Respiratory Therapist (RT) - Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT)

Pulmonary diagnostics play a critical role in guiding treatment decisions, improving patient outcomes, and supporting some of the most complex specialty care programs in healthcare. This is an opportunity to apply your respiratory expertise in a highly specialized setting where your work directly influences the diagnosis and management of pulmonary conditions across UVA Health. As a Respiratory Therapist in Pulmonary Function Testing, you will join an experienced team dedicated to delivering high-quality diagnostic services across multiple outpatient and specialty care environments. This role is ideal for an RRT seeking to transition from traditional bedside care into a specialty-focused practice while building advanced expertise in pulmonary diagnostics within an academic medical center. The Role This position focuses exclusively on Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) and respiratory diagnostics in an outpatient setting. Rather than providing inpatient bedside respiratory care, you will work independently with patients and clinical teams to perform specialized testing that supports the diagnosis, treatment, and management of respiratory disease. The role offers a predictable Monday through Friday clinic schedule and the opportunity to practice with a high degree of professional autonomy. A typical day begins in one of UVA Health's outpatient or specialty clinic locations, where you'll work directly with patients scheduled for pulmonary diagnostic testing. You'll independently manage your testing schedule, perform pulmonary function assessments, ensure testing quality and accuracy, and partner with physicians and clinical teams to provide critical diagnostic information that guides patient care. Throughout the day, you'll interact with patients across a variety of specialty populations, including pulmonary, transplant, oncology, and primary care settings. The pace is steady, collaborative, and patient-focused, allowing you to develop deep expertise in a highly specialized area of respiratory care while maintaining excellent work-life balance. In this role, you will: Perform pulmonary function testing and diagnostic respiratory assessments. Educate patients on testing procedures and help ensure high-quality, reliable results. Independently manage patient testing schedules, workflows, and assigned clinic responsibilities. Collaborate closely with physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, and specialty clinic teams. Rotate through a variety of outpatient locations including specialty clinics and hospital-based ambulatory sites. Ensure testing accuracy, quality standards, and exceptional patient experiences. Coordinate with care teams to support diagnostic and treatment planning. Develop expertise in a highly specialized area of respiratory care with opportunities to pursue advanced pulmonary function certification. This is a Monday through Friday position with standard hours of 8AM-5PM, no bedside inpatient respiratory care responsibilities, and assignments planned well in advance, providing greater predictability and work-life balance than many traditional RT roles. Why UVA Health At UVA Health, you will be part of a nationally recognized academic health system where innovation, education, research, and patient care come together to transform lives. As Virginia's premier academic medical center, UVA Health offers clinicians the opportunity to collaborate with leading specialists while contributing to meaningful patient outcomes across the region. What makes this opportunity especially compelling: Specialize in Pulmonary Function Testing and build expertise in a highly sought-after respiratory specialty. Learn from an exceptionally experienced team , with many colleagues who have dedicated decades of their careers to respiratory care and pulmonary diagnostics. Work in a stable, highly collaborative department known for strong peer support and knowledge sharing. Enjoy direct access to leadership , including management with respiratory therapy expertise and a supportive, open-door leadership approach. Develop greater professional autonomy while practicing across diverse outpatient and specialty settings. Gain exposure to transplant, cancer, pulmonary, and specialty clinic populations throughout the UVA Health system. Receive mentorship from true subject matter experts and build skills in a diagnostic specialty that remains in high demand. Opportunities for professional growth , including support for obtaining pulmonary function certification. Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates. For respiratory therapists seeking a long-term career path beyond bedside care, this position offers the chance to build a specialized practice within a respected academic medical center while contributing to the future of pulmonary diagnostics. Why People Love Living in Charlottesville Charlottesville offers an exceptional quality of life that is difficult to match. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area combines natural beauty with the resources of a vibrant university community. Residents enjoy easy access to hiking, cycling, wineries, outdoor recreation, and scenic mountain views, while also benefiting from a thriving food scene, arts and cultural attractions, and historic charm. For healthcare professionals and families, Charlottesville provides an appealing balance of career opportunity, community connection, outstanding schools, and a lifestyle that supports both personal and professional fulfillment. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Education: Graduate of an accredited respiratory therapy educational program. Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Therapy required within 5 years of hire/transfer for all hires/transfers after 2019. Experience: 12 months of acute/critical care Respiratory Therapy clinical experience required. License/Certification: Active Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential with the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Licensed to practice as a Respiratory Therapist in the Commonwealth of Virginia required. American Heart Association (AHA) Health Care Provider BLS certification required. Active NBRC Specialty Credential (e.g., RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS) required within 2 years of hire for Medical Center Respiratory Therapists; ACLS required for TCH Respiratory Therapists within 3 months of hire. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Job requires standing for prolonged periods, frequently traveling and bending/stooping. Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills; Attention to detail and ability to write legibly; Ability to lift/push/pull 20 - 50lbs. May be exposed to chemicals, blood/body fluids and infectious disease. The pay range for this role is $34.01 - $49.18 hourly. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education. Benefits Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Paid Time Off, Long-term and Short-term Disability, Retirement Savings Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts Certification and education support Generous Paid Time Off UVA Health is a world-class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as “High Performing” in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children’s is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond. The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .