Aranda Tate
Summary
Detail-oriented Health Technician with over 18 years of combined VA and Department of Defense experience. Deliver high-volume, patient-centered care across orthopedic, surgical, and administrative settings. Expert in medical claims processing, disability evaluations, electronic health record management, and consult coordination. Proficient in interpreting VA regulations, supporting the Army Disability System, and ensuring compliance with federal healthcare policies. Known for compassionate service and commitment to improving outcomes for Veterans and active-duty service members. Skilled in medical administration & patient intake, disability claims & Veteran benefits, Army Disability System & PEBLO coordination, clinical examinations & surgical prep, VA laws & federal medical regulations, EHR systems (CPRS, ALTHA, HAIMS, CHCS), electronic data profile management, Veteran & active-duty patient advocacy, high-volume interviewing & patient counseling, medical eligibility verification, workflow optimization & clinic operations, and providing compassionate, patient-centered care.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Orthopedic Health Technician
Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center
01.2022 - Current
- Manage day-to-day orthopedic clinic operations, supporting physicians with casting, splinting, wound care, and surgical preparation. Ensure efficient clinic flow by setting up exam rooms, organizing equipment, and monitoring supply inventory.
- Coordinate Omnicell medication systems and ensure all medications are stocked according to provider needs. Track expiring equipment and initiate timely replacement or turn-in through proper channels.
- Oversee provider schedules, including clinic openings and closures, leave management, and appointment rescheduling. Submit clinical equipment orders and collaborate with vendors; present procurement requests to the CPRC committee for review and approval.
- Triage and manage all acute consultations to ensure timely scheduling based on urgency. Screen daily patient lists and notify patients of required imaging prior to their appointment.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for patient complaints, secure messaging, and PATS-R entries. Resolve issues quickly and collaborate with patient advocacy to ensure satisfaction and continuity of care.
- Provide clear post-operative instructions, assist in wound cleaning, and suture removal, and support providers in the management of post-surgical patients.
- Uphold all HIPAA, JACHO, and VA safety protocols. Maintain full compliance with privacy, environmental, and information security policies with zero violations.
- Recognized for exceptional customer service and communication; consistently receives kudos and written acknowledgments from Veterans and leadership. Tailors' communication and care approaches to meet the unique needs of each Veteran served.
- Medical Transport | Veteran Communication | Medical Terminology
Podiatry Surgical Health Technician
Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Supported surgical operations for over 500 Veterans, assisting with patient transport, pre-operative preparation, surgical positioning, and post-procedure recovery. Acted as a liaison and patient advocate, providing emotional support and clear communication to patients undergoing surgery.
- Provided administrative and clinical support to Soldiers processing through the Army Disability System, ensuring timely coordination with providers and accurate evaluation documentation. Reviewed physical exam results and ensured required labs, radiology, and consults were completed.
- Managed all orthopedic and podiatry supply requisitions through DMLSS; maintained stock levels, tracked dated items, processed inventory adjustments, and served as the primary supply technician for the cast room and brace shop.
- Coordinated with OR scheduling via CHCS, reviewed surgical forms, and ensured accurate chart documentation using ALTHA with appropriate CPT and HCPCS coding. Scanned records into HAIMS and validated referral completion.
- Assisted providers during surgical procedures by anticipating instrument needs, managing sterile fields, and responding to complications (e.g., hemorrhage, shock). Supported anesthetists during induction and intraoperative care.
- Performed full OR maintenance, including post-op sanitization, instrument disassembly/sterilization, autoclave cleaning, and spore testing. Selected appropriate sterilization techniques and monitored equipment effectiveness per Joint Commission and infection control standards.
- Trained new personnel and students on aseptic techniques, surgical instrumentation, and OR procedures. Delivered in-service training on evolving tools and technologies.
- Provided direct podiatry tech support, including IV initiation, medication prep, wound care, bandaging, suture removal, and specimen collection for lab processing. Educated patients on dressing changes and post-op care.
- Served in a lead tech capacity during weekend and night shifts, independently managing one of two operating room suites when nurse coverage was limited.
