Respiratory Therapist, Crt/Rrt

URGENT IN!! UPMC will now PAY costs to complete the RRT exam!

New Graduates, CRT & RRT credentials are eligible to apply! Candidates will be placed into the necessary title/level and compensation rate based on background and experience.

FT and Casual Statuses available

NEW SIGN-ON BONUS Available!! external/eligible candidates (Part-Time status will receive 1/2, and Casual status are not eligible)

• 0-1 years of experience = $12,000 - with a 2-year commitment
• 1+ years of experience = $15,000 - with a 2-year commitment

A Respiratory Therapist (RT) is a healthcare professional responsible for assessing patients with respiratory disorders, conducting diagnostic tests, developing treatment plans, and administering respiratory therapy. They work under the direction of doctors and treat a range of patients. Here are the key responsibilities and qualifications for this role:

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assessment and Diagnosis:

• Interview patients to gather relevant medical history and assess respiratory conditions.

• Conduct diagnostic tests, including measuring lung capacity and blood acidity/alkalinity.

• Collaborate with physicians and nurses to develop personalized treatment plans.

• Treatment Administration:

• Administer respiratory treatments based on patient conditions, such as oxygen therapy, aerosol medications, and chest physiotherapy.

• Set up and operate medical devices, including mechanical ventilators.

• Connect patients who require ventilator support.

• Educate patients on equipment usage and medication.

• Monitoring and Emergency Care:

• Regularly check on patients and equipment.

• Monitor patient responses to therapy, including vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.

• Provide emergency care during code situations.

• Documentation and Communication:

• Maintain accurate patient charts with relevant identification and therapy information.

• Collaborate with healthcare team members, including demonstrating respiratory care procedures to trainees and supervising students during training.

Qualifications:

• Graduate of a Co ARC (Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care) approved Respiratory program required OR students who have received a temporary license are permitted to begin employment with approval from the Human Resources department along with their official transcripts.

• Basic Life Support or Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation required

• Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRTT) from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) required prior to expiration of temporary practice permit.

• Respiratory therapists who receive their CRT credential from the NBRC after July 1, 2002 are required to maintain certification under the NBRC requirements

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire

• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

• Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician (CRTT)

• Osteopathic Respiratory Care OR Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCP)

• Act 33 with renewal

• Act 34 with renewal

• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran