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-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.
- 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 Determination:
(a) Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must:
i. Have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. It is highly desirable that the candidate possess certification in one or more functional specialties such as critical care, pulmonary, education and sleep medicine.
ii. Hold an active license and RRT credential.
(b) Education. It is highly desirable that the candidate possess a Bachelor of Science degree from a nationally accredited college or university in respiratory care; cardiopulmonary science; or a health-related field.
(c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
i. Skill in implementing patient care and operations change by recognizing opportunities for improvement and analyzing data.
ii. Skill in the development and implementation of appropriate standards of care for respiratory care.
iii. Ability establish a completely integrated program that emulates "best practice" and follows national policies.
iv. Ability to supervise employees.
v. Ability to forecast resource needs to manage fiscal matters.
Perferred Experience: The incumbent must have and active license and certificate as an RRT from the NBRC (National Board for Respiratory Care) and a registry number. The incumbent must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-13 level, also demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. It is highly desirable that the candidate possess certification in one or more special specialties, including critical care, pulmonary education, and sleep medicine. And, a Bachelor's Degree is highly desired.
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-14. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is the GS-14.
Physical Requirements: The candidate must be able to perform CPR and have no physical limitations or restrictions.