- Medical Transport | Veteran Communication | Medical Terminology
Orthopedic Cast Technician
Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Provided pre-operative assistance for orthopedic and podiatric surgical procedures, verifying patient identification, surgical consent, and chart completeness. Ensured readiness of surgical suites by preparing rooms, supplies, and sterile instruments following Joint Commission and infection control standards.
- Served as scrub technician during surgical procedures, assisting orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists by anticipating instrument needs and maintaining sterile technique throughout complex procedures.
- Supported the coordination and flow of surgical services, prioritizing pre-surgical preparation, room turnover, and clinical support functions for best patient throughput.
- Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) principles and evidence-based medical practices, applying these standards to ensure safe, effective, and compliant patient care.
- Participated in evaluating and improving medical support operations and business processes to align with clinical performance benchmarks and quality-of-care initiatives.
- Medical Assistance | VA Benefits | Evidence-Based Medical Guidelines
Health Technician
Ireland Army Hospital
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Provided administrative and clinical support to Soldiers undergoing evaluation through the Army Disability System. Scheduled and coordinated medical examinations, assisted Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officers (PEBLOs), and ensured timely documentation and results processing.
- Supported Military Service Coordinators (MSCs) by assisting with Veteran disability claim submissions and eligibility documentation. Managed timekeeping and payroll for the Orthopedics, Podiatry, Brace Shop, and Intern departments.
- Acted as liaison between patients, physicians, and nursing staff. Delivered entry-level medical guidance, explaining diagnoses, treatment plans, and surgical expectations to Active-Duty personnel, Veterans, and Retirees.
- Maintained and managed complete and accurate Electronic Health Records (EHR), inputting all documentation into ALTHA with proper HCPCS and CPT coding. Scanned patient documentation into HAIMS and ensured all referrals were processed accurately.
- Scheduled and coordinated provider availability and surgical cases using CHCS. Confirmed surgical readiness by reviewing forms, verifying clearance, and issuing pre/post-operative instructions to patients.
- Supported all referral processing, working with TRICARE and insurance reviewers to confirm authorization and eligibility. Maintained full compliance with Joint Commission standards and infection control requirements.
- Provided direct podiatry technician support to surgeons. Conducted chart reviews, administered preoperative medications, monitored patient status, and promptly reported changes to the physician.
- Instructed patients on dressing changes, wound care, and post-op recovery plans. Ensured understanding of physical exam results and overall treatment plans.
- Transported patients from wards to surgical suites and maintained an elevated level of customer service as required by military installation directives. Responded to and resolved patient concerns quickly and professionally.
- Veteran Benefits | Medical Administration | Medical Examinations | Team Leadership
Lead CNA/MSA
Ireland Army Hospital
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Managed day-to-day operations for all CNAs and MSAs within the clinic, including scheduling, training compliance, license tracking, and file audits. Assigned daily responsibilities, resolved scheduling conflicts, and ensured continuous coverage to maintain high-quality patient services.
- Oversaw onboarding, performance evaluation, and training needs for support staff. Participated in interviews and hiring decisions in collaboration with NCOIC leadership. Initiated disciplinary action when necessary and monitored individual proficiency and credentials.
- Served as Timekeeper Specialist for DMHRSI and ATAAPS systems. Completed all timecards and processed time entry for nursing, CNA, MSA, and technician staff. Coordinated staff scheduling and shift assignments across the unit.
- Maintained compliance with Joint Commission standards and hospital policy. Led efforts to ensure documentation, clinical competency, and regulatory alignment across all unit functions.
- Supported Veteran Benefits & TDRL coordination, assisting with form DA 2656, updating third-party records, and referring patients to PEBLO and MEB processes. Collaborated with Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) and Nurse Case Management to update records for medevac and transitioning Soldiers.
- Provided emergency care support for over 20 physicians and nurses at the Medical Treatment Facility (MTF). Performed IV starts, phlebotomy, EKGs, wound care, cast/splint removal, and patient monitoring.
