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:

• 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
• 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 Determinations: GS-12 Experience, Licensure and Credential
• Candidates must have: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level
• Hold an active license and RRT credential
• Certification
• Incumbent must hold a Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) or a Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (RPSGT)
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing to include but not limited to cardiopulmonary stress testing, exercise testing, metabolic testing, bronchoprovocation testing and shunt testing
• Ability to establish a quality control program related to pulmonary function lab
• Skill in analyzing physiologic specimen and information from basic diagnostic procedures
• Skill in assessing for signs and symptoms of adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures
• Skill in determining appropriate intervention for adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures
• Ability to provide training in advanced pulmonary function procedures
• Ability to provide clinical consultation in advanced pulmonary function procedures
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G11, dated April 15, 2002 and Appendix G27, Appendix J, dated March 17, 2006
• The full performance level of this vacancy is 12
• Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift to assist patients with transfers or ambulation
• The position requires several miles of walking per day within the health center and at times may require climbing several flights of stairs
• There may also be sedentary work where the therapist will be sitting for several continuous hours.