Registered Respiratory Therapist

Summary

This position is eligible for Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200
-000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30 - 2026. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be February 17 - 2026 with subsequent cut-off dates every two weeks. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals until positions are filled. Applicant Expiration:
Applicants will remain active for 6 months after their initial application is received and/or updated. After that time - you must update your application through your USA Jobs account if you would like to be made active again for possible consideration during the open period. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship:
  Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• English Language Proficiency: RTs/RRTs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38U.S.C. § 7403(f)
• Education:
  
  Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor
• Licensure:
  Persons appointed or reassigned to RRT positions in the GS-0601 series must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a full - current and unrestricted license from a state to practice as an RRT
• Credential:
  Persons appointed or reassigned to RRT positions in the GS-0601series must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a valid - current - unrestricted NBRC credential of RRT
• Credential Exception: RT positions will be designated only to individuals who are in the process of obtaining credentials to become an RRT
• These individuals will only be hired on a temporary appointment as provided below
• (a)
  VHA may waive the RRT credential requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified and pending completion of prerequisites for RRT credential
• Individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor - acquired the CRT credential - are fully licensed by their state and are working toward completion of their RRT credential may be given a temporary appointment as an RT
• The temporary appointment is made under the authority of 38U.S.C. § 7401(a)(1)(B) for a period not to exceed one year from date of employment
• Candidates must hold an active - current - full and unrestricted RRT credential and be licensed to hold a position at or above the GS-07level
• (b)
  RTs may only be temporarily appointed at the GS-05 level and may not be promoted/converted to a higher-level position as an RRT until the RRT credential is received
• (c)
  RTs must provide care only under the close supervision of an RRT
• (d)
  Temporary RT appointments may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment
• Grandfathering Provision:
  May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
• Grade Determinations:
  Respiratory Therapist - GS-05
• Experience - Education and License
  
  Experience:
  
  None beyond the basic requirements
• Education and Licensure:
  This level assignment is designated as temporary under paragraph 4d(1) above for individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor - acquired the CRT credential - licensed by their state and are working towards obtaining RRT credential
• Grade Determinations:
  Registered Respiratory Therapist - GS-07
• Experience - Education - Licensure and Registration:
  In addition to the basic requirements - candidates must possess their RRT credential
• AND Demonstrated Knowledge
  - Skills and Abilities:
  
  In addition to the requirements above - candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
  Ability to perform therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care
• Skill in analyzing physiological specimens obtained to include arterial blood gases - pulse oximetry - End tidal CO2 (ETCo2) monitoring - basic spirometry and other basic diagnostic procedures
• Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for respiratory care to help provide favorable patient outcomes
• Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation
• Ability to perform basic airway…