Explore how your federal experience as a Medical Support Assistance (GS-0679) 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Medical Receptionist, Patient Services Representative, Clinical Administrative Assistant | Manage patient scheduling, greet patients upon arrival, handle phone inquiries, and maintain accurate patient records. | $35,000 - $47,000 |
| 5-7 | Medical Office Coordinator, Healthcare Administrative Assistant, Clinical Support Specialist | Coordinate patient care services, assist in medical office management tasks, provide patient education and support, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain medical records. | $47,000 - $60,000 |
| 8-9 | Healthcare Operations Coordinator, Senior Medical Office Administrator, Clinical Operations Specialist | Oversee daily operations of health services, implement administrative policies, manage staff scheduling, and analyze patient data to improve service delivery. | $60,000 - $80,000 |
| 10-11 | Health Services Manager, Clinical Services Supervisor, Healthcare Program Manager | Develop and oversee clinical service programs, manage budgets, ensure compliance with health regulations, and mentor junior staff in administrative duties. | $80,000 - $100,000 |
| 12-13 | Director of Clinical Operations, Senior Healthcare Manager, Healthcare Compliance Director | Lead strategic planning for healthcare services, ensure quality assurance and compliance, direct clinical staff training, and liaise with external agencies for program evaluation. | $100,000 - $130,000 |
| 14-15 | Chief Operations Officer (Healthcare), Vice President of Clinical Services, Senior Director of Healthcare Operations | Create and implement organizational strategy for healthcare delivery, oversee multiple departments, drive operational efficiency, and ensure alignment with organizational goals and patient care standards. | $130,000 - $180,000 |
| SES | Chief Executive Officer (Healthcare), Executive Vice President of Operations, Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services | Drive innovation and transformation in healthcare services, establish long-term organizational vision, represent the institution in external affairs, and ensure financial health while overseeing comprehensive health management strategies. | $180,000 - $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 credential demonstrates proficiency in clinical and administrative tasks core to the medical assistance field, similar to the responsibilities of the GS-0679 series. This certification is recognized by employers in the civilian sector and can open doors to roles in healthcare facilities, emphasizing your ability to handle patient care and office management responsibilities.
Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
Earning the RMA certification reflects a deep understanding of medical assistance procedures, making candidates more competitive for civilian roles post-federal service. This certification indicates a commitment to ongoing professional development and enhances your resume, particularly in medical offices and clinics that values recognized qualifications.
Electronic Health Records (EHR) Certification
With healthcare rapidly transitioning to electronic records management, EHR certification equips professionals with the necessary skills to manage patient information efficiently, an essential aspect of the GS-0679 role. This credential is advantageous in civilian jobs, as medical facilities increasingly seek staff versed in digital record-keeping processes.
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
Acquiring BLS certification showcases your preparedness to respond to medical emergencies, a vital aspect of medical support assistance. This credential is highly regarded in civilian healthcare settings and can enhance your employability in hospitals and urgent care facilities.
Medical Billing and Coding Certification (e.g., CPC, CCS)
A certification in medical billing and coding offers a strong foundation in healthcare reimbursement processes, which can be beneficial in medical administrative roles. This knowledge supports your capability in managing patient records and billing, making you an asset in various civilian healthcare environments.
Patient Care Technician (PCT) Certification
The PCT certification emphasizes essential patient care skills that parallel the responsibilities of medical support assistants, such as monitoring vital signs and assisting with daily living activities. This certification provides a competitive edge in entry-level healthcare positions, showcasing your readiness to engage directly with patients.
Healthcare Management Certificate
A certificate in healthcare management equips professionals with insights into operational aspects of healthcare settings, including compliance, budgeting, and staff management. This education can help smooth the transition for those in the GS-0679 series seeking leadership positions within civilian healthcare organizations.
Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration
A Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration provides comprehensive knowledge of healthcare systems, policies, and management practices, making candidates more appealing to civilian employers in healthcare roles. It enhances your understanding of the broader health sector, preparing you for advancement opportunities in healthcare management.
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 Medical Support Assistance role to a private sector job can be a rewarding journey, but it often requires you to adjust your mindset, update your resume, refine your interview skills, and leverage your network effectively. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make this change smoothly and successfully.
Embrace Change: Adapting to the private sector often means a different work environment. Instead of a bureaucratic culture, you might find a more dynamic and fast-paced atmosphere. Stay open-minded and welcome the challenge of learning new processes and systems.
Value Flexibility: In the private sector, roles may shift more rapidly based on market demands. Embrace a flexible mindset that allows you to adapt quickly to new workflows or team structures. This might differ from the more stable nature of federal employment.
Outcome Orientation: Federal positions can sometimes focus heavily on process and compliance. In the private sector, there is often more emphasis on results and outcomes. Be prepared to quantify your contributions and illustrate how your actions directly impact company goals.
Translate Your Skills: To make your federal experience resonate with private sector employers, translate federal jargon into terms that are easily understood. For example:
Highlight Transferable Skills: Focus on your skills that are valuable across sectors, such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and customer service. Demonstrate how you’ve utilized these skills in your federal role to improve processes or outcomes..
Achievements Over Duties: Use bullet points to emphasize achievements rather than listing duties. For instance, if you implemented a new patient scheduling system that reduced wait times, quantify the reduction in wait times and mention the impact on overall patient experience.
Format Matters: Keep your resume format clean and professional. Use headings to separate sections, bullet points for lists, and clear fonts for readability. Make sure your resume is one page if you have less than 10 years of experience, or two pages maximum.
Prepare Your Story: Be ready to articulate your experiences and achievements clearly. Use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses to behavioral interview questions. This method helps convey your thought process and problem-solving abilities effectively.
Research Companies: Understand the companies you apply to—know their mission, values, and what they look for in an employee. During interviews, align your answers to their culture and needs.
Practice Common Questions: Prepare for common interview questions, such as:
Conduct mock interviews with a friend or career coach to gain confidence and receive constructive feedback.
Leverage Existing Contacts: Reach out to colleagues, former coworkers, or supervisors who have transitioned to the private sector. Ask for informational interviews to learn about their experiences and seek advice.
Join Professional Networks: Organizations such as the American Medical Association or local medical support associations can provide networking opportunities. Attending events or online forums can help you meet individuals in the industry and uncover job openings.
Utilize LinkedIn: Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your intent to transition. Engage with industry groups, share relevant articles, and connect with professionals in your target field. Don’t be afraid to reach out with a personalized request for connection explaining your transition and interest in their work.
Seek Informational Interviews: Request meetings with professionals in your desired field to gain insights. Prepare thoughtful questions about their job responsibilities and the skills needed to succeed. This not only improves your understanding but can lead to referrals to job openings.
Use Business Language: Simplify and adjust your terminology. Instead of "coordinating with legislative bodies," you could say "collaborating with stakeholders to achieve organizational goals." Always aim to use language that speaks directly to the business outcomes and value.
Identify Marketable Skills: Highlight skills gained from your federal job that are relevant in the private sector, such as:
Transitioning from a federal medical support assistance role to a private sector job can be challenging, but it's also a wonderful opportunity for growth and change. Stay positive, proactive, and persistent. With the right mindset, clear communication, and a focused strategy, you can successfully navigate this transition and find a fulfilling new career path.