfalls.
Stay informed on how your field is evolving and where opportunities are growing. These trends can guide your next steps and help you future-proof your career.
Transitioning from a federal government role, such as a GS-0640 Health Aid and Technician, to the private sector can be both exciting and daunting. It involves navigating a new job market, understanding the language of private sector employers, and effectively marketing your skills and experiences. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you with this transition, including key mindset shifts, practical resume and interview tips, networking strategies, and ways to translate your federal experience.
Recognize Your Value: Your experience as a Health Aid and Technician in a federal capacity has equipped you with valuable skills such as patient care, attention to detail, teamwork, and adherence to protocols. Embrace the belief that your background is not only relevant but highly desirable in the private sector.
Be Open to Learning: The private sector often employs different processes and terminologies. Cultivate a mindset of adaptability; be prepared to learn and embrace change.
View Yourself as a Problem-Solver: Many private sector roles look for candidates who can address challenges and improve efficiencies. Frame your experiences in the federal sector as opportunities where you developed solutions and navigated complex situations.
Shift from Security to Opportunity: Federal jobs often come with a sense of job security. Transitioning to a private sector job involves risk. Focus on the opportunities, growth potential, and dynamic work environments that the private sector can offer.