68V Respiratory Specialist to Respiratory Therapist: Complete Career Guide (2025)

Bottom Line Up Front

Army 68V Respiratory Specialists have direct pathways to respiratory therapy careers earning $60,000-$110,000+ annually. Your ventilator management, airway procedures, pulmonary assessment, patient care, and clinical expertise translate directly to respiratory therapist and respiratory care supervisor positions. Entry-level respiratory therapists start at $55,000-$70,000, experienced therapists earn $70,000-$90,000, senior therapists/supervisors command $85,000-$130,000+. RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) certification required (4-6 months study, exam $200). Military respiratory training counts significantly toward certification. Healthcare sector faces critical shortage with 12,000+ positions opening annually. Respiratory therapists among highest-paid healthcare technicians with excellent advancement potential.

Why 68V Specialists Excel in Respiratory Therapy

Healthcare facilities desperately need respiratory therapists who understand ventilator management, airway procedures, and critical care at operational level.

You didn't just "manage airways." You:

Operated and troubleshot ventilators
Performed airway procedures (intubation, tracheostomy care)
Assessed respiratory status
Managed oxygen therapy and delivery systems
Understood respiratory physiology and pharmacology
Communicated with medical teams
Documented procedures accurately
Responded to respiratory emergencies
Demonstrated clinical judgment
Maintained patient safety consistently

That's not "just respiratory care," that's respiratory therapy foundation. Healthcare facilities know military respiratory specialists bring critical care experience and clinical maturity that civilian training alone cannot provide.

Respiratory Therapy Career Paths

Position 1: Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Civilian job titles:

Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory Care Practitioner
Clinical Respiratory Therapist

Salary ranges:

Entry respiratory therapist: $55,000-$70,000
Therapist (2-5 years): $70,000-$85,000
Senior therapist: $80,000-$110,000

What translates directly:

Ventilator operation and management
Airway procedures and intubation
Oxygen therapy management
Patient assessment and monitoring
Respiratory physiology understanding
Equipment troubleshooting
Clinical decision-making
Patient and team communication

Certifications needed:

RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) Certification - Required for credentialed positions
- Two-step exam: CRT (Certified Respiratory Technician) → RRT
- CRT Exam: $200, 120 questions, 2 hours
- RRT Exam: $200, 80 questions, 2 hours
- Total study time: 4-8 weeks typical
- 68V background significantly helps pass rate
- Can often challenge portions of exam using military training

Reality check: Respiratory therapists work in hospitals, ICUs, ERs, pulmonary rehab centers, home care. Manage patients on ventilators, deliver oxygen therapy, perform diagnostic testing.

Entry: $58K-$72K depending on facility and location. Large hospitals/urban areas: $65K-$85K entry.

Your 68V background means you understand respiratory care deeply. RRT certification should be achievable with dedicated study.

Work environment: Healthcare setting, shift work including 24-hour operations common. Patient care focus, physical and emotional demands.

Best for: 68V veterans wanting direct transition to respiratory therapy with solid income and excellent benefits.

Position 2: Critical Care / ICU Respiratory Therapist

Civilian job titles:

ICU Respiratory Therapist
Critical Care Respiratory Therapist
Acute Care Specialist

Salary ranges:

Entry ICU RT: $65,000-$80,000
ICU RT (3-5 years): $80,000-$100,000
Senior ICU RT: $95,000-$130,000

What translates directly:

Ventilator management in critical cases
Hemodynamically unstable patient care
Airway emergency procedures
ECMO and advanced life support
Complex patient assessment
High-acuity care decision-making
Team coordination in crises

Certifications needed:

RRT certification - Required
ACLS/BLS certifications - Required
ICU or ventilator-specific training - Company provides, 2-4 weeks
Experience - 1-2 years general respiratory therapy typical before ICU

Reality check: ICU respiratory therapists manage mechanically ventilated, critically ill patients. Most complex and demanding respiratory therapy work.

Pay: $70K-$95K entry ICU positions (premium over floor therapy), advancement to $100K-$140K+ senior roles.

Hours: Shift work mandatory, some on-call for emergencies. Physically and emotionally demanding work.

Your 68V critical care background fits perfectly for this specialty.

Best for: 68V veterans wanting to leverage critical care expertise, willing to work ICU environment.

