Ambulatory PFT Respiratory Therapist — Day Shift

Mlk-Community-Healthcare-; California; On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

MLK Community Healthcare in Wilmington Clinic is seeking a Respiratory Therapist for a full-time, day shift in an outpatient Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) laboratory. You will independently perform diagnostic tests and manage patient flow, ensuring accuracy and ATS-compliant results.

You will operate test equipment, calibrate and ensure quality control, and coordinate care across multiple providers and clinic locations.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree required; candidates with Respiratory Therapist Certification from a Vocational school or with at least 10 years of experience will be considered in lieu of Associates Degree.
• NBRC Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential required.
• Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) – Preferred.

Responsibilities

• Independently performs comprehensive pulmonary function testing including spirometry, lung volumes, DLCO, methacholine challenge, six-minute walk, and pulse oximetry.
• Reviews, validates, and uploads test results into the EMR (Cerner) for provider interpretation.
• Maintains calibration, quality control, and maintenance of PFT equipment; coordinates vendor support as needed.
• Coordinates with providers to clarify test indications and ensure appropriate test selection; supports multiple clinic locations.
• Ensures compliance with ATS guidelines and organizational protocols; maintains infection control standards.

Skills

Bilingual Spanish

PFT testing proficiency

Basic computer skills

Education

Associates Degree

NBRC CRT or RRT credential

CPFT – Preferred

Tools

Cerner EMR

Job description

Respiratory Therapist Full-Time Days - Wilmington Clinic

CA

United States of America

Onsite

Clinics – Ambulatory

Hourly

$40.03 - $62.04

Pay Rate Type

Pay Rate Type Hourly

Salary Range (Depending on Experience)

Salary Range (Depending on Experience) $40.03 - $62.04

Note: We will also consider qualified candidates interested in Part-Time and Per Diem opportunities.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Ambulatory Respiratory Therapist functions as an independent clinical contributor responsible for the day-to-day operations of a Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) laboratory in an outpatient setting. This role supports pulmonologists and primary care physicians by delivering high-quality, evidence-based diagnostic testing and ensuring accurate, reliable results for clinical decision-making.

The Respiratory Therapist autonomously manages patient flow, performs pulmonary function testing procedures in accordance with American Thoracic Society (ATS) standards, and is responsible for the proper operation, calibration, and quality control of all testing equipment. The role requires strong clinical judgment, operational ownership, and the ability to coordinate care across multiple providers and clinic locations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Testing & Patient Care

• Independently performs comprehensive pulmonary function testing including:
  • Spirometry (pre/post bronchodilator)
  • Lung volumes (FRC, plethysmography)
  • Diffusion capacity (DLCO)
  • Methacholine challenge testing
  • Six-minute walk testing
  • Pulse oximetry at rest and with exertion
• Obtains detailed patient history, medication reconciliation, and indication for testing
• Provides clear patient instruction and coaching to ensure optimal test performance and valid results
• Evaluates patient effort and test quality; repeats testing as necessary to meet ATS acceptability and reproducibility criteria
• Monitors patients for adverse reactions during testing and initiates appropriate response when indicated

Lab Operations & Independent Practice

• Functions as the primary operator and coordinator of the PFT lab, managing daily workflow, scheduling coordination, and patient throughput
• Collaborates with ordering providers (Pulmonologists and PCPs) to clarify test indications and ensure appropriate test selection
• Reviews, validates, and uploads test results into the EMR (Cerner) in a timely manner for provider interpretation
• Supports multiple clinic locations or providers as required, ensuring standardization of testing practices across the ambulatory network
• Ensures compliance with ATS guidelines, organizational protocols, and regulatory standards

Equipment Management & Quality Assurance

• Performs calibration, quality control, and maintenance of all pulmonary testing equipment on a routine basis
• Maintains documentation of quality control logs and ensures equipment accuracy and reliability
• Troubleshoots equipment issues and coordinates vendor support as needed
• Maintains infection control standards and ensures proper cleaning and disinfection of equipment

Care Coordination & Program Support

• Assists providers with specialized pulmonary diagnostic procedures as needed
• Coordinates overnight oximetry testing and performs preliminary data review
• Serves as a subject matter expert resource for pulmonary diagnostics within the ambulatory setting
• Supports population health initiatives by identifying patients in need of pulmonary testing

Administrative & Compliance Responsibilities

• Ensures accurate and complete documentation in the EMR system
• Adheres to HIPAA privacy, safety, and infection control protocols
• Maintains regular attendance and supports clinic operational needs
• Participates in quality improvement initiatives and workflow optimization efforts
• Performs other duties as assigned in support of departmental projects and goals.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

A. Education

• Associates Degree required. Candidates with Respiratory Therapist Certification from a Vocational school or with at least 10 years of experience will be considered in lieu of Associates Degree.

B. Qualifications/Experience

• National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential or
  National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential required.
• Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) – Preferred
• Requires one (1) to two (2) years of respiratory therapy experience as an respiratory therapist in an ambulatory setting.
• Proficiency with pulmonary function testing and equipment.
• Understanding of medical terminology in verbal and written form.

C. Special Skills/Knowledge

• Bilingual skills preferred (Spanish)
• Basic computer and keyboard skills—Windows programs

Equal Rights Employer

Applicants are considered for positions without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, military service, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. This application is intended for use in evaluating your application for employment. Please click the link below to view the E-verify or Right to Work information.

E-Verify / Right to Work

MLK Community Healthcare
1680 E 120th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90059
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
www.mlkch.org

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