Registered Respiratory Therapist (Polysomnography)

Basic Requirements- To qualify for appointment as an RRT, all applicants must possess the following: 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. 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: Registered Respiratory Therapist (Polysomnography) GS-12 Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: 1.One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. 2. Hold an active license and RRT credential. Certification. Candidates must hold a RPSGT. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Skill in performing polysomnographic studies to include obtaining both physiologic and diagnostic data. 2. Skill in calibrating and troubleshooting polysomnographic equipment. 3. Skill in monitoring both physiologic and diagnostic parameters. 4. Skill in scoring data both during and post diagnostic testing. 5. Skill in analyzing data both during and post diagnostic testing. 6. Skill in preparing output for physician interpretation of data obtained both during and post diagnostic testing 7..Skill in the assessment of oxygenation, ventilation and adverse responses. Preferred Experience: 1. Two years experience as RRT. 2. Two years experience as RPSGT. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.
Serves as an RRT (Polysomnography) in the specialty assignment of Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) under the direction of the RRT Chief. Respiratory care and polysomnographic services are performed in accordance with the guidelines established by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), the American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC), the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT).