What Is a Pulmonary Function Technologist and How to Become One
Table of Contents
What Does a Pulmonary Function Technologist Do?
As a pulmonary function technologist, you set up and run respiratory tests on patients to check for lung diseases or disorders. Your duties require you to have patients conduct various types of tests and collaborate with other medical staff to help them diagnose possible lung disease. Your responsibilities also include explaining the tests to patients, maintaining the testing equipment, cleaning and sterilizing equipment, and ordering supplies. You can complete these procedures at hospitals, clinics, and other health care facilities.
How to Become a Pulmonary Function Technologist
A pulmonary function technologist assesses respiratory problems in patients in a hospital or clinical setting. Duties include testing a patient’s lung functioning and identifying potential concerns. To become a pulmonary function technologist, you need an associate degree in respiratory care. You must complete the pulmonary function tests (PFT) exam to become a certified pulmonary function technologist, and may choose to also get the certified respiratory therapist (CRT) or registered respiratory therapist (RRT) credential to start your career. Clinical work experience under a physician is recommended, so a job in a hospital or clinic is good experience. Qualifications and skills include knowing how to work with patient care, pulmonary function procedures, and respiratory equipment.
