Registered Respiratory Therapist Job in Baltimore, MD

Vacancy No. CBTF-12736785-25-NW Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $46,148.00 to $109,975.00 Grade 5 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/28/2025 Close Date 6/18/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Baltimore, MD


Summary

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is another title for a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP). The RRT is a specialized healthcare practitioner trained in critical care and cardio-pulmonary medicine to work therapeutically with patients suffering from chronic and acute critical conditions, cardiac, and pulmonary disease.


Duties

GS-05 RRT Duties Include but not limited to:
As a GS-05 Respiratory Therapist, the incumbent will perform the following duties under close supervision:

  • Provide respiratory care to critically ill and/or poor risk patients. This may include critical and emergent care with close supervision.
  • Administer and evaluate oxygen, aerosol, humidity, and positive pressure breathing therapy.
  • Position patient and perform chest physiotherapy and drainage, noting the effectiveness of therapy.
  • Administer prescribed medications that pertain to the field, note contraindications and/or adverse reactions, and notify the physician and recommend corrective therapy as indicated.
  • Monitor patient reactions to therapy with the use of pulse oximetry, observation, and lung sounds.
  • Maintain and monitor ventilator patients as required and makes adjustments based on blood gas analysis with the physician's approval.
  • Responds to all emergencies such as rapid response and code blues and assist as needed.
GS-07 RRT Duties Include but not limited to:
As a GS-07 Registered Respiratory Therapist, the incumbent will perform the following duties with direct supervision
  • Provide respiratory care to critically ill and/or poor risk patients in critical and emergent situation with close supervision.
  • Administer oxygen, aerosol, humidity, and positive pressure breathing therapy.
  • Position patient and perform chest physiotherapy and drainage, noting the effectiveness of therapy.
  • Administer prescribed medications that pertain to the field, note contraindications and/or adverse reactions, and notify the physician and recommend corrective therapy as indicated.
  • Monitor patient reactions to therapy with the use of pulse oximetry and other adjuncts.
  • Analyzes results of physiological results of arterial blood gas, pulse oximetry ETCo2 monitoring, basic spirometry, and other basic diagnostic procedures.
  • Responds to all emergencies such as rapid response and code blues.
GS-09 RRT Duties Include but not limited to:
As a GS-09 Registered Respiratory Therapist, the incumbent will perform the following duties with direct supervision
  • Provide respiratory care to critically ill and/or poor risk patients in critical and emergent situation with close supervision.
  • Administer oxygen, aerosol, humidity, and positive pressure breathing therapy.
  • Position patient and perform chest physiotherapy and drainage, noting the effectiveness of therapy.
  • Analyzes results of physiological results of arterial blood gas, pulse oximetry ETCo2 monitoring, basic spirometry, and other basic diagnostic procedures.
  • Responds to all emergencies such as rapid response and code blues.
  • Provide emergency cardio-respiratory treatment to critically ill patients.
  • Maintain and monitor ventilator patients as required and make adjustments based on blood gas analysis with physician approval.
  • Document all activities in the progress notes and other areas all pertinent information regarding patient response and tolerance to all forms of therapy and test procedures performed.
  • Perform other duties, applicable to the Respiratory Care department as requested by the Supervisor, Cardiopulmonary Services within scope of practice.
GS-11 RRT Duties Include but not limited to:
  • Administer assisted and controlled ventilation to patients with tracheotomies and other complex medical problems requiring frequent adjustments in ventilator parameters.
  • Administering and monitoring advanced ventilator techniques such as positive end expiratory pressure and continuous positive airway pressure.
  • Developing plans for weaning patients from ventilators; assessing the respiratory status of patients using data acquired through physical observation and clinical analysis of blood gas data, chest x-rays, and electrocardiogram to determine the effectiveness of therapy being administered and to make recommendations to physicians regarding changes in treatment.
  • Performing the most difficult respiratory therapy procedures to maintain ventilation, including endotracheal intubation, tracheal lavage, and tracheotomy care; and providing in-service training to others in various specialized areas of respiratory care.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and ability needed to perform complex respiratory procedures with minimal supervision. Can participate with physicians and nurses and other staff in planning respiratory treatment, with great reliance on the individual's knowledge of the equipment.
  • Service as a shift leader or supervisor or sole responsible respiratory therapist on a shift; and to plan and conduct training sessions with respiratory therapy students, hospital staff, patients, and family members.
Work Schedule: Compressed Schedule: Monday - Sunday, weekends and holidays- Day shift position
Telework: No
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 25537-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: No
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): No

