RESPIRATORY SPECIALIST

OVERVIEW
The Respiratory Specialist is primarily responsible for helping with the management of a respiratory unit by administering respiratory therapy and performing pulmonary function tests under the supervision of a physician or nurse anesthetist. The Respiratory Specialist is strictly an advanced-level position.

JOB DUTIES

• Examine and treat emergency or battlefield patients
• Interview patients and record their medical histories
• Prepare blood samples for laboratory analysis
• Keep health records and clinical files up to date

TRAINING
Job training for a Respiratory Specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 37 weeks and 4 days of Advanced Individual Training, including inpatient care.

Some of the skills you'll learn are:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Basic nursing care
• Understanding of the human body
• Minor surgical procedures
• Clinical laboratory procedures
• Methods for diagnosing diseases

HELPFUL SKILLS

• Interest in helping and caring for others
• Ability to communicate effectively and work under stressful conditions
• Interest in chemistry, biology, psychology, general science and algebra
• High attention to detail

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Skilled Technical (ST): 102

Learn more about the ASVAB. 

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with hospitals, nursing homes or rehabilitation centers. With a Respiratory Specialist background, you may consider a career as an emergency medical technician, a medical assistant, a medication aide or a physician assistant.

With continued study and experience, you may qualify for certification as a National Board for Respiratory Care respiratory therapist.