Almost a quarter of all Veterans in the United States — 4.7 million — return from active military careers to reside in rural communities. At VA, we work to meet these Veterans where they live, and promote opportunities to find happy homes in these rural communities around the country.
These rural communities offer many benefits. You may find an opportunity to be closer to family and friends, or enjoy a greater sense of privacy. Perhaps the lower cost of living or even the allure of open space appeals to you.
Today, we head to the Midwest and into the Hoosier State to explore Marion VA Medical Center in Marion, Indiana.
Marion VA Medical Center
Located on 144 park-like acres in southeastern Marion, the Marion VA Medical Center is part of the VA Northern Indiana Health Care System. This modern facility provides quality care to Veterans, as it has for over a century.
Owing to the region’s natural gas supply, and with the support of Congressman George W. Steele Sr., the facility’s construction began in 1888, and opened in 1890 to support the growing number of aging Civil War Veterans who needed assistance.
With its amazing history of caring for Veterans, the facility was added to the National Register of Historic Places on Jan. 9, 2013. Today, Marion VA is a general medicine and surgery teaching hospital with state-of-the-art technology that provides a full range of health services for Veterans.
Marion VA is also a hub of education and research, developing VA scientists and health care leaders who advance health care innovation for Veterans and the nation. The facility offers residencies in many medical and surgical specialties and subspecialties, including a post-baccalaureate nursing residency program.
Marion, Indiana
Marion, Indiana, was founded in 1831 by Martin Boots and David Branson who each donated 30 acres of land to develop a city by the flowing Mississinewa River. The city was named after Revolutionary War general Francis Marion.
While the community developed slowly, relying first on agricultural trading, farming, and foresting, the discovery of a huge supply of natural gas in the 1880s created the Gas Boom. This drastically propelled growth and impacted the course of industry and economy throughout the region.
Modern Marion is a small city of about 28,000 people, and is home to many innovative businesses, resourceful non-profit organizations, and hard-working citizens. Located in Grant County, in the heart of Indiana, the city offers low tax rates and a low cost of living.
Marion and the surrounding region offer many quality-of-life amenities, with easy access to outdoor activities like camping, hiking, biking, canoeing, and more. For indoor types, the region boasts museums, art galleries, plenty of specialty shopping, and even a roller rink that has been in operation for more than 70 years.
As the birthplace of James Dean, Marion supports a thriving car and motorcycle culture that echoes the legendary actor’s style and flare. Throughout the warmer weather months, classic automobiles are on display, so no matter what era, make or model you prefer, you will discover the cars and the owners who share your passion.
Marion is also the birthplace of another “cool cat” in cartoonist Jim Davis, the man who created Garfield. In fact, Marion is home to the first stop on the Garfield Trail, which takes you on a historic tour of the region courtesy of America’s favorite lasagna-loving cat.
Jobs at Marion VA Medical Center
Marion VA Medical Center maintains 55 acute care beds and operates a 60-bed community living center. Our team there provides primary care and specialty health services, including mental health care, addiction and substance abuse treatment, cardiology, diabetes care, treatment for spinal cord injuries and disorders, vascular surgery, and more.
Right now, there are jobs available for:
Work at VA
Find a community that’s right for you, and help us promote the health and well-being of rural Veterans with a career at VA.
- LEARN more about our work with rural Veterans.
- EXPLORE the benefits of working at VA.
- SEARCH for your new career.
NOTE: Positions listed in this post were open at the time of publication. All current available positions are listed at USAJOBS.gov.
