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-0601series 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 credential of RRT.
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:
Registered Respiratory Therapist GS-11
Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. Hold an active license and RRT credential.
Demonstrated Knowledge Skills and Abilities: In addition to the requirements above the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSA's :
- Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes.
- Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities.
- Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management.
Preferred Experience: Hospital Inpatient Respiratory Therapy experience.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit
https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.