- Assisted physicians with physical exams, documentation, and lab coordination. Managed chart preparation, recorded orders, and facilitated communications between clinics, hospitals, and departments.
- Led unit-level quality initiatives, including SBAR reporting, data spreadsheets, patient metrics (OP), Tracer Team audits, and vice action tracking. Handled unit transfer audits for the Provision of Care Functional Management Team (PCFMT).
- Ensured providers and CNAs maintained current licensure. Coordinated with credentialing staff to keep provider screening files ready for review.
- Medical Assistance | EHR | Medical Examinations
Grey Wolf Gym
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Supported deployments and redeployments of U.S. Army soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan; completed training in CPR, first aid, and AED operation; and completed training in the prevention of sexual harassment, workplace violence, and substance abuse.
Medical Technician
Sterling Medical
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Provided a safe, sterile environment for surgical and clinical patients, organized and prepared surgical supplies (such as sutures, dressings, and instrumentation), obtained additional supplies during surgical procedures, set up and adjusted required equipment, maintained operative records of all interventions performed in the clinic, applied all necessary monitoring devices on the patient, and assisted with post-op care and education of the patient.
CNA
Geary Community Hospital
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Assisted with the general maintenance of surgical rooms, removed and disposed of soiled and contaminated materials, removed bio-burden from instrumentation, maintained stock level and inventory of supplies, tested the operation of equipment daily to ensure effectiveness, assembled operating-room carts according to schedules, followed standards related to accreditation by The Joint Commission and infection-control standard, and oriented and trained newly-assigned personnel.
Education
Certificate - Certified Immobilization/Casting Instructor – NBOC
ASOP
Augusta, GA06-2019
Certifications - Medical Assisting & Phlebotomy
Commonwealth Medical Center
Fort Knox, KY08-2010
Skills
- Medical administration
- Disability Claims & Veteran Benefits
- Army Disability System & PEBLO Coordination
- Clinical assessments and surgical preparation
- Knowledge of VA laws
- Proficient in CPRS, ALTHA, HAIMS, and CHCS
- Electronic Data Profile Management
- Veteran and active-duty support services
- Interviewing and counseling proficiency
- Experience in verifying patient eligibility
- Process improvement in clinic settings
- Client-focused service delivery
- HIPAA compliance
- Clinical documentation
- Healthcare ethics
- Electronic documentation
- Patient care
Timeline
Orthopedic Health Technician
Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center
01.2022 - Current
Podiatry Surgical Health Technician
Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center
01.2018 - 01.2021
Orthopedic Cast Technician
Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center
01.2016 - 01.2018
Health Technician
Ireland Army Hospital
01.2012 - 01.2016
Lead CNA/MSA
Ireland Army Hospital
01.2010 - 01.2012
Grey Wolf Gym
01.2009 - 01.2010
Medical Technician
Sterling Medical
01.2006 - 01.2008
CNA
Geary Community Hospital
01.2005 - 01.2006
Certificate - Certified Immobilization/Casting Instructor – NBOC
ASOP
Certifications - Medical Assisting & Phlebotomy
Commonwealth Medical Center
Similar Profiles
MARIZOL RAMIREZMARIZOL RAMIREZ
Sterile Processing Technician at Audie L. Murphy VA Medical CenterSterile Processing Technician at Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center
Irina PalaciosIrina Palacios
Registered Nurse at Observation Unit/Clinical Infusion at Audie Murphy VA Medical CenterRegistered Nurse at Observation Unit/Clinical Infusion at Audie Murphy VA Medical Center
Quintrell BensonQuintrell Benson
Housekeeping Aide Lead at Audie Murphy VA HospitalHousekeeping Aide Lead at Audie Murphy VA Hospital
TAYA HARDINTAYA HARDIN
Orthopedic Medical Technician/DME Technician at Med Star HealthOrthopedic Medical Technician/DME Technician at Med Star Health
Isabel FuhrmannIsabel Fuhrmann
Orthopedic Technician Meister (OTM) at Medical supply store Schumann & LandstorferOrthopedic Technician Meister (OTM) at Medical supply store Schumann & Landstorfer