Pulmonary Function Technician - Cardiovascular Research Institute

The Pulmonary Function Technician performs pulmonary function and exercise tests on patients. These tests are used to diagnose and manage disease in patients. The pulmonary function technician also participates in research projects that require pulmonary function or exercise testing as an evaluation criterion.

The major portion of the pulmonary function technician's duties includes instructing and properly coaching patients to perform highly demanding, “effort-dependent” breathing tests, both independently and under minimal supervision, sometimes with very ill patients.

The technician must learn all the various lung function measurements to generate reproducible, accurate results. An important factor in performing the testing is the ability to fully understand the equipment's technical aspects, as well as to comprehend various computerized hardware and software applications. Following a variety of detail-specific protocols is critical to the success of this position.

Required Qualifications:

• Graduation from college with a major in an applicable natural science, including one year of experience in the kind of work to be performed; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Excellent interpersonal skills both verbal and written
• Ability to multitask
• Ability to work closely with other employees
• Ability to troubleshoot problems independently and in a team setting
• Able to communicate effectively with patients and be sensitive to their needs

Preferred Qualifcations:

• Pulmonary Function Certificate
• Phlebotomy experience
• Comfortable with human blood
• Ability to use statistics
• Coursework in physiology
• Experience working with (extremely ill) patients in a hospital or clinic setting