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
  • All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period.
  • Subject to background/security investigation.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

Qualifications

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.
  • 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).
(1) 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 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.
(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.
(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. The Human Resources (HR) Office staff will provide RTs, in writing, the requirement to 1) obtain their RRT
credential; 2) the date by which the RRT credential must be acquired; and the consequences for not becoming RRT credentialed by the deadline.
The HR Office staff must provide the written notice to selectees prior to entrance on duty date and maintain a copy in the electronic Official
Personnel Folder

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). Please see 'Additional Information' section for the Grandfathering provision.

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment listed above, all individuals referred and assigned to this occupation must meet all the qualification requirements and KSAs defined in the specific assignment as follows:

GS-05 Respiratory Therapist Requirements:
(a) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.
(b) 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.

GS-07 Registered Respiratory Therapist Requirements:
(a) Experience, Education, Licensure and Registration. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess their RRT credential.
(b) In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
  1. Ability to perform therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care.
  2. 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.
  3. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for respiratory care to help provide favorable patient outcomes.
  4. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation.
  5. Ability to perform basic airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation.
GS-09 Registered Respiratory Therapist Requirements: Candidates must have:
1. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level;
OR
2. A Master of Science degree in respiratory care AND a license AND an RRT credential.

In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
  1. Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care.
  2. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes.
  3. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation.
  4. Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation.
GS-11 Registered Respiratory Therapist Requirements: Candidates must have:
1. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level.
AND
2.Hold an active license and RRT credential.

In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
  1. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes.
  2. Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities.
  3. Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-11.

Physical Requirements:
a. Considerable walking/standing may be required.
b. Frequent lifting, positioning, pushing/pulling may be required when moving equipment or supplies or other infrequent needs.
c. Frequent, prolonged extensive or considerable sitting is often required.
d. Manual dexterity and mobility are required. The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as above-average dexterity to perform intricate respiratory therapy procedures.
e. Frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, or crouching may be necessary.
f. Moderate physical effort (ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds) may be occasionally required.
g. Intermittent exertion is possible.
h. Subject to interruptions and stress from multiple calls, patient needs and/or inquiries from others, whether in-person, on the telephone, or via computer.
i. Sound judgement and ability to function under stress is required. Inappropriate actions/judgment, especially those during emergency or crisis situations, may result in injury or death.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information



Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Area of Consideration- Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:
1. Current permanent VA employees of the facility.
2. All other VA employees.
3. Current permanent Federal employees of other agencies.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • License
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript



The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

  • Cover Letter
  • License
  • RRT Credentials
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.


**ADDTIONAL INFORMATION**
Grandfathering Provision. The following is the standard grandfathering policy for all hybrid title 38 qualification standards. Some of these provisions may not apply to this occupation. Please carefully review the qualification standard to determine the specific education, credential or certification requirements that apply to this occupation. All persons employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education, credential or certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
(1) Employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure, certification or registration, may be reassigned, promoted or demoted within the occupation.
(2) Employees in an occupation that requires a licensure, certification or registration, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance level or demoted within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the full performance level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
(3) Employees in an occupation that requires a licensure, certification or registration only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure, certification or registration requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels.
(4) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.(5) Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure, certification or registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.
(6) If an employee who was retained in an occupation listed in 38 U.S.C. § 7401(3) under this provision leaves that occupation or employment with the VA, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation and/or VA.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/18/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12736785.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Agency contact information

Nikki Watson
Address
VA Maryland Health Care System
10 North Greene Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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