Veterans Health Administration
Registered Respiratory Therapist Pulmonary
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Summary
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 Registered Respiratory Therapist (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. Respiratory Therapist (RT)/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. Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary). i. Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: a. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. b. Hold an active license and RRT credential. ii. Certification. Incumbent must hold a CPFT or RPFT. iii. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: a. Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing to include but not limited to cardiopulmonary stress testing, exercise testing, metabolic testing, bronchoprovocation testing and shunt testing. b. Ability to establish a quality control program related to pulmonary function lab. c. Skill in analyzing physiologic specimen and information from basic diagnostic procedures. d. Skill in assessing for signs and symptoms of adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures. e. Skill in determining appropriate intervention for adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures. f. Ability to provide training in advanced pulmonary function procedures. g. Ability to provide clinical consultation in advanced pulmonary function procedures. iv. Assignment. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity and range of variety and must be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. RRTs at this grade level in this position compare and evaluate indications and contraindications for complex pulmonary function testing (PFT) and recognizes normal/abnormal results. They perform bronchoprovocation testing utilizing a variety of medications or methodologies. They monitor patients and recognize and initiate interventions for complications of testing. They perform an initial quality review of test results and ready them for physician interpretation and determine whether the patient meets the criteria for termination of testing. RRTs conduct quality control reviews of all tests performed and all pulmonary diagnostic equipment. They maintain lab records. They train and assess staff competencies in performing simple spirometry. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-12. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
Major Duties
The major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Perform diagnostic evaluation including Spirometry before and after bronchodilators, Lung Volume Determinations, Diffusing Capacity Determination, Slow Vital Capacity measurement, Maximum Voluntary Ventilation, and measurement of Airway Resistance and Conductance, arterial blood gas interpretation - this includes patient instruction, testing, equipment/computer setup and interface, troubleshooting, and preliminary interpretation. Monitor and evaluate patient performance during procedures and evaluates' response to PFT and recommends changes based on information obtained. Provide patient with clear, concise instructions and coach the patient to achieve the best, reproducible results. Plan, provide, and maintain a safe environment for patients, staff and families. Provide consult service at the request of nursing staff or physician. Provide recommendations to the physician based on assessment/evaluation of patient. Maintain knowledge of emergency airway management, pulmonary pharmacology, and oxygen administration. Recognize changes in patients' condition and responds appropriately and communicates with other members of the healthcare team when changes in condition occur. Ensure equipment and supplies are available for use. Participate in evaluation of new equipment and services. Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, monitors compliance within the PFT clinic area. Resolve technical work problems with the aid of references, such as manuals, troubleshooting guides, and other reference sources. Provide accurate, legible, and complete documentation of patient care delivered and response to therapy. Act as liaison to providers for testing performed, equipment, supplies and requests for special services. Recommend changes in the PFT Lab to improve services and patient care. Assist with completion of department paperwork. Assist in planning and implementing effective educational programs for in-services, orientation, continuing education, and other personnel training in the PFT Lab. Provide additional, non-traditional services as determined by LBHCS and department needs per supervisor. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday; 6:00am - 3:30pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Requirements
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. 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 identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Education. CoARC Accredited Respiratory Care Program Full, current and unrestricted RRT Credential Certification. Incumbent must hold a CPFT or RPFT. SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action 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. License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Education. CoARC Accredited Respiratory Care Program Full, current and unrestricted RRT Credential Certification. Incumbent must hold a CPFT or RPFT. SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action 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.
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 10/16/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13085060. 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. 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.