Respiratory Therapist, CRT - Full-time - Cole-

Now Hiring: Full-Time Respiratory Therapist

Location: UPMC Cole
Schedule: Primarily Day Shift (with some rotational coverage)
Sign-On Bonus:

• $12,000 for candidates with <1 year of experience
• $20,000 for candidates with 1+ years of experience

UPMC Cole is excited to welcome a Respiratory Therapist to our dedicated care team! This full-time position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients across all care areas while working with a supportive and collaborative team.

⭐ Why Join Us?

• Primarily daylight schedule for better work–life balance
• Every other weekend and holiday rotation—balanced and predictable
• Minimal on-call requirements
• Competitive sign-on bonus based on experience
• Career ladder placement aligned with your education, experience, and professional achievements

Purpose of the Role

Under physician direction and by prescription, the Respiratory Therapist provides critical respiratory therapy and life-support services to patients with cardiopulmonary conditions. You’ll work across all patient populations and care settings, making a meaningful difference every day.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and evaluate the appropriateness of medical orders and interpret clinical data to support optimal patient outcomes.
• Set up and manage equipment such as ventilators, therapeutic gas devices, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators.
• Monitor, adjust, and troubleshoot respiratory equipment to ensure safe and effective therapy delivery.
• Assist with the transport of mechanically ventilated patients and respond to all code situations.
• Maintain accurate and detailed patient documentation.
• Demonstrate respiratory procedures to trainees and healthcare staff and supervise students during clinical training.
• Assess patient conditions, including reviewing prescriptions, evaluating arterial blood gases, and determining appropriate therapy methods.
• Monitor and document physiological responses, conduct pulmonary function testing, and assist with breathing exercises.
• Collaborate with physicians regarding patient progress and adverse reactions as needed.

Education & Training

• Graduate of a CoARC-accredited Respiratory Care program required.
• Students with a temporary license may begin employment with Human Resources approval and submission of official transcripts.

Required Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification required.
  • Must meet AHA standards, including both didactic and hands‑on skills components, within 30 days of hire.
• Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRTT) credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) required prior to the expiration of a temporary practice permit.
• Respiratory Therapists who obtained their CRT credential after July 1, 2002 must maintain certification in accordance with NBRC requirements.

Licensure

• Must hold one of the following Pennsylvania licensure classifications:
  • Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP)
  • Osteopathic Respiratory Care

Clearances

• Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance (with renewal)
• Act 34 Criminal Background Check (with renewal)
• Act 73 FBI Fingerprinting Clearance (with renewal)

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran