RESPIRATORY CARE PRACTITIONER

Enlisted Respiratory Care Practitioner

Caring for Airmen and their families requires the knowledge and skills of thousands of individuals. Respiratory Care Practitioners assist physicians who diagnose and treat diseases of the heart and lungs by performing essential lab and clinical functions for patients in their care. From managing ventilators to conducting blood tests, ECGs and ultrasounds, these highly trained professionals help prevent, monitor and minimize heart and lung diseases within the Military Health System.

What You'll Do

• Work with doctors and other health professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the heart and lungs
• Perform diagnostic studies such as pulmonary function tests, exercise stress tests, ECGs and ultrasounds
• Provide critical care respiratory therapy, including the use of sophisticated life-support equipment
• Draw blood from patients for testing
• Assist in procedures such as cardiac catheterization, bronchoscopies and endobronchial ultrasounds

Training & Education

How do we transform you from a raw recruit to an expert Airman in this field? From hands-on experience to college credit toward a degree, the path begins here

• Basic Military Training

  7.5 weeks

• Technical Training

  240 Days

• Tech School Location

  Phase I: Ft Sam Houston, TX. Phase II: Designated Medical Facility

• Status Upon Completion

  Enlisted Airman with an Associate's Degree in Respiratory Care, Registered Respiratory Therapy certification, and Certified Cardiology Technologist certification.

Key Things To Consider Requirements

You must meet several requirements before joining the Air Force. These concern your background, overall health and other standards set by the Air Force, Department of Defense and federal law.

• In addition to a high school diploma or equivalent, for entry into this specialty, the following college courses are required: English Composition I (3 credits), Speech (3 credits), College Algebra (3 credits), Humanities (3 credits), and Social Sciences (3 credits). Applicants who are non-graduates or non-alternate credential holders must obtain an AFQT Test score of 65 or higher on the ASVAB
• General
• • Knowledge of general anatomy and physiology
  • Completion of required college courses
  • Completion of 7.5 weeks of Basic Military Training
  • Must be at least 17, but has not reached age 42 on the date of enlistment