Pulmonary Function Technologist I

University of Utah Health•Farmington, UT

About The Position

The Pulmonary Function Technologist sets up and operates respiratory testing equipment to assess patients for lung diseases and disorders. The role conducts pulmonary and related tests, explains procedures to patients, and collaborates with physicians and other healthcare staff to support diagnosis and monitoring of respiratory conditions. Responsibilities also include maintaining, cleaning, and sterilizing equipment and ordering supplies. Procedures may be performed in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. This position provides direct patient care. The technologist evaluates patients’ hemodynamic, electrocardiographic, and symptomatic responses to exercise, follows precautions to ensure patient safety, and identifies changes in a patient’s condition and responds appropriately. The role consults with physicians and healthcare teams about suitable testing procedures, completes billing records to departmental standards, uses computerized and paper-based medical record and pulmonary database systems, and participates in quality assurance and improvement activities.

Requirements

Associate degree in Exercise and Sports Science, Biological Science, Respiratory Therapy, a related field, or equivalent.
Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system; the credential must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.
Thorough understanding of and ability to apply equipment used in pulmonary function testing and cardiac monitoring, including spirometry/flow-volume loops, gas dilution lung volumes, CO diffusing capacity, plethysmographic lung volumes, arterial blood gas acquisition and analysis, maximum voluntary ventilation, six-minute walk testing, pulse oximetry, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, methacholine challenge, and other appropriate diagnostic equipment.
Strong working knowledge of infectious disease, cross-contamination, and pathophysiology.
Ability to interpret basic ECG rhythm.
Knowledge of pulmonary anatomy and physiology.
Knowledge of respiratory and pulmonary care equipment and techniques for age-specific populations.
Ability to analyze and interpret measured data and communicate results to physicians and healthcare team members.
Competency in applying American Thoracic Society testing guidelines and protocols for each test modality.
Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills.
Ability to work in both hospital and outpatient clinic settings through periodic personnel rotation.
Ability to perform the essential functions and provide care to the population served.
Must be able to meet the stated working and physical requirements with or without accommodation, including moving patients or objects such as medical equipment.

Nice To Haves

ACLS may be required by some departments.

Responsibilities

Set up and conduct pulmonary function and related respiratory tests on patients.
Explain tests to patients and collaborate with medical staff to assist in diagnosing or monitoring lung disease.
Evaluate patients’ hemodynamic, electrocardiographic, and symptomatic responses to exercise and assess whether responses are appropriate for the exercise intensity and endurance.
Follow precautions to ensure patient safety and identify changes in a patient’s condition, taking appropriate action.
Meet departmental standards for the use of supplies and equipment; maintain, clean, and sterilize testing equipment and order supplies.
Complete billing records within departmental standards.
Consult with physicians and the healthcare team to recommend appropriate testing procedures and provide results that support patient treatment.
Use computerized and paper systems, including systems supporting medical records and pulmonary databases.
Participate in quality assurance and quality improvement activities.
Provide care to the population served and work in hospital and outpatient clinic settings as personnel rotate between them.