Advance Your Career as a Registered Respiratory Therapist at the Northport VA
Are you a dedicated Respiratory Therapist looking to combine your clinical expertise with a mission-driven career? The Northport VA Medical Center is currently seeking a highly skilled Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) to provide exceptional care to those who have served our nation.
Job Responsibilities
As an RRT at the GS-11 level, you will work independently, utilizing your advanced clinical skills to handle diverse and complex respiratory cases. Your duties will include:
- Clinical Assessment: Evaluating patients using diagnostic equipment and physical examination data.
- Airway Management: Overseeing mechanical ventilation, suctioning, and tracheostomy care.
- Collaboration: Partnering with physicians and interdisciplinary teams to develop care plans.
- Technical Expertise: Troubleshooting and maintaining advanced respiratory therapy equipment.
- Leadership: Serving as a preceptor for junior staff and contributing to hospital policy and protocol development.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship: Required for all Federal applicants.
- Accredited Education: Graduation from a CoARC-accredited respiratory program.
- Licensure: An active, unrestricted state license as an RRT.
- Certification: Maintenance of the valid, current, unrestricted RRT credential.
- Vaccinations: Participation in the mandatory influenza vaccination program.
Comparison: Standard RRT vs. VA RRT Role
| Feature | Standard Hospital RRT | VA Medical Center RRT |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Focus | General Public | Military Veterans |
| Environment | Diverse | Mission-Driven / Specialized |
| Benefits | Market Variable | Comprehensive Federal Benefits |
| Career Growth | Variable | Structured GS-Grade Progression |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a highly competitive salary range of $102,487 to $133,240 per year. In addition to the salary, you will receive extensive federal benefits, including:
- Comprehensive health and dental insurance.
- Generous leave accrual (annual and sick).
- Federal retirement investment options.
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
Application Tips
When applying for this role, focus on clearly documenting your clinical competencies. Use your resume to detail your experience with ventilators, ABGs, and complex airway management. Ensure your state license and RRT credential are clearly documented in your file, as these are mandatory requirements.
If you are a passionate respiratory therapist eager to apply your skills in a high-impact environment, the Northport VA Medical Center welcomes your application. Apply today to serve those who have sacrificed so much for our country.
Why This Registered Respiratory Therapist Job Matters
Join the Northport VA Medical Center and make a profound difference in the lives of our nation's heroes by providing expert respiratory care.
Registered Respiratory Therapist Job Overview
The Northport VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) to join their clinical team. This role is pivotal in delivering comprehensive respiratory services to Veterans, managing everything from routine care to complex, life-saving ventilation and airway interventions. The successful candidate will work in both inpatient and outpatient environments, contributing to patient care plans, conducting diagnostic evaluations, and serving as a clinical lead for team initiatives and protocols.
Requirements for Registered Respiratory Therapist
- U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may be appointed only if no qualified citizens are available).
- Completion of a respiratory care program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
- Possession of a current, full, and unrestricted state license to practice as a Registered Respiratory Therapist.
- Maintenance of a valid, current, and unrestricted RRT credential.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Ability to perform moderate physical requirements including standing, lifting, and equipment transport.
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Respiratory Therapist
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level or equivalent.
- Advanced clinical skills in airway and ventilation management.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary medical teams.
- Experience in complex respiratory protocols, including bronchoscopy and home ventilation management.
- Experience serving as a preceptor or mentor for clinical staff.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary with annual increases.
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Accrual of service credit for annual leave based on prior experience.
- ✓Access to ongoing clinical training and professional development.
💡 How to Apply Registered Respiratory Therapist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Respiratory Therapist Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a comprehensive, long-form resume or CV.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Attach all required documents, including state licenses, RRT credentials, and transcripts.
- Submit your application package before the deadline on September 15, 2026.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume; do not assume the hiring team knows your previous responsibilities.
- Highlight both paid and volunteer experience relevant to respiratory therapy.
- Ensure all contact information and licensure details are current.
- Double-check that all required supporting documents, such as SF-50s or DD-214s, are attached.
- Review your responses to the questionnaire carefully before submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of an RRT at Northport VAMC?
You will perform diagnostic evaluations, manage complex airways, implement respiratory protocols, and provide both inpatient and outpatient care for Veterans.
Is relocation assistance provided?
No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
What is the expected work schedule?
This position requires an evening/night tour, including holidays and weekends.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. At the Northport VA Medical Center, we are committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise: to care for those who have served in our military and their families. Joining our team means joining a community of professionals dedicated to compassion, excellence, and the whole-health care of our Veterans.