Advance Your Career: Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist at the VA Kansas City

Are you an experienced respiratory professional looking to step into a leadership role? The Kansas City VA Medical Center is inviting skilled and compassionate Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) to join our team as a Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist. This is an exceptional opportunity to serve those who have served our country while utilizing your advanced clinical skills and leadership capabilities to shape the future of patient care.

Job Responsibilities

As a Lead RRT, you will serve as a cornerstone of the medical sub-specialty service. Your primary duties include:

Operational Oversight: Assigning tasks, managing workflows, and ensuring the timely delivery of respiratory care.
Clinical Guidance: Providing technical expertise for non-routine procedures and complex patient cases.
Mentorship: Educating staff, students, and co-workers to maintain high clinical standards.
Quality Improvement: Participating in hospital-wide research and performance improvement activities.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Serving as the respiratory department's representative in clinical meetings.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet specific federal standards:

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
Education & Credentials: Completion of a CoARC-accredited program and possession of an active, unrestricted state license and RRT credential.
Experience: A minimum of one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 level is required, demonstrating advanced clinical judgment.
Compliance: Candidates must pass a physical exam, drug screening, and background investigation.

Quick Comparison: RRT vs. Lead RRT

Feature	Standard RRT	Lead RRT
Scope of Practice	Direct Patient Care	Clinical + Operational
Workflow Control	Individual Tasks	Team Assignment
Oversight	Supervised	Supervisory/Guidance
Representation	Peer-level	Interdisciplinary

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $95,258 to $123,838 per year, commensurate with experience and federal pay scales. In addition to salary, employees enjoy:

Robust federal health and life insurance options.
Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
Retirement savings through the FERS system.
Professional growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

Application Tips

Use the Provided Template: The VA requires a specific clinical resume format; ensure you use the document provided in the vacancy link.
Be Detailed: Federal hiring managers look for clear examples of how you have led teams or solved complex clinical issues.
Check Your Documents: Ensure your transcripts, professional certifications, and, if applicable, military service records are attached clearly.

Joining the VA as a Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence for our nation's Veterans. If you have the clinical expertise and the passion for leadership, we encourage you to apply and become a part of our dedicated healthcare team.

Why This Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist Job Matters

Elevate your respiratory care career by joining the Department of Veterans Affairs in Kansas City—where your leadership makes a direct impact on the lives of those who served our nation.

Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist Job Overview

The Kansas City VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated and experienced Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist to join our Medical Sub-Specialty Service line. In this pivotal role, you will provide expert clinical guidance, oversee respiratory care operations, and mentor staff to ensure our Veterans receive world-class, compassionate care. This position offers a unique opportunity to combine advanced clinical practice with operational leadership in an environment dedicated to excellence in patient outcomes.

Requirements for Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist

U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may be considered only if qualified citizens are unavailable).
Must possess and maintain a full, current, and unrestricted state license as an RRT.
Must hold a current, valid, and unrestricted RRT credential.
Successful completion of a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination and background investigation.
Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications for Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist

At least 5 years of professional experience in inpatient critical care environments.
Demonstrated expertise in team leadership, including staff training and operational oversight.
Proven experience in interdisciplinary clinical representation.
Advanced competencies in both inpatient and outpatient respiratory procedures.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and annual leave accrual.
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance packages.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Opportunities for professional development and research participation.
✓Access to the VA's extensive health career growth initiatives.

💡 How to Apply Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document.
Prepare your full resume/CV and any applicable supporting documents (e.g., transcripts, SF-50, DD-214).
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your entire application package through the online portal by 11:59 PM ET on July 23, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be specific and thorough when describing your clinical experience; do not assume the hiring panel knows your daily duties.
Ensure your resume clearly highlights both your technical skills and your leadership responsibilities.
Verify that your uploaded documents meet the specific naming and format requirements outlined in the vacancy.
Double-check your eligibility documents, such as SF-50s or DD-214s, to ensure they are current and legible.
Monitor your email for status notifications after the announcement closes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of this position?

The Lead RRT ensures the delivery of high-quality respiratory care, oversees daily clinical operations, provides guidance to staff, and represents the respiratory department within the multidisciplinary healthcare team.

Is relocation assistance offered?

No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

What is the required schedule?

The position operates on an alternating schedule, Monday through Friday, 2:00 P.M. to 12:30 A.M.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Our mission is to honor President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military. At the Kansas City VA, we prioritize a 'whole health' approach, ensuring that every Veteran receives personalized, evidence-based care in a supportive environment.