Respiratory Therapist, RRT - PFT Lab

Pulmonary Function Lab Full-Time Opportunity

We are seeking a dedicated Respiratory Care Professional to join our Pulmonary Function Lab. This is a full-time, Monday through Friday position, scheduled 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with no holiday coverage required.

The successful candidate will hold CPFT/RPFT credentials or be willing to obtain them within nine months of hire.

Position Summary

Under the general direction of a physician and in accordance with prescribed treatment plans, the Respiratory Care Professional provides diagnostic and therapeutic respiratory services to patients with cardiopulmonary abnormalities or deficiencies. Responsibilities span all patient populations and service areas.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Assessment & Treatment Planning

• Reviews prescriptions, evaluates arterial blood gases, and assesses patient information to determine appropriate therapy needs.
• Establishes treatment requirements including therapy type, duration, medication dosage, delivery method, and necessary precautions.
• Evaluates and adjusts treatment plans to ensure alignment with physician orders and patient response.

Clinical Care & Support

• Sets up and operates respiratory care equipment, including mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas systems, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators.
• Ensures equipment parameters meet prescribed treatment requirements (e.g., volume, gas concentration, humidity, temperature).
• Monitors equipment performance and makes necessary adjustments to optimize clinical outcomes.
• Performs bronchopulmonary drainage, instructs patients in breathing exercises, and conducts pulmonary function testing.
• Responds to all emergency/code situations and assists with the transport of mechanically ventilated patients.
• Consults with physicians regarding adverse reactions or changes in patient condition.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintains accurate and complete patient records, including identification details and therapy information.
• Evaluates appropriateness of medical orders and interprets clinical data to support patient care objectives.
• Ensures respiratory therapy equipment is functioning safely and efficiently; initiates repair requests when needed.

Education & Training

• Demonstrates respiratory care procedures to trainees and other healthcare team members.
• Supervises students during clinical rotations as assigned.

Education & Credentials

• Graduate of a CoARC-accredited (Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care) Respiratory Care program (required).
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) (required).
• Respiratory Therapists who earned their RRT after July 1, 2002 must maintain NBRC certification in accordance with NBRC continuing competency requirements.
• Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license (required).

Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification meeting AHA standards, including both didactic and hands-on skills evaluation (required within 30 days of hire).
• Effective November 1, 2025: Individuals practicing in New York must hold a valid NY Respiratory Therapist license and a current RRT certification.

Licensure, Background Checks & Clearances

• Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance (with renewal).
• Act 34 Criminal Background Check (with renewal).
• Act 73 FBI Fingerprinting Clearance (with renewal).

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran