Graduate Respiratory Therapist, CRT/RRT - UPMC Presbyterian

UPMC Presbyterian is the ideal place for new graduate Respiratory Therapists to begin a strong, supported career. As a leading academic medical center and Level I Regional Resource Trauma Center, we provide exposure to diverse, high‑acuity patient populations—including transplant, neurosurgery, cardiology, and critical care—while prioritizing mentorship, teamwork, and hands‑on learning.

Our campus continues to grow with the addition of the 17‑story Kamin Tower, featuring private patient rooms and advanced specialty operating rooms that enhance both patient care and the caregiver experience. Presbyterian is also the only UPMC facility with an on‑site Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) chamber, offering unique learning opportunities in advanced wound care and emergency support.

Most importantly, you’ll join a collaborative team committed to your development—from structured orientation and experienced preceptors to ongoing clinical growth. If you’re a new graduate ready to build confidence, expand your skills, and make a meaningful impact from day one, UPMC Presbyterian is where your career begins.

If you're looking to grow your career in an environment that blends innovation, teamwork, and meaningful impact every single day, UPMC Presbyterian is where you belong.

• We’re excited to offer sign-on bonuses for qualified Respiratory Therapists who join our team:
• $15,000 for therapists with 0–1 year of experience with a 2-year full-time commitment
• $20,000 for therapists with 1+ years of experience with a 2-year full-time commitment

We offer a lucrative career ladder that we utilize to allow for career growth and promotional opportunities with UPMC! The final candidate will be place in the appropriate job title and salary structure based on education, experience, and certification.

Under the general direction of a physician and by prescription, the Respiratory Therapist 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

• Assists to transport mechanically ventilated patients.
• Responds to all code situations.
• Evaluates the appropriateness of medical orders.
• Interprets clinical data to optimize patient clinical objectives.
• 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.
• 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.
• Consults with physician in the event of adverse reactions.

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.

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.

• 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.

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

Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania required.

Basic Life Support or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation required Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRTT) from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) required prior to expiration of temporary practice permit

Respiratory therapists who receive their CRT credential from the NBRC after July 1, 2002 are required to maintain certification under the NBRC requirements

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances

• Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician (CRTT)
• Osteopathic Respiratory Care
• Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCP)
• CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire
• UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran