VA Pharmacist Jobs Ottumwa IA Kirksville MO | Apply Now

VA Pharmacist Jobs Ottumwa IA-Kirksville MO: Your Complete Guide to VA Pharmacy Careers

VA pharmacist positions serving the Ottumwa, IA, and Kirksville, MO, area are primarily available through the Iowa City VA Health Care System, which manages community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) and telehealth services across the region. The VA employs approximately 7,300 pharmacists nationwide and offers robust training programs, competitive federal benefits, and the unique advantage of practicing in any VA facility across all 50 states with a single state license . For veterans seeking pharmacist roles in this region, the Iowa City VA Medical Center serves as the hub, with opportunities at outpatient clinics and through the VA Pharmacy Residency Program .

Quick Facts

What Is a VA Pharmacist Career?

A VA pharmacist is a licensed healthcare professional who provides comprehensive medication management and pharmacy services to America’s veterans. VA pharmacists are recognized as Veterans Health Administration (VHA) healthcare providers and operate with a high degree of autonomy across inpatient acute care and outpatient clinic settings .

What It Is

The VA pharmacy profession involves promoting wellness, preventing and managing diseases, and ensuring patient safety through medication expertise. VA pharmacists collaborate with physicians and other providers to optimize drug therapy and improve patient outcomes .

Who Qualifies

To qualify for VA pharmacist positions, you must meet these basic requirements :

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen

• Education: Graduate of an ACPE-accredited College or School of Pharmacy (Pharm.D. or B.S. Pharmacy)

• Licensure: Full, current, unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia

• English Proficiency: Proficient in spoken and written English

Foreign Graduates: Must provide proof of achieving Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Commission (FPGEC) Certification, including passing the FPGEE and TOEFL iBT .

Graduate Pharmacist Exception: Non-licensed pharmacists who otherwise meet eligibility may receive a temporary appointment for up to 2 years under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist .

Why It Matters

VA pharmacy careers offer:

• Flexibility: Practice in any VA location nationwide with a single state license 

• Impact: Serve those who served our country

• Professional Growth: Largest pharmacy residency training program in the country 

• Job Security: Federal employment with comprehensive benefits

What Veterans Should Do Next

If you are a veteran pharmacist or transitioning service member with pharmacy credentials:

1. Create a USAJOBS account and upload your resume

2. Search for “Pharmacist” and “Veterans Affairs” positions

3. Claim veteran preference by submitting your DD-214

4. Apply early—federal positions can take 1-3 months to process

Current VA Pharmacist Opportunities

Iowa City VA Health Care System (Hub for Ottumwa and Kirksville Region)

The Iowa City VA Medical Center, located at 601 Highway 6 West, Iowa City, IA 52246, is the primary VA facility serving the Ottumwa and Kirksville areas . The facility’s pharmacy provides both inpatient and outpatient services, including a Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy (CMOP) .

Pharmacist (Clinical Pharmacy Specialist) – Ambulatory Care

This position is based at the Iowa City VAMC and serves primary care and specialty medicine clinics .

Key Details:

• Grade Level: GS-12

• Salary: ~$127,000/year

• Location: Iowa City, IA (on-site)

Responsibilities Include:

• Comprehensive medication management for complex chronic disease patients

• Anticoagulation management

• Formulary management

• Weight loss therapy

• Documenting recommendations and interventions 

Clinical Pharmacy Specialist (Primary Care) – West Plains, MO

This position serves the West Plains CBOC, which may be relevant to veterans living in the Kirksville, MO, area .

Key Details:

• Salary Range: $136,478 – $177,424/year

• Location: West Plains, MO (on-site)

• Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) assignment

• Telework: Ad-hoc

Responsibilities Include :

• Chronic disease state management

• Medication therapy management

• Initiating, modifying, and monitoring pharmaceutical care plans

• Ordering lab tests to monitor therapy

• Direct patient care through face-to-face, telephone, and video visits

Iowa City VA Pharmacy Residency Programs

The Iowa City VAHCS offers PGY1 and PGY2 pharmacy residency programs. One in every eight clinically trained pharmacists in the U.S. is trained at a VA facility .

PGY1 Residency: Builds upon Pharm.D. education to develop pharmacist practitioners skilled in diverse patient care, practice management, leadership, and education .

Training Sites: Iowa City VA Medical Center, Iowa City VA Outpatient Clinics, and affiliated community-based outpatient clinics .

