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.
- 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.
- Physical Standards. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
- 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).
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
(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.
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 5 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.