GENERAL SUMMARY: The Respiratory Therapy Assistant (RTA) plays a vital support role within the Respiratory Therapy department by assisting with equipment distribution, maintenance, and respiratory laboratory operations. This position requires strong communication and critical thinking skills, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, clinical environment. The RTA works both independently and collaboratively, ensuring the highest standards of safety, service, and technical accuracy. The role demands a proactive, customer-service-focused individual who adheres to all Henry Ford Health policies and departmental procedures. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Laboratory Support + Perform blood gas analysis (arterial, capillary, venous, cord, pleural fluid) following successful competency validation. + Conduct daily maintenance, calibration, quality control, and troubleshooting of blood gas analyzers. + Review lab request forms for accuracy; resolve any discrepancies. + Maintain all CAP (College of American Pathologists) laboratory competencies within required timelines. Equipment Management + Distribute respiratory care supplies across patient care areas. + Clean, disinfect, and reprocess respiratory therapy equipment in accordance with infection control protocols. + Test and assemble life-support, monitoring, diagnostic, and therapy equipment. + Maintain cleanliness and organization of equipment rooms. + Prepare and set up ventilators after proper training and competency verification. General Duties + Promote and maintain a safe environment in clinical and lab settings. + Uphold patient privacy in compliance with HIPAA and HFHS standards. + Follow all Henry Ford Health System and departmental policies, protocols, and assignments. + Assist with onboarding and training of new staff; participate in continuing education and departmental in-services. Work Environment & Physical Requirements + Exposure to communicable diseases in both laboratory and patient care settings. + Regular handling of medical gases (piped-in and bottled). + Frequent standing, walking, and lifting/moving of heavy equipment across hospital units. + Must be able to work in areas with limited noise, minor temperature variations, and occasional dust exposure. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: + High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalent. + Life experience related to customer service, high volume/fast-paced environment, laboratory and/or logistics preferred. CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURES REQUIRED: + Must meet or exceed core customer service responsibilities, standards and behaviors as outlined in the HFHS’ Customer Service Policy Additional Information + Organization: Henry Ford Hospital - Detroit Main Campus + Department: Whole Blood Laboratories + Shift: Rotating + Union Code: Not Applicable Additional Details This posting represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. It should be understood, therefore, that incumbents may be asked to perform job-related duties beyond those explicitly described above. Overview Henry Ford Health partners with millions of people on their health journey, across Michigan and around the world. We offer a full continuum of services – from primary and preventative care to complex and specialty care, health insurance, a full suite of home health offerings, virtual care, pharmacy, eye care and other health care retail. With former Ascension southeast Michigan and Flint region locations now part of our team, Henry Ford’s care is available in 13 hospitals and hundreds of ambulatory care locations. Based in Detroit, Henry Ford is one of the nation’s most respected academic medical centers and is leading the Future of Health: Detroit, a $3 billion investment anchored by a reimagined Henry Ford academic healthcare campus. Learn more at henryford.com/careers . Benefits The health and overall well-being of our team members is our priority. That’s why we offer support in the various components of our team’s well-being: physical, emotional, social, financial and spiritual. Our Total Rewards program includes competitive health plan options, with three consumer-driven health plans (CDHPs), a PPO plan and an HMO plan. Our team members enjoy a number of additional benefits, ranging from dental and eye care coverage to tuition assistance, family forming benefits, discounts to dozens of businesses and more. Employees classified as contingent status are not eligible for benefits. Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer Henry Ford Health is committed to the hiring, advancement and fair treatment of all individuals without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, size, height, weight, marital status, family status, gender identity, sexual orientation, and genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.