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Respiratory Therapist - Pulmonary Function Testing

Advocate Health · Milwaukee, WI · $33.05–$49.60 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 24, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

What experience do you have performing pulmonary function tests like spirometry, lung volumes and diffusion studies?

What they are checking: Whether they have hands-on PFT experience or understand what it takes to do these tests well.

Tell me about a time you noticed an error in test results or equipment calibration.

What they are checking: Whether they catch and fix data problems before they reach the physician.

What would you do

A patient is not giving full effort during testing. How do you coach them?

What they are checking: Whether they can motivate patients to give their best effort, since results depend on it.

A patient becomes short of breath and wheezy during a test. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stop the test and give treatment per protocol right away.

How do you adjust your approach for an older patient or a patient with memory problems?

What they are checking: Whether they adapt communication to get good results from all age groups.

About the work

How do you know if a spirometry test meets quality standards?

What they are checking: Whether they know the acceptability and repeatability criteria that make results valid.

What safety steps do you take during a bronchial provocation test?

What they are checking: Whether they know this test can cause bronchospasm and are ready to treat it.

How do you prepare for and assist with a bronchoscopy?

What they are checking: Whether they understand their role in procedure support and patient safety.

What do you do to keep testing equipment calibrated and clean?

What they are checking: Whether they follow quality control steps every day.

How do you explain to a patient what a test will feel like and why it matters?

What they are checking: Whether they can reduce anxiety and get better results by setting clear expectations.

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The full job description

As published by Advocate Health.

Department: 36408 Aurora St. Lukes Medical Center - Pulmonary Diagnostics Status: Full time Benefits Eligible: Yes Hou rs Per Week: 32 Schedule Details/Additional Information: M-F, no weekends, no holidays Pay Range: $33.05 - $49.60 Major Responsibilities: • Performs pulmonary diagnostic testing which includes but is not limited to spirometry lung volumes, maximum voluntary ventilations, diffusion of carbon monoxide studies, bronchial provocation tests, administration of inhaled medications per provider order, collect and analyze blood gas samples. In addition, may perform home oxygen assessments, 6-minute walks, indirect calorimetry and provide bronchoscopy assists. • Demonstrates effective communication, feedback, and conflict resolution skills. • Promotes a culture of safety by recognizing and applying proper safety measures to prevent patient harm. Reports patient safety events and near misses in a timely manner. Seeks to identify potential safety issues and assists in the implementation of corrective actions. • Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards. Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required: • Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license issued by the state in which the team member practices. • Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA). • Active Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) certification or Active Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) issued by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) within 18 months of hire. Education Required: Graduate from an accredited respiratory care program, with a minimum of an associate degree. Experience Required: Typically requires 2 years of experience as a Respiratory Therapist. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required: • Effective organizational, interpersonal and problem-solving skills. • Problem solving and decision making for patient care and equipment use. • Proficient computer skills, use of electronic mail and electronic medical record systems. • Excellent communication (written and verbal), listening and interpersonal skills. • Demonstrates human relation skills with the ability to develop rapport and maintain positive, professional relationships with a variety of patients, team members, and physicians. Ability to take initiative and work collaboratively with others. • Demonstrates time management skills with an ability to multi-task and prioritize in an environment with frequent interruptions. Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: • Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job. • Must sit, stand and walk the majority of the workday as well as lift, squat, bend, twist, kneel and reach above shoulders throughout. • Must be able to: • Lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist. • Lift up to 20 lbs. over the head. • Carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance. • Must be able to: • Push/pull with 30 lbs. of force. • Perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present. • Exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical and explosive hazards. As a result, protective clothing must be worn as necessary. This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties. Our Commitment to You: Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more – so you can live fully at and away from work, including: Compensation • Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training • Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job • Incentive pay for select positions • Opportunity for annual increases based on performance Benefits and more • Paid Time Off programs • Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability • Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses • Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave • Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs • Educational Assistance Program Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview. About Advocate Health Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.

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