Respiratory Therapist CRT & RRT (Multiple Opportunities)

UPMC • Erie, PA

8d

About The Position

UPMC is hiring Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRT), Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT), and Senior Registered Respiratory Therapists for multiple opportunities. Final title and compensation depend on education, experience, and certifications. The role offers multiple shift options, including night and weekend programs with premium differentials, career ladder opportunities, and support for advancing from CRT to RRT through tuition assistance, paid study time, and exam reimbursement. Sign-on bonuses are offered to qualified full-time therapists: $15,000 for those with 0–1 year of experience and $20,000 for those with 1 or more years of experience, each requiring a two-year full-time commitment. Bonuses are also available for part-time positions and are prorated based on commitment.

Respiratory therapists evaluate orders and clinical data, operate and monitor respiratory equipment, administer therapies, and assess patient responses. They support patient transport and emergency response, maintain patient records, demonstrate procedures to trainees and healthcare personnel, and supervise students. Requirements vary by title. RRT applicants must graduate from a CoARC-approved respiratory program, hold a Pennsylvania Respiratory Care Practitioner license, have BLS or CPR, and obtain CRTT certification before a temporary practice permit expires. Senior RRT applicants need respiratory care experience, including critical care experience, and must complete an approved department project during each annual performance review period. CRT applicants must graduate from a CoARC-approved respiratory program, or meet the stated temporary-license and transcript provision, and meet the certification and BLS/CPR requirements.

Requirements

• For RRT roles, graduation from a CoARC-approved respiratory program is required.
• For RRT roles, a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is required.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is required.
• Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRTT) certification from the NBRC is required before expiration of a temporary practice permit.
• Respiratory therapists who receive their CRT credential from the NBRC after July 1, 2002, must maintain certification under NBRC requirements.
• For Senior RRT roles, applicants need two years of total respiratory care experience, including at least one year in critical care.
• Senior RRT applicants must successfully complete one approved project from the department's project list during each annual performance review period; the project must be approved within three months of hire.
• For CRT roles, graduation from a CoARC-approved respiratory program is required, or students with a temporary license may begin employment with Human Resources approval and official transcripts.
• The listed licensure, certifications, and clearances include BLS or CPR, CRTT, Osteopathic Respiratory Care or RCP, Act 33 with renewal, Act 34 with renewal, and Act 73 FBI Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate medical orders and interpret clinical data to optimize patient outcomes.
• Set up and manage mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration equipment, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators.
• Ensure respiratory equipment operates within specified parameters and administer medicinal gases and aerosol drugs.
• Monitor equipment function, adjust treatment settings, and inspect or test equipment for safety and efficiency.
• Assist in transporting mechanically ventilated patients and respond to code situations.
• Maintain patient charts with identification and therapy information and order equipment repairs when needed.
• Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to trainees and healthcare personnel, and supervise students during training.
• Read prescriptions, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to determine treatment requirements.
• Select methods for administering inhalants and identify necessary precautions.
• Monitor physiological responses to therapy, perform bronchopulmonary drainage, assist with breathing exercises, and conduct pulmonary function tests.
• Consult with physicians about adverse reactions.

Benefits

• Sign-on bonuses of $15,000 for qualified therapists with 0–1 year of experience and $20,000 for qualified therapists with 1 or more years of experience, with a two-year full-time commitment.
• Sign-on bonuses for part-time positions, prorated based on commitment.
• Tuition assistance, paid study time, and exam reimbursement to support progression from CRT to RRT.
• Career ladder opportunities aligned with education, certifications, and experience.
• Night and weekend programs with premium differentials.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree