Pulmonary Technician
University of California
November, 2008
Revised February 2012
Classification Specification/Occupational Subgroup H 20
Classification Specifications
- 9173 – Pulmonary Technician I
- 9174 – Pulmonary Technician II
- 9175 – Pulmonary Technician III
- 9209 – Pulmonary Technician IV
- 9176 – Pulmonary Tech Per Diem
PULMONARY TECHNICIAN SERIES CONCEPT
Under general supervision, the Pulmonary Technician performs all aspects of diagnostic pulmonary testing, including patient preparation and education, procedure analysis, equipment maintenance, and trouble-shooting. Pulmonary Technicians perform noninvasive pulmonary care duties that may include determination of gas exchange parameters, ergometer, and non-ergometry exercise studies for the purpose of measuring physiological parameters, diffusion capacity studies, oxygen-hemoglobin affinity studies, tonometry testing, whole-body plethysmograph studies for the purpose of measuring airway resistance, thoracic gas volume measurements, and pulmonary rehabilitation and blood gas analysis. Additionally, positions may assist with invasive pulmonary procedures in the lab and in the ICU setting, drawing arterial blood gas specimens, and assisting in advance airway management. Responsible for monitoring diagnostic and therapeutic progress of patients for the duration of their testing or treatment.
Pulmonary Technicians are also responsible for maintenance of the pulmonary services laboratory. This includes analyzing and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, performing quality control protocols, and calibrating instruments as required.
CLASS CONCEPTS
Pulmonary Technician I: Requires Respiratory Care Practitioner license and demonstrated ability and skills to perform arterial blood gas laboratory responsibilities, whole blood and electrolyte analysis, including specimen analysis, documentation and result communication, and laboratory maintenance, including equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, quality control and calibration.
Pulmonary Technician II: In addition to the requirements listed above in Level 1, requires demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of patients affected by pulmonary disease and the application of pulmonary rehabilitation and maintenance, including patient evaluation, education and monitoring, and program documentation and billing, and may include tonometry testing.
Pulmonary Technician III: Positions at this level must additionally demonstrate competency in performing complete pulmonary function testing, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, metabolic measurements, skills to provide invasive procedure assistance, and responsibility for training new employees on tasks and procedures. In the absence of a formal supervisor, positions at this level may also act in a “lead” capacity. Requires Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) credential within one year of hire.
Pulmonary Technician IV: In addition to the above, positions at this level use clinical expertise to assist the Manager in the day to day operations of the Department and to ensure patient care is provided to the highest standard of evidence-based practice. Responsible for technical oversight of clinical care activities and the development, refinement and continuous quality improvement of procedures and policies, evaluation of new equipment, and assuring appropriate coordination and distribution of staffing and resources. In coordination with Department Manager, responsible for orientation, training, mentoring of new staff in daily operations and with both on-going and new non-invasive research study protocols.
Pulmonary Tech Per Diem: On an as needed basis and under general supervision, perform the full range of duties as outlined in the series concept.
NOTE: Specific qualification requirements are approved for positions by the Director of Human Resources.