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.
Explore this career outside the MilitaryWork 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
Comparable Industries
- Health Science
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.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Enlisted
- Hands-on/specialized
- High school diploma required
Military Workforce
Respiratory Technicians in the Military
855
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$68,889
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$29,299 - $190,072
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
-
Associate's degree 82%
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Bachelor's degree 11%
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Post-secondary certificate 5%
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High school 0%
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Some college 0%
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Master's degree 0%
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Doctoral degree 0%
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Post baccalaureate 0%
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Less than high school 0%
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Post-doctoral training 0%
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Post-master's certificate 0%
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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
Read MoreSkills at a Glance
Skills helpful in this career
- Verbal skills
- Critical thinking & problem solving
- Equipment operation & maintenance
- Math & science skills
- Technology design & control
- Leadership
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Psychology
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
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