Pulmonary function technicians require a range of hard skills to perform their responsibilities effectively. These include respiratory care, patient care, spirometry, respiratory therapy, and the ability to interpret test results. They must be proficient in using laboratory equipment, calibrate and maintain diagnostic equipment, and troubleshoot equipment malfunctions. They also need to know how to do minute walk tests, measure lung volumes, and figure out what the results of DLCO tests mean.
Soft skills are also essential for pulmonary function technicians. They must have excellent patient assessment skills and the ability to communicate effectively with patients. They need to be able to stay calm and do what they need to do in an emergency and give quick, good medical care when it’s needed. They must also have the ability to work well under pressure and be able to handle high-stress situations. According to a pulmonary function technician, “calm and professional demeanor in all situations. “Below weve compiled a list of the most critical pulmonary function technician skills. We ranked the top skills for pulmonary function technicians based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 24. 5% of pulmonary function technician resumes contained patients as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a pulmonary function technician needs to be successful in the workplace.
It can be hard to get a job as a pulmonary function technician, but you can stand out from other applicants if you go into the interview with strong answers to common questions. You have a lot to offer because you are passionate about respiratory care and skilled at doing pulmonary function tests. You just need to be able to get that across clearly.
In this article, I’ll share the 15 most frequently asked interview questions for pulmonary function technicians, along with sample answers to help you ace your next interview
1. Why are you interested in becoming a pulmonary function technician?
This open-ended question allows you to share your motivations for pursuing this career. Be honest about why this role appeals to you For example
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I find the respiratory system very interesting, and I want to help people take better care of their lung health. As a pulmonary function technician, I can use my technical knowledge to help doctors diagnose and treat patients better.
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I’m drawn to the vital role PFTs play in assessing lung function. I want to join an healthcare team that helps patients breathe easier. This job aligns with my passion for respiratory care.
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I find pulmonary diagnostics incredibly interesting. I’m committed to always learning new things, and I’m excited about the chance to use cutting-edge PFT equipment.
2. What relevant experience or skills qualify you for this role?
With this question, the interviewer wants to understand why you’re a strong candidate for this specialized role. Respond by highlighting your most applicable hard and soft skills. For example:
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I have 2 years of experience assisting with PFTs during my clinical rotations. This allowed me to gain proficiency in testing procedures like spirometry, lung volumes, and diffusing capacity.
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I’m detail-oriented and committed to following protocols to ensure accurate test results. I also developed strong patient communication skills through my clinical experiences.
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I have a track record of learning new technologies quickly. I’m confident I can become adept at using your PFT equipment and software with just an orientation.
3. How do you ensure patients understand PFT procedures?
PFTs can be unfamiliar and intimidating for patients. Interviewers want to know that you can explain procedures in an accessible way. For example:
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I use clear, simple language and avoid complex medical jargon when educating patients about upcoming tests. I also ask questions to confirm their comprehension.
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Making patients feel comfortable and establishing trust is key. I give ample time for questions before we begin testing. This helps put patients at ease.
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Analogies can be helpful when explaining procedures like spirometry. For example, comparing forceful exhalation to blowing out birthday candles gives patients a relatable mental model.
4. How do you handle situations where patients cannot complete PFT maneuvers?
Not all patients have the physical ability to complete certain PFT maneuvers. Interviewers are assessing your adaptability in these situations. For example:
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If a patient struggles with a technique, I troubleshoot by making small adjustments, like changing body positioning, to help facilitate the maneuver.
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I have patients demo the maneuver and provide coaching on form/technique. However, I ultimately make their comfort the priority.
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Depending on limitations, alternative tests may be required. I propose modifications to the physician when standard PFTs are unsafe or unfeasible for a patient.
5. What precautions do you take when working with pediatric patients?
Testing children requires extra precautions and specialized techniques. Discuss your understanding of safe, effective testing of young patients. For example:
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I ensure testing equipment is the proper size for pediatric patients. I also clearly explain procedures using age-appropriate language to put them at ease.
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Reward systems, like stickers upon test completion, can help gain cooperation. I maintain a calm, patient demeanor when working with children.
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For very young patients, sedation may be required. I carefully monitor sedation depth and vitals alongside the physician.
6. How do you prioritize safety when conducting bronchial provocation tests?
Bronchial provocation tests can cause severe bronchospasms in susceptible individuals. Demonstrate your safety consciousness when performing these higher-risk PFTs. For example:
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I adhere strictly to established bronchoconstrictor dosing protocols and have rescue inhalers and oxygen readily available.
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I closely monitor respiratory status and stop administering the agent immediately if adverse effects occur. Patient safety is my top priority.
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I consult the physician to identify appropriate agent types and doses based on the patient’s medical history and current condition. This helps mitigate risks.
7. What quality control measures do you utilize when performing PFTs?
Highlight vigilance and accuracy by discussing your approach to quality control during testing. For example:
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I follow equipment calibration and maintenance schedules diligently to ensure measurements are precise. This includes daily biologic control checks before testing patients.
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I adhere to all ATS/ERS guidelines and my clinic’s PFT protocols to reduce variability and errors.
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I confirm patient adherence to proper pre-test preparations such as medication holds. This tight control at every step minimizes confounding factors.
8. How do you stay current on the latest guidelines and research in pulmonary diagnostics?
PFT best practices evolve over time. Share how you take responsibility for continuing education in your field. For example:
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I regularly review updates published by prominent respiratory organizations to ensure my practice aligns with the latest evidence.
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I participate in continuing education like seminars and conferences to reinforce current guidelines and learn new techniques.
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I subscribe to respected pulmonary and respiratory care journals to keep up with new research and innovations in the field.
9. What do you do when a patient’s test results are unexpected or inconsistent?
Anomalous results can have major implications, so interviewers want to know how you’ll respond. For example:
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I would first repeat the test to rule out any potential equipment errors or temporary patient factors impacting results.
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If retesting confirms irregular results, I promptly alert the ordering physician for consultation, providing both data sets for their review.
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I document detailed notes on testing conditions and the patient’s health status for both the initial and repeat test. Thorough documentation helps identify potential causes.
10. How do you maintain positive relationships with physicians and staff?
Teamwork is crucial in healthcare. Discuss your collaborative approach:
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I foster open communication by establishing rapport with physicians and quickly responding to their requests and questions.
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I engage our staff during downtime by helping with room setups or retrieving patients. Going above and beyond builds camaraderie.
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I diligently update physicians on significant patient issues that arise during testing. This helps strengthen trust and collaboration.
11. Tell me about a challenging patient interaction you’ve had. How did you handle it?
Recount a real example that demonstrates empathy, problem-solving skills, and resilience. For example:
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I once had a claustrophobic patient become extremely anxious during body plethysmography. I immediately halted the test and helped remove them from the booth. We took a break to allow them to regroup, and reviewed relaxation techniques that helped them eventually complete the test.
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When a language barrier challenged my ability to coach a patient through maneuvers, I used visual aids and simple phrases in their native language to bolster understanding and gain cooperation.
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I maintained professionalism and composure with an impatient patient by apologizing for delays, acknowledging their frustration, and reassuring them we wanted to begin testing soon.
12. How do you prioritize tasks when scheduling or testing falls behind?
Highlight your time management and organizational skills. For example:
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I look at upcoming appointments and tests to anticipate which will be most time-sensitive based on factors like medication timing. I complete those tasks first.
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I communicate delays to physicians and patients promptly, and provide reasonable time estimates.
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If delays persist, I consult the PFT supervisor regarding rescheduling certain non-urgent tests to maintain workflow.
13. Why should we hire you over other applicants?
Summarize the key attributes that make you the top candidate. For example:
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My strong technical aptitude coupled with my patient-centric approach makes me well-suited to both accurately perform tests and provide empathetic care.
