Registered Respiratory Therapist
Veterans Health Administration
West Palm Beach, FL, USA
4/30/2026
Full time
Summary
The West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) to join the Medicine and Respiratory Care service. The role is characterized by a high degree of autonomy and technical expertise, as the incumbent will be responsible for a broad scope of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in both acute and post-acute care settings.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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Major Duties:
- Performs as a member of the medical emergency/rapid response team, providing airway management and manual/mechanical ventilatory life support.
- Executes complex tasks such as endotracheal intubation, arterial and venous sampling, and arterial line placement/management.
- Conducts and interprets basic and advanced pulmonary function tests, including plethysmography, diffusion capacity, and metabolic testing.
- Identifies indications and hazards while providing clinical monitoring and role-specific support during diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopic procedures.
- Manages monitoring systems and airway devices, making treatment recommendations based on waveform graphics and pulmonary mechanics.
- Selects, assembles, and administers medical gas therapy, aerosol therapy, and mechanical ventilation while monitoring patient response.
- Evaluates the home environment for safety and appropriateness of prescribed therapy, including oxygen safety and electrical hazard identification.
- Educates and empowers patients regarding the pathophysiology and treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases like asthma and COPD.
- Serves as a liaison between the respiratory department and other clinical services (nursing, administration) to coordinate facility goals.
- Explains and applies evidence-based medicine in the development of hospital-based respiratory care protocols and orientation programs.
- Maintains statistical and patient data, completes retrospective audits, and advises leadership on policy implications and equipment needs.
- Recognizes and rectifies equipment malfunctions and evaluates the effectiveness of various delivery systems like oxygen concentrators and blenders.
- Performs comprehensive assessments through chart reviews and direct contact to obtain medical, surgical, and social histories.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8-12 hrs Rotating tour and weekend
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 41760F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
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:
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
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:
Citizenship. Citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, of this part. See 38 U.S.C. 7407(a) for more information.
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).
Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor.
Licensure. Licensing within the respiratory occupation is outside of the credentialing process. Those who have obtained their degree from an accredited program in respiratory care and hold a CRT or RRT credential may be granted a license from a state.
Credential. In the field of respiratory care there are two types of credentials granted in the credentialing process to becoming registered as defined below:
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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, all individuals referred and assigned to this occupation must meet all the qualification requirements and KSAs defined in the specific assignment as follows:
Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11 (Full Performance Level)
Experience, Licensure and Credential.
Candidates must have:
i. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level.
ii. Hold an active license and RRT credential.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
i. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes.
ii. Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities.
iii. Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management.
Preferred Experience:
Submission of Performance Appraisal
1 - 2 years respiratory care experience
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS11.
Physical Requirements: See VA HANDBOOK 5005/141
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-qualification….
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) which 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 prior to 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.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
The West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) to join the Medicine and Respiratory Care service. The role is characterized by a high degree of autonomy and technical expertise, as the incumbent will be responsible for a broad scope of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in both acute and post-acute care settings.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
Major Duties:
- Performs as a member of the medical emergency/rapid response team, providing airway management and manual/mechanical ventilatory life support.
- Executes complex tasks such as endotracheal intubation, arterial and venous sampling, and arterial line placement/management.
- Conducts and interprets basic and advanced pulmonary function tests, including plethysmography, diffusion capacity, and metabolic testing.
- Identifies indications and hazards while providing clinical monitoring and role-specific support during diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopic procedures.
- Manages monitoring systems and airway devices, making treatment recommendations based on waveform graphics and pulmonary mechanics.
- Selects, assembles, and administers medical gas therapy, aerosol therapy, and mechanical ventilation while monitoring patient response.
- Evaluates the home environment for safety and appropriateness of prescribed therapy, including oxygen safety and electrical hazard identification.
- Educates and empowers patients regarding the pathophysiology and treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases like asthma and COPD.
- Serves as a liaison between the respiratory department and other clinical services (nursing, administration) to coordinate facility goals.
- Explains and applies evidence-based medicine in the development of hospital-based respiratory care protocols and orientation programs.
- Maintains statistical and patient data, completes retrospective audits, and advises leadership on policy implications and equipment needs.
- Recognizes and rectifies equipment malfunctions and evaluates the effectiveness of various delivery systems like oxygen concentrators and blenders.
- Performs comprehensive assessments through chart reviews and direct contact to obtain medical, surgical, and social histories.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8-12 hrs Rotating tour and weekend
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 41760F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
- 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 dentification 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.
Qualifications
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:
Citizenship. Citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, of this part. See 38 U.S.C. 7407(a) for more information.
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).
Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor.
Licensure. Licensing within the respiratory occupation is outside of the credentialing process. Those who have obtained their degree from an accredited program in respiratory care and hold a CRT or RRT credential may be granted a license from a state.
Credential. In the field of respiratory care there are two types of credentials granted in the credentialing process to becoming registered as defined below:
- CRT. Upon graduation from an accredited program, Respiratory Therapists (RT) are eligible to take a national examination and upon passing, the individual is granted the credential of CRT by the NBRC. RTs who hold a CRT credential are limited in duties and responsibilities and differ from those who hold an RRT credential.
- RRT. Upon graduation from an accredited program, RTs are eligible to take a national examination and upon passing, the individual is granted the credential of RRT by the NBRC.
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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, all individuals referred and assigned to this occupation must meet all the qualification requirements and KSAs defined in the specific assignment as follows:
Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11 (Full Performance Level)
Experience, Licensure and Credential.
Candidates must have:
i. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level.
ii. Hold an active license and RRT credential.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
i. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes.
ii. Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities.
iii. Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management.
Preferred Experience:
Submission of Performance Appraisal
1 - 2 years respiratory care experience
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS11.
Physical Requirements: See VA HANDBOOK 5005/141
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-qualification….
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) which 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 prior to 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.
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.