Become a Registered Respiratory Therapist for the VA in Kansas City

Are you a respiratory therapist looking to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a highly skilled Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist to join our clinical team in Kansas City, Missouri.

Job Responsibilities

As an RRT at the GS-11 level, you will operate in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Your daily duties will include:

Patient Assessment: Evaluating respiratory status through direct contact and chart review.
Therapeutic Treatment: Administering oxygen, medication, and PAP therapy.
Advanced Management: Monitoring mechanical ventilators and performing bedside diagnostic tests like blood gas analysis.
Tobacco Cessation: Leading evidence-based programs to help Veterans achieve long-term smoking cessation.
Collaboration: Working closely with physicians to refine care plans and improve patient outcomes.

Feature	Details
Position Grade	GS-11
Location	Kansas City, MO
Schedule	Monday - Friday, 7:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Employment Type	Permanent, Excepted Service

Requirements

To qualify for this position, candidates must meet specific federal requirements, including:

U.S. Citizenship status.
An accredited respiratory care degree.
A current, unrestricted state RRT license.
A valid RRT credential.
Proficiency in clinical documentation and patient care management.

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $79,476 to $103,324. Beyond the base compensation, employees have access to robust federal benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and the potential to earn annual leave based on prior professional and military experience.

Application Tips

Use the Template: Always download and use the official VA clinical resume document.
Be Detailed: Clearly list your experience with tobacco cessation programs and clinical competencies.
Stay Prompt: Complete all assessments within the required timeframes.

Serving as a Registered Respiratory Therapist within the VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the health and well-being of our nation's heroes. If you possess the clinical expertise and the passion for patient-centered care, we encourage you to submit your application today.

Why This Registered Respiratory Therapist- Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist. Job Matters

Advance your respiratory therapy career and directly impact Veteran wellness in Kansas City. Join the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Registered Respiratory Therapist and Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist.

Registered Respiratory Therapist- Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist. Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) to serve as a vital member of our pulmonary rehabilitation and tobacco cessation team. In this role, you will apply advanced clinical knowledge to provide comprehensive respiratory care for Veterans suffering from chronic pulmonary conditions. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary healthcare team to develop evidence-based care plans, perform complex diagnostic procedures, and lead smoking cessation initiatives, all within a patient-centered environment dedicated to honoring those who have served our nation.

Requirements for Registered Respiratory Therapist- Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist.

U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens appointed only under specific VA policy criteria).
Successful completion of a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor.
Full, current, and unrestricted state license to practice as an RRT.
Valid, current, and unrestricted RRT credential.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Completion of online application, questionnaire, and mandatory online assessment.
Background and security investigation clearance.
Compliance with seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for Registered Respiratory Therapist- Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist.

Two years of experience in smoking cessation program support and implementation.
Demonstrated ability to build, scale, and manage healthcare program initiatives.
Strong technical proficiency with digital health tools, electronic medical records, and data management systems.
Proven capability in advanced airway management and complex ventilation monitoring.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Comprehensive health insurance options
✓Federal retirement benefits
✓Opportunities for professional growth and clinical training
✓Credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior professional experience
✓Supportive multidisciplinary environment

💡 How to Apply Registered Respiratory Therapist- Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist. Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Registered Respiratory Therapist- Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist. Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement details.
Prepare your resume and supporting documents, ensuring you use the required VA clinical resume template if applicable.
Complete the online questionnaire via the application portal.
Submit your application and required documents before the closing date of September 10, 2026.
Monitor your email for a notification to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if required.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume—the hiring team cannot make assumptions about your experience.
Use the provided VA resume template to ensure your documentation meets formatting standards.
Complete the online assessments as soon as possible after submission to stay within the 48-hour window if triggered.
Double-check that your license and credentials are valid and ready for verification.
Clearly highlight your experience in smoking cessation and program building to stand out as a candidate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of this role?

The RRT works within pulmonary rehabilitation and tobacco cessation to provide specialized care, develop treatment plans, and manage respiratory equipment for Veterans.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an onsite position located in Kansas City, Missouri, with some ad-hoc telework potential.

What happens if I don't submit the VA-specific resume template?

The agency strongly recommends using the provided template to ensure your application is processed correctly. Always follow the specific instructions listed in the 'Required Documents' section.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. We are dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have borne the battle. Our mission focuses on providing compassionate, whole-health care to Veterans, and our respiratory therapy teams are essential in achieving that goal.