How to Apply for VA Pharmacist Jobs

Step 1: Create a USAJOBS Account

All federal VA positions are posted on USAJOBS.gov . Create a complete profile and upload your resume.

Step 2: Understand Veteran Preference

Eligible veterans should claim preference:

• 5-point preference (TP): Served during a war or campaign

• 10-point preference (CP/CPS/XP): Disabled veterans and certain other groups

• Sole Survivor Preference (SSP): Parent or sibling died in service

Note: VA pharmacy positions are in the Excepted Service and do not confer competitive status, but veterans’ preference still applies .

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

For VA pharmacist applications, you will need :

• Resume: Use the VA’s standard Clinical Resume Document (available on VA Careers website)

• License: Proof of current, unrestricted pharmacy license

• Transcripts: From ACPE-accredited pharmacy school

• DD-214: For veteran preference

• SF-15: For 10-point disabled veteran preference (if applicable)

Step 4: Apply Online

Submit your application through USAJOBS.gov. Ensure all documents are uploaded before the deadline.

Step 5: Complete Pre-Employment Requirements

VA pharmacist positions require :

• Background/security investigation

• Pre-employment physical examination

• Urinalysis for illegal drug use (for testing-designated positions)

• Seasonal influenza vaccination (for healthcare personnel)

Note: The VA prohibits requesting criminal history prior to making a tentative job offer under the Fair Chance to Compete Act .

Pharmacist Salary Information in Iowa

Based on reported salaries from current and past VA pharmacy positions in Iowa :

Note: Salary figures are approximations based on third-party submissions and may vary by location, experience, and grade level.

VA Pharmacy Services and Facilities

Iowa City VA Medical Center Pharmacy

The Iowa City VAMC pharmacy provides comprehensive services:

Outpatient Pharmacy

• Location: Room 1W101, Iowa City campus

• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT

• Services: Prescription pickup, medication counseling 

Prescription Refills

• Online: VA Prescription Refill and Tracking tool

• Phone: 319-338-0581, ext. 635107; toll-free 855-560-1720

• Mail: Return refill request form with your prescription order

• Order refills at least 10 days before your supply runs out 

Medication Disposal: MedSafe boxes are available at the Outpatient Pharmacy for safe disposal of expired or unwanted medications .

Federal Pharmacy Benefits for Pharmacist Employees

VA pharmacist employees receive comprehensive federal benefits:

• Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB)

• Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)

• Thrift Savings Plan with government matching

• Annual and sick leave

• 11 paid holidays

• Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) 

VA Pharmacy Residency Program Details

Why Complete a VA Pharmacy Residency?

• Scale: One of the largest residency training programs in the country with over 230 programs nationwide 

• Specialty Areas: Cardiology, psychiatric, oncology pharmacy, and more 

• Direct Patient Care: Extensive experience in preparation for advanced clinical practice

• Board Certification: Prepares residents for BCPS and other certifications 

Iowa City VA Residency Program

The Iowa City VAHCS PGY1 residency program :

• Builds upon Pharm.D. education and outcomes

• Develops practitioners in diverse patient care, practice management, leadership, and education

• Prepares residents for board certification and advanced training

Current Residents include Pharm.D. graduates from the University of Iowa, Drake University, and other programs .

How to Apply to VA Pharmacy Residencies

Applications are processed through the ASHP Residency Showcase and the VA’s pharmacy residency program. Contact the Iowa City VA Health Care System directly for application deadlines and requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not claiming veteran preference – Submit your DD-214 to get hiring priority

2. Missing licensing deadlines – Ensure your license is current and unrestricted before applying

3. Incomplete applications – Upload all required documents (resume, transcripts, license)

4. Ignoring the grade level requirements – GS-12 positions require 1 year of experience at GS-11 level or completion of an ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program 

5. Not preparing for pre-employment screening – Background checks and physicals are required

6. Failing to apply for EDRP – Eligible positions offer up to $200,000 in student loan repayment 

What Changes Each Year for VA Pharmacy Careers

Annual Checklist for VA Pharmacist Job Seekers

1. Update your USAJOBS resume – Keep it current with your experience

2. Renew your license – Ensure it remains active and unrestricted

3. Check for new job postings – VA positions are posted continuously

4. Monitor application status – Track through your USAJOBS account

5. Review EDRP eligibility – If you have student loans, check if your position qualifies

Local Resources for Veteran Employment

Iowa City VA Medical Center

Location: 601 Highway 6 West, Iowa City, IA 52246 
Phone: 319-338-0581 (local); 800-637-0128 (toll-free)
Pharmacy: 319-338-0581, ext. 635107; 855-560-1720 (toll-free from outside Iowa City) 

Iowa City VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinics

VA pharmacy positions may also be available at CBOCs serving Ottumwa and Kirksville. Contact the Iowa City VA for current openings at regional clinics.

