Respiratory Therapists
Military experience administering respiratory therapy and performing pulmonary function tests under physician or nurse anesthetist supervision directly overlaps respiratory therapy practice.
How to prepare: Have your military transcripts and degree assessed against the typical entry standard of at least an associate's degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program, crediting completed Armed Forces education and identifying only remaining gaps. Licensure is required in every state except Alaska, where national certification is recommended; state requirements vary but usually include passing a state or professional certification exam.
What the civilian work involves
- 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.
- 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.
Civilian tools and software (examples)
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
- MEDITECH software