Pulmonary Function Technician - Per Diem

Tufts Medicine; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 27,717 - 34,646; Full time

Job summary

Tufts Medicine in Boston is seeking a Clinical Technologist to improve patients' physical and cognitive health through therapy services. This entry-level position involves performing lung function tests and assisting in patient evaluations under supervision.

The ideal candidate should have an Associate’s degree, BLS certification, and six months of relevant clinical experience, with proficiency in technical and mathematical tasks. The role offers competitive pay, ranging from $20.12 to $25.15 per hour.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in a relevant field.
• BLS certification is mandatory.
• Six months of relevant clinical experience.

Responsibilities

• Explain test procedures to patients.
• Collect diagnostic information from records.
• Escort patients to the pulmonary function laboratory.
• Perform lung volume testing with technical equipment.
• Draw blood for gas studies when necessary.
• Calculate basic data and enter it into a computer.
• Assist during special testing like exercise testing.
• Maintain equipment in proper working order.
• Perform clerical duties such as scheduling.
• Notify the supervisor of serious equipment malfunctions.

Skills

Mathematical calculations

Biological science knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Pulmonary function testing devices

Communication with patients

Education

Associate’s degree

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Tools

Gas analyzers

Recorders

Volume measuring devices

Flow measuring devices

Water spirometers

Job description

Job Profile Summary

This role focuses on assessing the needs of patients who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities and delivering therapy services to improve their developmental, physical, or cognitive impairment. It also involves Respiratory Therapy duties, evaluating patients and helping them improve physical and mental conditions by treating cardiopulmonary dysfunction. The role is a clinical technologist position requiring specialized knowledge gained through vocational education, training, and experience, typically applied to patient care and/or scientific/laboratory jobs. It is an entry‑level role that is routine, follows standard procedures, is closely supervised, and requires little explanation or interpretation.

Job Overview

Under general supervision and according to established procedures, this position records patient lung volumes and flow rates and summarizes the data from such studies to assist a physician in the clinical evaluation of lung disease.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Six (6) months of relevant clinical experience in a technical, laboratory, or acute care setting

Duties and Responsibilities

• Explains test procedures to patients to relieve apprehension and help them relax and cooperate.
• Collects pertinent diagnostic information (e.g., hematocrit, medications) from patient records.
• Escorts patients to and from the pulmonary function laboratory.
• Performs lung volume testing with technical equipment such as gas analyzers, recorders, volume and flow measuring devices, and water spirometers.
• When necessary, draws blood for blood gas studies and performs related tests.
• Calculates basic data and enters it into a computer for analysis.
• Assists during special testing such as exercise testing.
• Performs related clerical duties such as answering telephones, scheduling appointments, filing records, and storing supplies.
• Maintains equipment in a clean and proper working order and replenishes machine supplies as necessary.
• Performs minor equipment adjustments and notifies the supervisor of serious malfunctions.

Physical Requirements

• Works in normal patient care environments, tolerating typical temperature, noise, dust, and similar conditions.
• Requires walking, standing, pushing equipment, and lifting and positioning patients.
• Requires occasional close exposure to ill patients.
• Frequent contacts with physicians, patients, laboratory personnel, nurses, and medical students or house staff.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to perform complex mathematical calculations.
• Basic knowledge of biological science and medical terminology.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to relieve apprehension and explain procedures to patients.
• Ability to effectively use pulmonary function testing devices such as gas analyzers, recorders, volume and flow measuring devices, water spirometers, plethysmographs, ergometers, etc.
• Ability to judge when to proceed with routine testing and when to confirm with a supervisor.
• Ability to communicate with and assess the needs of patients of all ages to provide appropriate care.

Pay Range

$20.12 - $25.15