Registered Respiratory Therapy

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.


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. Additional certification of CPFT or RPFT is desirable, but not required. Willingness to work towards obtaining CPFT or RPFT if not already certified.
• 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 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

Grade Determinations:

Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12.

Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidate 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. Certification. Incumbent must hold a CPFT or RPFT.

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.

This vacancy is above the full performance level GS-12.

Physical Requirements: All respiratory therapists will have extensive interaction with patients, staff, physicians, family members, and visitors. The respiratory therapist is expected to be able to move, lift, bend, and stoop while performing duties with equipment, supplies, and patients. Respiratory therapists must demonstrate the ability to handle stressful, challenging situations in a positive manner.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.