Intermediate Care Technicians continue to serve at VA 

Through the SCOUTS (Supporting Community, Outpatient, Urgent Care, and Telehealth Services) program, Intermediate Care Technicians (ICTs) at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) help ensure Veteran care never stops, even between appointments. Air Force Veteran and ICT Randy Snider knew that he wanted to provide hands-on care to his fellow Veterans, and now as a SCOUTS ICT, he can do just that from the comfort of a Veteran’s home.  

The ICT Program provides a unique opportunity for former corpsmen and medics to take on health care support roles without any additional licensure. VA is hiring ICTs in almost every clinical setting, from emergency departments and primary care to specialty and community clinics. Read on to learn more about how Randy Snider builds a “bridge of care” and see if a career as an ICT is the right move for you.  

What enticed you to join the ICT program? 

“It gave me the ability to utilize more of my military training and do more clinical work. I was working as a medical support assistant at the Michael A. Marzano VA Outpatient Clinic in Hermitage, PA, but my role was slowly becoming more administrative. I met a nurse who worked at the community clinic in Youngstown, OH and she shared that they were utilizing their ex-military medics in the ICT role. So, when an ICT position opened up at the outpatient clinic about 6 years ago, I applied, and now I’m able to do more of the hands-on patient care that I really enjoy doing.” 

I’ve never heard of the SCOUTS program before! Tell me about it. 

“SCOUTS is a really cool program! You’ll find especially in rural areas that there are Veterans who need follow-up care, but have difficulty getting to a VA clinic due to the distance or mobility issues. SCOUTS helps build a bridge of care. The ICT will actually go to the Veteran’s home, set up video appointments with care providers, provide hands-on care, and do a home evaluation to see if there are other VA services that might benefit the patient. Sometimes, it’s the home environment that might lead to an emergency room visit—there are uneven steps that cause a Veteran to fall, for example, so we might help coordinate getting the steps fixed, or get the Veteran a cane. We’ve even set up adaptive equipment for a Veteran who is hearing impaired.” 

What has it been like to work with other Veterans? 

“We all understand each other. I may not have the same background as some of my patients, but we all speak a similar language. The Veterans know that I’ll take care of whatever they need, and that I understand. I often say I have one of the best jobs in the world because I spend all day talking to other Veterans.” 

How has VA supported your career growth? 

“I’ve had tons of support and not just with my direct supervisors. I have the freedom to explore different care areas in service of Veterans. One of these areas of expansion is acupuncture to help the Veterans we see at the community clinics manage pain. And being a Veteran, I am plugged into the local Veteran community, and I have my leadership’s support in attending community meetings or joining committees to see how we can partner with other groups in the area. I realize this type of support doesn’t happen everywhere, so I feel pretty lucky. I think leadership just wants a balance for us employees while making sure our Veterans are getting the best care. And I actually see that—I’m not just saying it.” 

What advice would you give to someone thinking of applying to the ICT program? 

“If you’re a medic who has the desire to continue to serve and take care of your brothers and sisters, apply for it. I’ve been an ICT for over five years, and it’s been nothing but rewarding. VA has given us an amazing avenue to utilize the skills and education we have.” 

Continue the mission  

If the desire to serve still runs strong, consider a rewarding career at VA. We’ve got openings across the nation that just might be right for you.