Veterans Service Organizations

• Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

• American Legion

• VFW

These organizations can assist with claims and benefits questions.

Common Questions

How do I find VA pharmacist jobs in the Ottumwa-Kirksville area?

Search USAJOBS.gov using keywords like “Pharmacist” and “Veterans Affairs” with location “Iowa City, IA.” The Iowa City VA Health Care System serves the Ottumwa and Kirksville areas through its network of community-based outpatient clinics and telehealth services.

What qualifications do I need for a VA pharmacist position?

You need U.S. citizenship, a Pharm.D. or B.S. Pharmacy degree from an ACPE-accredited school, a full current unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in any U.S. state or territory, and English proficiency. GS-12 positions require 1 year of experience at GS-11 level or completion of an ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program .

Can I practice at any VA facility with one license?

Yes. Thanks to federal policy, VA pharmacists can practice in any VA location nationwide with a single state license .

How much do VA pharmacists make in Iowa?

Reported salaries for VA pharmacy positions in Iowa include Clinical Pharmacist (~$175,895), Pharmacist (~$143,434), and Pharmacy Technician (~$69,073). These figures are approximations based on third-party data .

What is the VA Pharmacy Residency Program?

The VA has one of the largest pharmacy residency training programs in the country, with over 230 programs nationwide. One in eight clinically trained pharmacists is trained at a VA facility. Specialties include cardiology, psychiatric, and oncology pharmacy .

Does the VA offer student loan repayment for pharmacists?

Yes. The Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) offers up to $200,000 in student loan repayment for eligible positions. A Clinical Pharmacist Specialist (Primary Care) position in West Plains, MO, recently offered EDRP eligibility .

Do I need to be a veteran to work as a VA pharmacist?

No. While the VA actively recruits veterans and provides hiring preference, all qualified U.S. citizens can apply. Some positions may specifically require military experience for veteran-focused roles .

How long does the VA hiring process take?

The VA hiring process typically takes 1-3 months from application to interview, plus additional time for pre-employment requirements including background checks and physical examinations.

Can I work remotely as a VA pharmacist?

Some positions offer ad-hoc telework or telehealth options, but most pharmacy positions are on-site at VA medical centers or clinics. The Clinical Pharmacy Specialist (Primary Care) in West Plains, MO, offers ad-hoc telework .

What documents do I need to apply for a VA pharmacist job?

You need a resume (use the VA Clinical Resume Document), proof of license, transcripts from your pharmacy school, DD-214 (for veteran preference), and SF-15 (for 10-point disabled veteran preference) .

What is the difference between GS-11 and GS-12 pharmacist positions?

GS-11 positions are entry-level, while GS-12 is the full performance level. For GS-12, you must have 1 year of experience at GS-11 level or have completed an ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program .

Are there pharmacy technician jobs at the VA in Iowa?

Yes. The VA employs pharmacy technicians with reported salaries of approximately $69,073/year in Iowa. Check USAJOBS.gov for current pharmacy technician postings .

Key Takeaways

• VA pharmacist positions serving the Ottumwa, IA, and Kirksville, MO, area are based at the Iowa City VA Health Care System (601 Highway 6 West, Iowa City, IA) 

• VA employs about 7,300 pharmacists nationwide and offers practice across all 50 states with a single state license 

• Basic qualifications: U.S. citizenship, ACPE-accredited pharmacy degree, full unrestricted license, English proficiency 

• Estimated Iowa VA pharmacist salaries: Clinical Pharmacist ~$175,895; Pharmacist ~$143,434 

• Veteran preference is available—claim it by submitting your DD-214

• The VA Pharmacy Residency Program has over 230 programs nationwide; 1 in 8 clinically trained pharmacists trained at VA 

• EDRP offers up to $200,000 in student loan repayment for eligible positions

• Non-licensed graduate pharmacists may receive temporary appointments for up to 2 years 

• Applications are submitted through USAJOBS.gov

• Pre-employment requirements include background investigation, physical examination, and vaccination compliance