Registered Respiratory Therapist

Summary

This position is eligible for the 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) and 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 are ineligible to apply.

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
• 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-0601 series must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a valid, current, unrestricted credential of RRT
• 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
• 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 38 U.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-07 level. 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
• (e) Failure to Obtain Credential
• In all cases, RTs must actively pursue meeting national prerequisites for the RRT credential from the first day of their appointment
• Failure to become credentialed within one year from date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0601 RT series and may result in termination of employment
• English Language Proficiency
• RTs/RRTs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)
• 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:
  
  None beyond the basic requirements
• Registered Respiratory Therapist - GS-07:
  Experience, Education, Licensure and Registration; in addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess their RRT credential
• Demonstrated Knowledge,
  
  Skills and Abilities
  
  (KSAs):
• Ability to perform therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care
• Skill in analyzing physiological specimens obtained, including 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 management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation
• Registered Respiratory Therapist - GS-09:
  Experience or Education - Licensure and Credential
• Candidates must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level, OR a Master of Science degree in respiratory care AND a license AND an RRT credential
• Demonstrated KSAs:
  Same as above with progression for higher grade
• In addition to the requirements above - candidates must demonstrate all KSAs: ability to perform therapeutic modalities, consult with physicians, assess oxygenation and ventilation, perform airway management
• Registered Respiratory Therapist - GS-11:
  Experience, Licensure and Credential
• Candidates must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level, hold an active license and RRT credential
• Demonstrated KSAs for complex respiratory care: ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare…