Pulmonary Function Technician

General summary/purpose:
Pulmonary Function Technicians are entry-level staff performing routine pulmonary function testing under close supervision. Staff members in this position are self-motivated to make consistent progress toward meeting laboratory requirements for certification to perform independent routine testing. Staff in this position will also begin to participate in laboratory quality assurance and equipment maintenance programs, and to assist with administrative tasks.

Specific duties & responsibilities:

Perform routine pulmonary function tests

Perform routine pulmonary function tests, supervised as appropriate, including spirometry, flow-volume loops, single-breath diffusing capacity, dilutional lung volumes, maximum voluntary ventilation, maximal inspiratory/expiratory pressures, 6 minute walk testing, pulse oximetry and other studies as directed, on hospital inpatients and outpatients. Learn to take appropriate actions in response to patient distress or medical emergency.

Assist with quality assurance tasks

Assist with the performance of routine quality control on laboratory equipment at specified intervals. Begin to recognize deviations from acceptable performance and to take appropriate actions. Chart and graph quality control values. Assist with complex QA activities as needed. Demonstrate ability to follow procedures for equipment preventative maintenance.

Check and maintain patient data

Enter patient data into laboratory database. Make precise measurements from graphic patient test data. Calculate results using manual and computerized techniques. Learn to identify and correct errors.

Report results

Report routine results, generally under supervision, as needed to doctors, nurses, and other medical staff. Interact with patients, doctors, nurses and others in a professional and courteous manner. Demonstrate increasing ability to recognize and report “critical results” immediately following laboratory procedure.

Perform other laboratory duties

Schedule patient appointments. Help maintain laboratory cleanliness. Participate in continuing education program. Alert appropriate staff to low supply conditions.

Make progress toward laboratory certifications

Make consistent progress toward laboratory certification to perform independent routine testing. Demonstrate increasing competence in following laboratory policies and procedures. Acquire suitable familiarity with reference materials published by sources such as the A.T.S. and the A.A.R.C. Ask questions about unfamiliar procedures. Readily identify potential weakness and take appropriate remedial actions. Staff in this position will be required to sit for the N.B.R.C. certification exam for Pulmonary Function Technologist when the admission requirements have been met.

This description is a general statement of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. It does not exclude other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (mandatory):

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Some college courses preferred.
• Ability to work with and motivate difficult or seriously ill patients
• Strong interpersonal and quantitative skills
• CPR certification or must obtain certification within three months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

The following factors, in addition to the minimum qualifications described above, shall be highly desirable in a Pulmonary Function Technician:

1. College course work with an emphasis on health related sciences and/or strong background in mathematics and anatomy and physiology
2. One year or more of college in physical or biological sciences
3. Training periods may be shortened for staff with any of the following attributes:

a. Training in or graduation from a program in pulmonary function technology or respiratory therapy

b. Training in or graduation from a professional nursing program

c. Substantial background in college mathematics, physical sciences, or biological sciences

4. Exposure to pulmonary function testing
5. Experience in a hospital setting or other health care environment
6. Training as a medical assistant or emergency medical technician

Technical qualifications or specialized certifications:Complete mandatory on-going training necessary.

Specific Physical Requirements for the Job:
1. Ability to stand, walk or sit for an extended period of time
2. Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction
3. Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand(s) or arm(s) for example, using a keyboard
4. Communication skills using the spoken word
5. Ability to see within normal parameters
6. Ability to hear within normal range
7. Possible exposure to communicable diseases.
8. Ability to assist patients with standing or sitting

Classified Title:Pulmonary Function Technician

​Role/Level/Range: ACRO/2/CD
Starting Salary Range:$16.26 - $22.35
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: M-F; 8:30AM - 5:00PM
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt
Location: 04-MD:School of Medicine Campus
Department name: 10002817-SOM DOM Pulmonary
Personnel area: School of Medicine

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check.

If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the HR Business Services Office atjhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711.

The following additional provisions may apply depending on which campus you will work. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.

During the Influenza ("the flu") season, as a condition of employment, The Johns Hopkins Institutions require all employees who provide ongoing services to patients or work in patient care or clinical care areas to have an annual influenza vaccination or possess an approved medical or religious exception. Failure to meet this requirement may result in termination of employment.

The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.

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