Veterans Hospital Jobs in Columbus, GA: The Short Answer
Veterans hospital jobs in Columbus, GA are primarily available through the Robert S. Poydasheff VA Clinic, an outpatient facility at 6910 River Road that is part of the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS). Positions include physicians, physician assistants, registered nurses, social workers, medical support assistants, and police officers. All openings are posted on USAJOBS.gov.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Facility | Robert S. Poydasheff VA Clinic, 6910 River Road, Columbus, GA 31904 |
| Phone | 706-257-7200 |
| Healthcare System | Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) |
| Job Types | Clinical, administrative, support, and law enforcement |
| Application Portal | USAJOBS.gov |
| Salary Range | $28,000 (support) to $315,000+ (physician) |
| Key Benefit | Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) up to $200,000 |
| Veterans Preference | 5-point and 10-point preference applies to eligible veterans |
| Updated For | 2026 |
About the Robert S. Poydasheff VA Clinic
The Robert S. Poydasheff VA Clinic is a state-of-the-art outpatient facility providing primary care and a wide range of specialty health services including mental health services, laboratory services, and more for veterans. It is located at 6910 River Road, Columbus, GA 31904-2316. The main phone number is 706-257-7200.
The clinic opened in July 2022, replacing the older Community Based Outpatient Clinic on 13th Avenue. The 55,000-square-foot facility was named after former Columbus Mayor Robert S. Poydasheff, a retired Army colonel.
Part of a Larger Healthcare Network
The Poydasheff Clinic is part of the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS), a consolidated health care system that includes VA Medical Centers in Montgomery and Tuskegee, Alabama, as well as Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in Dothan, Monroeville, Fort Rucker, Montgomery, and Columbus. CAVHCS serves approximately 140,000 veterans across 43 counties in Alabama and western Georgia.
This network structure means that some positions based at the Columbus clinic may be formally assigned to the Central Alabama VA Medical Center, with duties that span multiple locations.
Other VA Facilities in the Columbus Area
In addition to the Poydasheff Clinic, VA facilities in the Columbus area include the Columbus Downtown VA Clinic at 2100 Comer Avenue and the Fort Benning VA Clinic. The Columbus Vet Center at 706-596-7170 provides confidential counseling services.
Types of Veterans Hospital Jobs in Columbus, GA
Veterans hospital jobs in Columbus, GA span clinical, administrative, support, and law enforcement roles. The VA offers jobs and career opportunities in many fields, including clinical, administrative, and support professions. Below is a breakdown of the most common job categories.
Physician and Physician Assistant Roles
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityPhysicians and physician assistants are among the highest-paid VA employees in Columbus. A Physician (Regular FT) position at the Poydasheff Clinic offers a salary range of $124,308 to $315,000 per year. This full-time, permanent position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which can provide up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.
A Physician Assistant (Orthopedics) position offers $88,000 to $140,000 per year and is an open continuous announcement until September 30, 2026. The primary purpose is to provide patient care services for veteran patients in outpatient and inpatient settings.
Key duties for physicians:
Primary care of a panel of primary care patients (male and female)
Comprehensive assessment, diagnostic work-up, and clinic intervention
Function as an integral part of a Primary Care multi-disciplinary team
Provide comprehensive patient assessment, health history, physical examination, and patient education
Basic requirements for physicians:
United States Citizenship (non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens)
Degree of doctor of medicine or an equivalent degree
Current, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in a U.S. state, territory, or Commonwealth
Completed residency training approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Proficiency in spoken and written English
Nursing Roles
Registered Nurse positions at the Columbus VA offer $60,761 to $112,523 per year. The RN Care Manager uses the nursing process and evidence-based practice to collaborate with the Teamlet (Patient Aligned Care Team).
Registered Nurse – PACT Care Manager is an open continuous announcement until September 30, 2026. Qualified applicants are referred and considered as vacancies become available.
Requirements include graduation from a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and a current, full, and unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory.
Social Work Roles
Social Worker positions at the Columbus VA offer $65,000 to $102,000 per year. The Primary Care/Mental Health Integration Program Social Worker serves as a Collaborative Care Manager (CoCM), supporting delivery of evidence-based mental health care.
The Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Social Worker provides services to patients treated in the Homeless Veterans Program.
Requirements for social workers:
Master of Social Work (MSW) from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
Completion of a minimum of one year of post-MSW experience for GS-11 grade level
State licensure or certification as required by the position
Medical Support Assistant Roles
Medical Support Assistants (MSAs) serve as administrative foundational roles throughout the facility. An Advanced Medical Support Assistant serves as a Medical Support for the Patient Aligned Care Team.
Key duties:
Scheduling appointments in accordance with VHA directives
Canceling, re-scheduling, and no-showing patient appointments and/or consults
Tracking and managing consults (active/pending), Recall List (Delinquent), and Return to Clinic Orders
Coordinating with the Integrated Scheduling Solutions (ISS) and Consult Tracking Manager (CTM) systems
The MSA position at the Columbus VA Ambulatory Care Center serves in the Radiology Service for modalities including CT, General Diagnosis, MRI, Vascular, and Nuclear Medicine.
Police Officer Roles
VA Police Officers at the Columbus facility earn approximately $45,000 per year. VA Police Officers are required to carry agency-approved firearms while on duty on VA property.
Requirements:
Minimum 1 year specialized law-enforcement experience (equivalent to GS-5)
Valid state driver’s license
Pass medical/psychological and background checks
Firearms qualification
Drug testing
Completion of VA Law Enforcement Training Center course
Support Services Roles
Support services roles at the Columbus VA include positions in housekeeping, food service, engineering, and supply chain management. These positions are typically lower on the GS pay scale but offer the same comprehensive federal benefits.
Examples of support roles that may be available include:
Environmental Services Technician / Housekeeping Aid (maintaining clean, safe, and sanitary environments for veterans)
Food Service Worker (meal preparation and service)
Materials Handler (warehouse and supply chain operations)
Air Conditioning Equipment Operator (providing 24/7 operational support for critical utility systems)
While specific support services openings in Columbus, GA, may vary, the VA regularly posts these positions on USAJOBS.gov as vacancies arise.
Comprehensive VA Benefits Package for Employees
The VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package that includes competitive salary, generous paid time off, retirement benefits, and insurance options. Below is a summary of what VA employees in Columbus, GA, can expect.
Compensation and Bonuses
Competitive salary with regular salary increases
Annual performance bonus (for physicians)
Recruitment/Relocation Incentive (Sign-on Bonus) may be available for highly qualified applicants
Paid Time Off
26 days of annual leave per year
13 days of sick leave per year
11 paid Federal holidays per year
Possible 5-day paid absence for Continuing Medical Education (CME)
Retirement Benefits
Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting)
Federal 401(k) with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with employer matched contributions
Insurance Options
Federal health insurance
Vision insurance
Dental insurance
Term life insurance
Long-term care insurance
Many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement
Additional Benefits
Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement for eligible positions. Program approval, award amount, and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the application. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.
CME reimbursement: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification)
Malpractice coverage: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full-time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs, with a monthly maximum of $416.66
No physician employment contract: No significant restriction on moonlighting
Licensure Requirements
All clinical positions require one full and unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory.
Eligibility and Application Process
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Positions are open to U.S. Citizens, but non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
Conditions of employment:
All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment
Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA
Step 2: Claim Veterans Preference
Veterans’ preference gives eligible veterans preference in hiring. When applying for federal jobs, eligible veterans should claim preference for 5-point (TP), 10-point (CP/CPS/XP), or Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
How veterans preference works:
Preference-eligible veterans who have a service-connected rating of 10% or more are placed at the top of the highest category on the referral list (except for scientific or professional positions at the GS-9 level or higher)
Veterans’ preference applies to permanent and temporary positions in both the competitive and excepted services
Preference-eligible veterans have lifetime reinstatement rights
Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA): If there are 2 or more VRA candidates and 1 or more is a preference eligible, veterans’ preference must be applied.
Disabled veterans preference: An honorably discharged disabled veteran is entitled to 10-point preference in Columbus city hiring.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application Materials
USAJOBS allows applicants to store up to five resumes and up to ten documents. Scan documents together and upload them under the “Documents” tab.
Required documents for veterans:
DD-214 (Member 4 copy)
VA Letter (if applicable)
SF-15 (if claiming 10-point preference)
Statement of Service Letter (for transitioning service members)
Required documents for all applicants:
Resume (searchable format recommended)
Transcripts (undergraduate and graduate, if applicable)
Professional license or certification
Any other documentation required by the specific job announcement
Step 4: Apply on USAJOBS
To apply, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Important tips:
Upload a searchable resume to USAJOBS to enable recruiters to find you
Use the “Veterans” option under the “Hiring path” filter to find jobs for veterans
Look for the green shield icon within the “This job is open to” section of the job announcement
Ensure your responses and documentation are submitted prior to the closing date
Step 5: Track Your Application
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link, and then select the more information link for the position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent.
Uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not claiming veterans preference: Eligible veterans must actively claim preference in the questionnaire. It is not applied automatically.
Using a non-searchable resume: Upload a searchable resume to USAJOBS to enable recruiters to find you.
Missing the 2-page resume requirement: Some positions have specific resume page limits. Check the announcement.
Incomplete application: Ensure all required documents are uploaded before the closing date. Late submissions are not accepted.
Forgetting Selective Service registration: Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered.
Not checking application status: Verify your application is complete through the USAJOBS portal.
Failing to highlight veteran status: Your DD-214 and preference documentation must be included with your application.
