Army MOS · Medical
68V Respiratory Specialist
Overview
A Respiratory Specialist administers respiratory therapy and performs pulmonary function tests under the supervision of a physician or nurse anesthetist. This specialist also assists with managing a respiratory unit.
Core Skills
- operation of specialized medical equipment
- technical troubleshooting of devices
- data collection and test documentation
- patient monitoring and assessment
- adherence to protocols and checklists
- infection control and safety practices
- communication with multidisciplinary teams
- patient education and instruction
- quality control and calibration checks
- accurate record keeping in electronic systems
Civilian Software & Tools
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Database software
Civilian Career Paths
- Clinical Technician
- Emergency Medicine
- Rehabilitation
- Public Health
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) · Funded · Promotion points
- Adult Critical Care Specialist (RRT-ACCS) · Funded · Promotion points
- Asthma Educator Specialist (AE-C)
- Certified EKG Technician (CET)
- Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A)
Career Growth
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) · Funded · Promotion points · STAR
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) · Funded · Promotion points
- Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT)
- Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist (RRT-NPS)
- Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT)
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 68V. 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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