Rural community profile: Exploring Fargo, North Dakota 

With almost a quarter of all Veterans in the United States residing in rural communities, ensuring they receive quality healthcare close to home is more important than ever. At the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), we’re actively working to meet these Veterans in their own communities and promote opportunities for them to live happy and healthy lives. 

Today, we’re checking out the community of Fargo, North Dakota. While Fargo might make you initially think of the 1996 hit film, Fargo is also home of the Fargo VA Health Care System, which serves more than 34,000 Veterans living in North Dakota, northwest Minnesota, and northeast South Dakota.

Fargo VAMC 

The Fargo VA Medical Center (VAMC) provides primary care and specialty health services, including cancer care, emergency services, mental healthcare, surgery, palliative and hospice care, and so much more.  

If you’re a healthcare provider interested in research that advances healthcare for Veterans, Fargo is the place to be. Research areas within the Fargo VA Health Care System include: 

• Vitamin D deficiency testing and screening in adult population 
• Factors influencing Veteran attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)  
• Positive and negative pneumococcal urinary antigen in pneumonia vs chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 
• Association of blood pressure variability (BPV) with factors of aging and nursing care setting 

Primarily affiliated with the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, the Fargo VAMC also serves as a teaching hospital, providing training in many medical specialties, like internal medicine, psychiatry and surgery.  

Whether you’re a resident looking for full-time placement or a seasoned healthcare provider, the Fargo VAMC has opportunities to help you grow in your practice and your career. 

It’s more fun in Fargo 

The city of Fargo was originally named Centralia but was later renamed Fargo after William Fargo, Northern Pacific Railway director and Wells Fargo Express Company founder. Though once a rough frontier town, Fargo now boasts a full lineup of arts, dining, sports and recreational activities. While you’re there, be sure to check out the Fargo Air Museum, featuring aircraft displays, an aviation library and education programs, like a summer camp. History buffs will enjoy the Teddy Roosevelt trail, which takes walkers on a tour to discover places tied to Roosevelt’s love of the outdoors, wildlife and even his favorite foods. With lots of things to do and see, the pioneer spirit is alive and well in Fargo! 

Jobs at Fargo VAMC 

If all of this sounds like what you’re looking for in a career and a community, check out openings at the Fargo VAMC: 

• Medical Support Assistant 
• Oncologist 
• Registered Nurse 
• Social Worker 

You can learn more about these jobs, and other current openings, online. 

Employee benefits 

Healthcare providers at rural VA facilities enjoy the same employment benefits as all VA employees, plus the added benefits of a lower cost of living and slower pace. VA proudly offers our employees a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive compensation, health, dental and vision coverage, as well as generous personal and sick leave.   

Join our team 

If you’re All About Veterans like we are, consider a career built in one of VA’s 500+ rural medical centers like Fargo. Learn more at VA Careers.