Registered Respiratory Therapist

Summary

Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) independently deliver respiratory care in both inpatient and outpatient settings. They assess, plan, implement, and evaluate respiratory treatments for patients with acute or chronic lung conditions requiring oxygen support. RRTs perform diagnostic cardiopulmonary procedures, operate respiratory equipment (including CPAP, BiPAP, oxygen analyzers, co-oximeters, and pulmonary function testing devices).

Duties

The incumbent must demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the duties within the scope of Respiratory Care. A Respiratory Therapist may also be assigned additional duties-both major and minor-that are not listed below. Responsibilities may evolve to reflect current trends in respiratory therapy and to meet the cardiopulmonary needs of the patients served. Some, though not all, functions must be performed to be evaluated above the full-performance level. Area I: Collection of Diagnostic Information A. Pulmonary Function Technology Perform basic spirometry, including adequate coaching, recognition of improperly performed maneuvers, corrective actions, and interpretation of test results. Compare and evaluate indications and contraindications for advanced pulmonary function tests (plethysmography, diffusion capacity, esophageal pressure, metabolic testing, and diaphragm stimulation) and be able to recognize normal/abnormal results. B. Sleep Compare and evaluate the indications and contraindications for sleep studies. Explain results in relation to types of respiratory sleep disorders. C. Invasive Diagnostic Procedures Identify and distinguish the indications, contraindications, and general hazards and complications in preparation, performance, and post-care of bronchoscopy procedures. Describe the role of a respiratory therapist in diagnostic bronchoscopy procedures. Monitor and evaluate the patient's clinical condition with pulse oximetry, electrocardiogram, exhaled gas analysis, and other related diagnostic devices. Perform arterial sampling for blood analysis. Area II: Disease Management A. Management of Chronic Diseases Understand the etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and comorbidities. Communicate and educate to empower and engage patients. Develop, administer, and re-evaluate patient care plans according to RCD policy. B. Management of Acute Diseases Develop, administer, evaluate, and modify respiratory care plans in the acute-care setting, using evidence-based medicine, protocols, and clinical practice guidelines. Communicate and educate to empower and engage patients. Develop, administer, and re-evaluate patient care plans according to RCD policy. Area III: Evidence-Based Medicine and Respiratory Care Protocols A. Evidence-Based Medicine Retrieve credible sources of evidence. Critique published research. Explain the meaning of general statistical tests. Apply evidence-based medicine to clinical practice. B. Respiratory Care Protocols Explain the use of evidence-based medicine in the development and application of hospital-based respiratory care protocols. Evaluate and treat patients in a variety of settings, using the appropriate respiratory care protocols. Area IV: Patient Assessment A. Patient Assessment Complete the assessment through direct contact, chart review, and other means as appropriate and share the information with healthcare team members. Obtain medical, surgical, and family history. Obtain social, behavioral, and occupational history, and other historical information incident to the purpose of the current complaint. B. Diagnostic Data Review and interpret pulmonary function studies (spirometry) and pulse oximetry. Review and interpret lung volumes and diffusion studies. Review and interpret arterial blood gases, electrolytes, complete blood cell count, and related laboratory tests. C. Physical Examination: Inspect the chest and extremities to detect deformation, cyanosis, edema, clubbing, and other anomalies. Measure vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate). Evaluate the patient's breathing effort, ventilatory pattern, and use of accessory muscles. Measure and document oxygen saturation with oximetry under all appropriate conditions (with or without oxygen at rest and during sleep, ambulation, and exercise). Area V: Leadership A. Incumbent must be able to plan and assist in the establishment of a completely integrated respiratory care program and recommend improvements based on evaluation of facility operations. B. Knowledge of advanced practice skills in all aspects of respiratory care. C. Ability to communicate orally and in writing at varying levels, both internal and external to the organization. Work Schedule: 7:00 pm to 7:30 am. Work Schedule is subject to change based on agency need. Compressed/Flexible: Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 51665F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the 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 a 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.

Qualifications and evaluation

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. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following Competencies for this position: 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; religious; 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 a resume or during an 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 not to deny employment to those who 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.

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/.

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 10/12/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13016068. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS 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 are submitted before the closing date.

Required documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package, which includes: Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link: https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field. Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field. 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-50s (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Other (1) Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' preference does not apply to internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period) that 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 before 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.