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I have a proven ability to thrive in fast-paced healthcare environments. My organizational and communication skills enable me to effectively collaborate within a PFT team.
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My respiratory therapy degree provided rigorous PFT training. I am passionate about applying my expertise to help my community breathe easier and live healthier lives.
14. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Showcase growth potential and continued commitment to the specialty. For example:
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In 5 years, I hope to play a lead role in pulmonary diagnostics at a major hospital, overseeing PFT operations and staff training. I plan to obtain additional certifications like RPFT and AE-C.
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I aim to leverage my experience into a supervisory position, so I can mentor aspiring PFTs. I’m also interested in teaching PFT courses at a local college to give back.
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With experience under my belt, I’ll be ready in 5 years to join a cutting-edge
Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary function tests are a set of tests that measure the function of the lungs. Pulmonary function technicians use these tests by administering and analyzing them in both hospital and outpatient settings. They also distribute the reports to the ordering physicians. In addition, they perform various tests such as sweat tests, cold air challenges, and exercise challenges. These tests help in diagnosing and monitoring lung conditions and diseases.
- Ran pulmonary function tests in the hospital and outpatient clinic and looked at the results.
- Reports for pulmonary function tests were finished and sent to doctors who ordered them.
CPR, which stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a way to save the life of someone whose heart has stopped beating or breathing has stopped. As part of their job, pulmonary function technicians use CPR to save the lives of critically ill patients, keep an eye on and suction patients on ventilators, and help with trauma situations. They also set up and take care of IV pumps for giving fluids, record vital signs, and help patients while they are recovering.
- Increased professional knowledge by going to many seminars and trainings, such as getting certified in CPR and Crisis Patient Intervention
- Performed life-saving interventions including CPR for critically ill patients.
ACLS stands for Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support. Pulmonary function technicians use ACLS to maintain department medications and equipment. They ensure that everything is up-to-date and in working order, which is crucial in providing proper care.
- Maintain dept ACLS medications and equipment.
Diagnostic tests are medical tests that diagnose diseases or monitor health conditions. Diagnostic tests, like arterial blood gas analysis and pulmonary function testing, are used by pulmonary function technicians to find out how fast and what rhythm a patient’s heart is beating. They perform these tests to diagnose and monitor health conditions.
- Give the results of any diagnostic tests and any problems you’ve found with how the ESS test equipment works.
- Perform Allergy diagnostic tests, and diagnose.
Medical history refers to a patients previous medical conditions, treatments, and test results. Pulmonary function technicians use a patient’s medical history to get them ready for tests by writing it down, adding it to their file, and collecting it. They also use medical history to gather information about the patients health and explain testing procedures. They record and document the patients medical history, including test results and IV access information.
- Provided physician assistance, including preparing patients and collecting medical history.
- Gathered patients medical history and explained testing procedures.
Patient assessment is the process of evaluating a patients medical status and needs. Pulmonary function technicians evaluate patients and make exercise and rehab plans based on their condition and what their doctors tell them to do. They also use patient assessment to educate patients during pulmonary rehab sessions.
- Created a rehab and exercise plan based on the patient’s evaluation and the doctor’s advice
- CAP questionnaires, pulmonary function testing (PFT), patient evaluation, and education all happen during pulmonary rehab sessions.
15 pulmonary function technician skills for your resume and career
Patients are the individuals seeking medical care. Pulmonary function technicians use patients by scheduling appointments, answering questions about test results, and maintaining confidential medical information. They also assist physicians with determining severity of cardiovascular disease and conducting pulmonary function tests. As Karen Schell, President of the American Association for Respiratory Care, puts it, “Technology will have to keep up so that patients are treated with quality, well tested, effective equipment that is efficient and cost effective.”
- Set up appointments for patients and answered their calls when they had questions about test results or upcoming procedures.
- Cardiopulmonary exercise tests were done to help doctors figure out how bad a patient’s known cardiovascular disease was.
Respiratory care refers to medical care for patients with lung or breathing problems. Pulmonary function technicians help doctors take care of patients in intensive care units, emergency rooms, pediatric and neonatal care, and emergency rooms by giving them respiratory care. They take care of the breathing needs of adults, children, and newborns by doing things like giving oxygen, keeping an eye on vital signs, and doing respiratory therapy.
- All stages of respiratory care were covered in the ICU, the CCU, the ER, the PEDS, and the Recovery Room.
- Did all aspects of respiratory care for adults, children, and newborns in intensive care
Patient care is the act of providing assistance to individuals who are unable to care for themselves. Pulmonary function technicians use patient care by assisting individuals with daily living activities and monitoring their health. They also direct support activities in patient care situations and transport patients as needed.
- Better care for patients, as shown by surveys, and more money for the department by providing faster and more accurate diagnostic services
- organized the medical environment and led support activities during patient care situations, such as emergencies and contingency plans.
One type of pulmonary function test is spirometry, which checks how much air a person can push out of their lungs. Pulmonary function technicians use spirometry to diagnose and monitor respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. They administer the test by having patients blow into a mouthpiece thats connected to a spirometer. The spirometer records the amount of air a patient can exhale in one second. Technicians use this data to assess lung function and determine how well a patients lungs are working.
- A lot of experience with spirometry using JAEGER diagnostic equipment and knowledge of how to test pulmonary function.
- Full PFTs, Spirometry, Asthma research, Managed Pulmonary Clinic for Staff.
Respiratory therapy is the treatment of lung diseases using a variety of techniques and technologies. Pulmonary function technicians use respiratory therapy to perform lung function testing in adults and children. They also train and supervise respiratory therapy students. In addition, they inspect, clean, and test respiratory therapy equipment to ensure it is working properly.
- Used a lot of knowledge and training in respiratory therapy to test the lung function of adults and children
- Acted as a clinical preceptor for respiratory therapy students.
Test results are the findings of a medical test. Pulmonary function technicians use test results to help physicians diagnose and treat respiratory conditions. They look over and file patient reports, make sure that tests are accurate, and send the right paperwork to insurance companies so that procedures can be approved and paid for. They also operate digital cameras and photography editing software to document test results.
- Proofread test results, made sure patient reports were filed correctly, and kept track of appointments that were missed or canceled.
- Provided the interpreting doctor with the paperwork they needed to dictate test results. Sent relevant information to insurance companies so they would approve the procedures and pay for them.
Pulmonary Function Technician interview questions
How to choose a pulmonary function technologist?
Table 4. The skill and work habits of the pulmonary function technologist are central to the quality of patient testing. Pulmonary function technologists should be chosen carefully. The pulmonary function technologists must be intelligent, conscientious, and possess critical thinking skills.
Is a respiratory muscle trainer effective for pulmonary fibrosis?
Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred. This thickened, stiff tissue makes it more difficult for your lungs to work properly. As pulmonary fibrosis worsens, you become progressively shorteness in breadth. Causes of pulmonary fibrosis include environmental pollutants, some medicines, some connective tissue diseases, and interstitial lung disease. Interstitial lung disease is the name for a large group of diseases that inflame or scar the lungs. Causes of pulmonary fibrosis include environmental pollutants, some medicines, some connective tissue diseases, and interstitial lung disease.
What does a pulmonary function technician do?
Their role is essential in providing an accurate diagnosis of the patient’s illness, which leads to proper and timely treatment. Aside from conducting various tests, a pulmonary function technician also coordinates with other health care providers to diagnose and recommend the appropriate treatment.
What skills do pulmonary function technicians have?
The three most common skills for pulmonary function technicians are patients, respiratory care, and patient care. 48.0% of pulmonary function technicians are women, while 52.0% are men. There are certain skills that many pulmonary function technicians have in order to accomplish their responsibilities.
