Top 10 reasons to work at a rural VA 

1. The best patients — Veterans! 

With almost a quarter of all U.S. Veterans living in rural communities, you’ll have the opportunity to work with the best patients and help bridge the gap in access to health care.

2. Strong rural values

There is a strong sense of community in rural areas. You could use your relocation as a chance to move closer to family and rediscover your roots. You will also enjoy a lower cost of living, more space, access to nature, and smaller caseloads, meaning more time with your patients. 

3. The mission to serve America

We are united to deliver on President Lincoln’s promise to honor and care for the brave men and women across America who put their lives on the line to protect our country. 

4. The nation’s largest health care system

Each year, we serve over 9 million Veterans in more than 1,300 health care facilities throughout all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and some U.S. territories. Learn more about 17 high-need facilities in rural communities. 

5. Innovation and cutting-edge technology

Our rural facilities offer state-of-the-art tools, including speech-recognition capabilities, virtual technologies, mobile devices, and renowned knowledge-based resources. 

6. Education support

We offer a broad range of scholarships, tuition reimbursement, and loan repayment programs, as well as other educational opportunities to help you in your lifelong quest for learning. 

7. Exceptional career benefits

You will receive generous vacation and personal leave, including 13-26 paid days off, 13 sick days, and 11 paid federal holidays. We’ll help you plan for the future with access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), life insurance, and long-term care insurance.  Get protection from malpractice lawsuits, at no cost to you, under federal tort laws. You can even benefit from on-site childcare in some locations.  

8. Team-based, patient-focused

Never carry a caseload alone. At VA, our dedicated professionals work together in Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT) to coordinate Veteran care and promote total health and wellness. We integrate across the continuum of care — including providing mental health care in clinical practice and embedding clinical pharmacists in primary care — so your team will be there every step of the way. 

9. Live and work anywhere

One active, unrestricted state license allows you to practice in any VA facility nationwide. Wherever life may lead, you can seek employment at any facility with an open position and transfer with no loss of benefits. With our integrated system, you’re free to explore new areas of career development and pursue opportunities anywhere within VA. 

10. Leadership training

We offer ongoing internal training opportunities to employees at all employment levels, from mandatory developmental programs to competitive opportunities. Through our Leadership Development Framework (LDF), targeted learning and development resources support you in both your career and at home. 

Rural jobs

Want to get started on your journey to a rural VA career?

Learn more about rural jobs