Air Force AFSC · Medical
4H0X1 Respiratory Care Practitioner
Overview
A Respiratory Care Practitioner assists physicians who diagnose and treat heart and lung diseases by performing laboratory and clinical functions for patients. This practitioner manages ventilators and conducts blood tests, ECGs, and ultrasounds to help prevent, monitor, and minimize heart and lung diseases.
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Skill levels: 4H011 helper · 4H031 apprentice · 4H051 journeyman · 4H071 craftsman
Core Skills
- respiratory therapy and ventilator management
- cardiopulmonary diagnostics
- arterial blood gas sampling and analysis
- ECG acquisition and basic interpretation
- patient monitoring and assessment
- infection control and safety procedures
- clinical documentation and data entry
- operation and maintenance of respiratory equipment
- emergency response and code support
- interdisciplinary care team collaboration
Civilian Software & Tools
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Database software
Civilian Career Paths
- Emergency Medicine
- Nursing
- Clinical Technician
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Adult Critical Care Specialist (RRT-ACCS)
- Vascular Interventional Radiography
- Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP)
- Certification in Clinical Sleep Health (CCSH)
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
Career Growth
- Certified Cardiac Device Specialist for the Allied Professional (CCDS)
- Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT)
- Certified EKG Technician (CET)
- Certified Electrophysiology Specialist - Adult (CEPS-A) - Physician
- Certified Electrophysiology Specialist - Pediatric (CEPS-P) - Physician
What the Work Involves
- Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, or blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.
- Set up and operate devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
- Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
- Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures or related duties.
Related Occupations
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
- Paramedics
- Acute Care Nurses
- Radiation Therapists
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.
Formerly Known As (Legacy)
Retired codes that converted into 4H0X1. Each legacy page documents the cited history.
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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