Military Respiratory Technicians

Military Career

General Information

Description

Respiratory technicians focus on testing and treatment related to lung functions. They administer respiratory care using controlled breathing equipment. They perform pulmonary function testing and breathing therapies such as medical gas therapy, nebulization therapy, and mechanical ventilation. They also assist physicians with intubation and extubation of patients.  

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Work Environment

Respiratory technicians usually work in hospitals and clinics. In combat situations, they may work in mobile field hospitals.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure
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Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Enlisted
    • Hands-on/specialized
    • High school diploma required

Military Workforce

Respiratory Technicians in the Military

1,272

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Salary

Average Salary

$61,628

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Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Associate's degree 82%
  • Bachelor's degree 11%
  • Post-secondary certificate 5%
  • High school 0%
  • Some college 0%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%

Military training

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Respiratory technicians receive classroom and on-the-job medical training, through which they develop skills in providing basic patient care. Training content may include: Diagnostic methods and proceduresOperation and maintenance of diagnostic equipmentPreparation of patients for testingMethods of resuscitationMinor surgical proceduresEmergency medical treatmentClinical laboratory proceduresEmergency medical treatmentBasic nursing care

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Knowledge

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Psychology
  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Education and Training
  • Computers and Electronics

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership
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