Air Force
MEDICAL
AFSC
4H0X1
Respiratory Care Practitioner
Provides respiratory care supporting physicians in diagnosing and treating heart and lung disease. Manages ventilators, performs blood gas tests, ECGs, and related diagnostics, emphasizing critical care, patient monitoring, and clinical lab skills.
Description
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.
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
- patient and family education
- time management in acute care settings
Civilian Career Paths
- HELP_DESK
Common Certs
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
- Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
- HIPAA Compliance Training