Respiratory Therapist, RRT - UPMC Memorial

UPMC; York (York County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

UPMC is seeking an experienced Respiratory Therapist (RRT) to provide cardiopulmonary support. You will interpret arterial blood gases, assess patients, and administer prescribed therapies under physician direction. Primary duties include ventilator management and patient transport with a focus on safety and quality care.

The role requires NBRC RRT credential and active BLS/CPR, with NRP preferred. You will work in a fast-paced environment, supervising trainees and ensuring accurate

Qualifications

• Graduate of a CoARC approved Respiratory program required.
• Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license required.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential required.
• BLS or CPR required.
• NRP certification desired.

Responsibilities

• Reads prescription, measures arterial blood gases, assesses patient condition and determines treatment requirements.
• Assists to transport mechanically ventilated patients and responds to code situations.
• Maintains patient charts and assists trainees and students during training.
• Sets up and operates ventilators and therapy devices; ensures parameters and safety of equipment.
• Evaluates medical orders and interprets clinical data to optimize objectives.
• Monitors patient responses to therapy, performs pulmonary function tests, and consults with physicians as needed.

Skills

Arterial blood gas interpretation

Patient assessment

Code response

Medical charting

Education

CoARC-accredited Respiratory Therapy program

NBRC RRT certification

BLS/CPR certification

NRP certification

Tools

Ventilators

Aerosol therapy equipment

Environmental control systems

Job description

ICU/NICU experience is strongly preferred for this role!

Purpose of the Respiratory Therapist, RRT:

Under the general direction of a physician and by prescription, provides respiratory therapy services and life support to patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system. Defined responsibilities are performed in all patient populations and in all patient service areas.

Responsibilities of the Respiratory Therapist, RRT:

• Reads prescription, measures arterial blood gases, and reviews patient information to assess patient condition and determine requirements for treatment, such as type and duration of therapy, and medication dosages. Determines most suitable method of administering inhalants, precautions to be observed, and modifications which may be needed that will be compatible with physician's orders

• Assists to transport mechanically ventilated patients. Responds to all code situations.

• The Respitatory Therapist maintains patient's chart that contains pertinent identification and therapy information. Orders repairs when needed. Demonstrates respiratory care procedures to trainees and other health care personnel. Supervises students during training.

• Sets up and operates devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators. Operates equipment to ensure specified parameters of treatment, such as volume, gas concentration, humidity, and temperature, and to administer medicinal gases and aerosol drugs to patients. The Respitatory Therapist observes equipment function and adjusts equipment to obtain optimum results to therapy. Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment functions safely and efficiently.

• The Respitatory Therapist evaluates the appropriateness of medical orders. Interprets clinical data to optimize patient clinical objectives.

• Monitors patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes. Performs bronchopulmonary drainage and assists patient in performing breathing exercises. Performs pulmonary function tests to be used by physician in diagnosis of case. The Respitatory Therapist consults with physician in the event of adverse reactions.

• Graduate of a Co ARC (Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care) approved Respiratory program required

• Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license.

• Basic Life Support or Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation required.

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) required

• Respiratory therapists who receive their RRT credential from the NBRC after July 1, 2002 are required to maintain certification under the NBRC requirementsLicensure, Certifications, and Clearances:CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire. Effective 11/1/2025, those practicing in New York with valid NY Respiratory Therapist license must also hold valid RRT certification.

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

• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)

• Osteopathic Respiratory Care OR Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCP)

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

• Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal

• Act 33 with renewal

• Act 34 with renewal

• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran