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Registered Respiratory Therapist

University of California - San Francisco
62.61/hr - 78.37/hr
United States, California, San Francisco
1001 Potrero Avenue (Show on map)
May 28, 2026

Respiratory Care Services (RCS) works very closely with the renowned trauma service at Zuckerberg San Francisco General (ZSFG). ZSFG operates the only level 1 trauma center for more than 1.5 million residents of San Francisco and northern San Mateo County in its new, state-of-the-art facility which opened in May 2016. RCS plays a vital role in the emergency department which treats more than 3,000 severely injured patients every year.

Respiratory Care Services provides care throughout the hospital. On the general care wards, respiratory care practitioners (RCP) function primarily as consultants, emergency response team members and as care providers for tracheostomy patients. In addition, RCS has a growing presence in the out-patient pulmonary clinics as primary care givers, advisors and consultants.

A Respiratory Care Practitioner at ZSFG works under medical direction, provides care, treatment, and rehabilitation to patients with pulmonary disorders by means of respiratory care procedures and protocols. All procedures are performed by a licensed RCP in an aseptic manner and follows infection control policies. The RCP will routinely perform other ancillary therapies such as aerosolized prostacyclin, prone positioning, and recruitment maneuvers. In addition, therapists routinely participate in the transport and monitoring of critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients to special procedure areas and surgery. Our general respiratory care practice includes standard oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy, high flow/high FIO2 therapy and non-invasive ventilation as well as lung expansion and pulmonary hygiene therapies. Our services emphasize evidence-based, protocol-driven management with quality assurance oversight.

The RCP will require nearly constant fine and gross-motor manipulation of the hands and arms, nearly constant standing or walking, and a virtually constant work pace. The RCP must be able to push, pull, lift and carry a minimum of 20 lbs. The RCP is a part of the health care team and may be called upon to assist nursing and physician staff in all aspects of patient care.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Identify the functions or tasks that employees in the job perform. The essential functions should state the purpose of the work and the results to be accomplished, rather than how the function is performed. Of the tasks listed, what percentage of time is devoted to each? The more time employees spend on a function, the more likely it is that the function is essential. Generally, include those functions that account for 10% or more of the work, i.e., key items that contribute significantly to the achievement of the job. The functions should add up to 100%.

%

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)

30

Yes

Apply, monitor and troubleshoot the use of continuous mechanical ventilators. Perform beside measurements to assess proper application of and continuing treatment of mechanical ventilation to critically ill patients. Perform safe transport of critically ill ventilator-dependent patients.

30

Yes Monitor the effectiveness of respiratory therapy modalities as ordered by physicians. Evaluate the proper application of the equipment per the patient's condition. Assist the physician in the development and refinement of individualized patient care techniques.

10

Yes

Perform generalized diagnostic procedures such as pulmonary function tests, arterial puncture and blood gas analysis at the bedside. Interpret results and assist physicians in the clinical application of the results.

10

Yes

Perform advanced life support and diagnostic procedures in the ICUs such as measuring exhaled carbon dioxide production, mixed venous blood gases, cardiac output and other cardio-pulmonary function parameters. Interpret results and assist physician in the clinical application of the results.

5

Yes

Administers therapeutic gases, aerosols, and humidification devices (using a variety of techniques and equipment). Instructs patients in incentive spirometry devices and breathing maneuvers.

Performs other therapeutic maneuvers such as pulmonary clearance therapy, tracheobronchial aspiration and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.

5

Yes

Record respiratory care interventions and maintain current lists of patients requiring respiratory care and the services/equipment they are receiving/utilizing. Maintain the integrity of protected health information.

5

Yes

When appropriate teach and demonstrate theoretical efficacy, clinical application and the proper function of respiratory care supplies and equipment to patients, family members, respiratory care practitioners (RCP), respiratory care practitioner students, physicians, nurses, nursing students and other hospital personnel.

5

Yes

Due to critical staffing levels, increased workloads, or other factors such as disaster declarations, the RCP may be asked to perform any duty within the scope of his/her personal and professional ability. This may include accepting temporary shift charge duties.

0

0

0

100%

(To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)


Required Qualifications

  • Graduation from an approved school of respiratory therapy
  • Registration as a Respiratory Therapist by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)

Licenses and/or Certifications

  • California Respiratory Care Practitioner License
  • American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
  • American Heart Association (AHA) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Care or a healthcare-related field
  • American Heart Association (AHA) Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification
  • American Heart Association (AHA) Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Certification
  • Minimum of two (2) years of experience in Adult, Pediatric, or Neonatal Intensive Respiratory Care
  • Active participation in respiratory care professional organizations

About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Salary Information


The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.


Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.


To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

Required Qualifications

  • Graduation from an approved school of respiratory therapy
  • Registration as a Respiratory Therapist by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)

Licenses and/or Certifications

  • California Respiratory Care Practitioner License
  • American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
  • American Heart Association (AHA) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Care or a healthcare-related field
  • American Heart Association (AHA) Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification
  • American Heart Association (AHA) Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Certification
  • Minimum of two (2) years of experience in Adult, Pediatric, or Neonatal Intensive Respiratory Care
  • Active participation in respiratory care professional organizations
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