Common Questions
1. What VA facilities are in Columbus, GA?
The primary VA facility is the Robert S. Poydasheff VA Clinic at 6910 River Road, a state-of-the-art outpatient facility. Other facilities include the Columbus Downtown VA Clinic at 2100 Comer Avenue, the Fort Benning VA Clinic, and the Columbus Vet Center at 706-596-7170.
2. How do I find VA jobs in Columbus, GA?
Visit USAJOBS.gov, the federal government’s official employment website. Use the search filters to search for “Columbus, GA” and select the “Veterans” option under the “Hiring path” filter to find jobs for veterans.
3. What is the salary range for VA jobs in Columbus, GA?
Salaries range from approximately $28,000 for entry-level support roles to over $315,000 for physicians. Physician positions offer $124,308 to $315,000, registered nurses earn $60,761 to $112,523, and physician assistants earn $88,000 to $140,000.
4. Do veterans get hiring preference for VA jobs?
Yes. Veterans’ preference gives eligible veterans preference in federal hiring. Preference-eligible veterans with a service-connected rating of 10% or more are placed at the top of the highest category on the referral list. Veterans should claim 5-point or 10-point preference in the questionnaire.
5. What is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)?
EDRP is a student loan payment reimbursement program for eligible VA positions. Award amounts can be up to $200,000, with eligibility periods of one to five years determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office. Former EDRP participants are ineligible.
6. What benefits do VA employees receive?
VA employees receive a comprehensive total rewards package including competitive salary, 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays, a traditional federal pension, a 401(k) with up to 5% VA contributions, and federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
7. What qualifications do I need for a physician position at the VA?
You must be a U.S. Citizen, have a degree of doctor of medicine or equivalent, hold a current full and unrestricted license to practice medicine, have completed residency training approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and be proficient in spoken and written English.
8. How do I apply for a VA job in Columbus, GA?
Create a USAJOBS account, upload a searchable resume and supporting documents, search for “Columbus, GA” positions, complete the occupational questionnaire, and submit your application before the closing date. Track your application status through the USAJOBS portal.
9. What is the Poydasheff VA Clinic?
The Robert S. Poydasheff VA Clinic is a 55,000-square-foot outpatient facility at 6910 River Road, Columbus, GA 31904. It opened in July 2022 and provides primary care, mental health services, laboratory services, and specialty health services for veterans.
10. Are there nursing jobs available at the Columbus VA?
Yes. Registered Nurse positions are available with salaries of $60,761 to $112,523. The RN – PACT Care Manager position is an open continuous announcement until September 30, 2026. Requirements include graduation from an accredited nursing school and a current, full, and unrestricted license.
11. What is the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System?
CAVHCS is a consolidated health care system that includes VA Medical Centers in Montgomery and Tuskegee, Alabama, and Community Based Outpatient Clinics in Dothan, Monroeville, Fort Rucker, Montgomery, and Columbus. It serves approximately 140,000 veterans across 43 counties.
12. Do I need to be a veteran to work at the VA?
No. While veterans receive hiring preference, VA positions are open to all U.S. Citizens. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.
13. What support services jobs are available at the VA in Columbus?
Support services roles may include Environmental Services Technician/Housekeeping Aid, Food Service Worker, Materials Handler, and Air Conditioning Equipment Operator. These positions are posted on USAJOBS.gov as vacancies arise.
14. What is the work schedule for VA jobs in Columbus?
Most clinical positions have a work schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, subject to change based on the needs of the agency. Physician Assistant positions have the same schedule.
15. How do I contact the Poydasheff VA Clinic?
Call 706-257-7200. The clinic is located at 6910 River Road, Columbus, GA 31904-2316. Hours are typically 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Key Takeaways
Veterans hospital jobs in Columbus, GA, are primarily available through the Robert S. Poydasheff VA Clinic, part of the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System.
Job types include physicians ($124K–$315K), physician assistants ($88K–$140K), registered nurses ($60K–$112K), social workers ($65K–$102K), medical support assistants, and police officers.
The VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package including 26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 federal holidays, federal pension, 401(k) with 5% match, and full insurance benefits.
The Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) provides up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement for eligible positions.
Veterans’ preference applies to federal hiring, with preference-eligible veterans placed at the top of the highest category on the referral list.
All VA job openings are posted on USAJOBS.gov, the federal government’s official employment website.
Applicants must be U.S. Citizens (non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited).
Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
Required documents include a searchable resume, DD-214 (for veterans), transcripts, and professional licenses.
The Poydasheff VA Clinic is located at 6910 River Road, Columbus, GA 31904, and can be reached at 706-257-7200.
Official Resources
USAJOBS — usajobs.gov (official federal employment website)
VA Careers — vacareers.va.gov
VA Central Alabama Health Care — va.gov/central-alabama-health-care
Robert S. Poydasheff VA Clinic — va.gov/central-alabama-health-care/locations/robert-s-poydasheff-va-clinic
VA Benefits Hotline — 1-800-827-1000
Veterans Crisis Line — 988, press 1
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