Position 3: Home Care / Pulmonary Rehabilitation Therapist

Civilian job titles:

Home Care Respiratory Therapist
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist
Outpatient Respiratory Therapist

Salary ranges:

Entry home care RT: $55,000-$70,000
Home care RT (3-5 years): $70,000-$85,000
Senior RT/Case Manager: $85,000-$110,000

What translates directly:

Patient education and compliance
Equipment setup and troubleshooting (home ventilators, oxygen)
Patient assessment and monitoring
Communication and relationship building
Self-directed work capability
Clinical decision-making
Quality of life focus

Certifications needed:

RRT certification - Required
Home care specific training - Company provides
Driver's license - Essential for home visits
Flexibility and communication - Critical skills

Reality check: Home care RTs visit patients in homes, manage home oxygen, home ventilators, help with pulmonary rehab. Less hospital environment stress, more autonomous work.

Pay: $60K-$80K entry, $80K-$105K experienced. Mileage/time flexibility.

Hours: Day work typically, occasionally evening/weekend calls. More work-life balance than hospital ICU.

Travel component: Using personal vehicle, company covers mileage.

Best for: 68V veterans wanting less hospital environment stress, more patient relationship focus, flexible scheduling.

Position 4: Respiratory Therapy Supervisor / Manager / Educator

Civilian job titles:

Respiratory Therapy Supervisor
Manager, Respiratory Services
Clinical Educator
Director of Respiratory Care

Salary ranges:

Entry supervisor: $75,000-$95,000
Manager/supervisor (5-7 years): $90,000-$125,000
Director: $110,000-$160,000

What translates directly:

Clinical respiratory therapy knowledge
Team leadership and mentoring
Quality assurance and standards
Equipment and supply management
Safety program oversight
Training and education
Staff scheduling and evaluation
Regulatory compliance

Certifications needed:

RRT certification - Required
Leadership training - Company provides
Clinical experience - 3-5+ years before management
Bachelor's degree - Preferred but not always required

Reality check: Respiratory supervisors oversee therapy teams, ensure quality, manage budgets, provide training, handle equipment issues.

Supervisor: $85K-$115K. Director: $120K-$160K+.

Path: Therapist (2-3 yrs) → Senior Therapist (3-5 yrs) → Supervisor (5-10 yrs) → Director.

Your military supervisory background accelerates management track.

Best for: 68V veterans with leadership experience seeking management roles after clinical foundation.

Skills Translation Table

Military Experience	Civilian Translation
68V Respiratory Specialist	Respiratory therapist with critical care and airway expertise
Ventilator operation and troubleshooting	Mechanical ventilation management, equipment operation, troubleshooting
Airway procedures	Intubation, tracheostomy, suction, airway clearance procedures
Respiratory assessment	Patient monitoring, lung auscultation, SpO2/blood gas interpretation
Oxygen therapy management	O2 delivery systems, FiO2 titration, oxygen safety
Patient monitoring and communication	Vital signs assessment, patient updates, team communication
Equipment knowledge	Ventilator systems, oxygen delivery, monitoring equipment operation
Documentation and records	Medical record accuracy, procedure documentation, compliance reporting
Emergency response	Rapid assessment, emergency procedures, crisis management

Use active verbs: Managed, Performed, Assessed, Monitored, Troubleshot, Titrated, Responded, Coordinated, Trained, Supervised.

Use numbers: "Managed care for 500+ ventilated patients," "Performed 1,000+ airway procedures," "Trained 20+ therapists," "Zero patient safety incidents."

Pathway to Respiratory Therapy for 68V Veterans

Phase 1: RRT Certification Study (4-8 weeks, Cost: $400-$600)

CRT Exam Study:

Study materials cost: $100-$200
Study time: 30-50 hours typical
68V background helps significantly
Review ventilator management, oxygen therapy, procedures

CRT Exam:

$200 exam fee
120 questions, 2 hours
Schedule at testing center
Pass rate for military: 75-85%+ (versus 60% civilian average)

RRT Exam:

Study for RRT exam (additional 2-4 weeks)
$200 exam fee
80 questions, 2 hours
Advanced clinical knowledge questions
Your 68V experience valuable preparation

Phase 2: Job Search and Entry (1-2 months)

Target Employers:

Hospitals (all have respiratory departments)
Critical care centers and ICUs
Home care agencies
Pulmonary rehabilitation centers
Clinics and urgent care

Applications:

Apply to 15-20+ facilities
Emphasize 68V respiratory expertise
Highlight critical care experience
Show patient safety focus

Interviews:

Technical questions about respiratory care
Scenario-based clinical decisions
Equipment knowledge discussion
2-3 week hiring process typical

Phase 3: Clinical Practice (Years 1-5)

Entry Role:

Respiratory Therapist: $60K-$75K
Learn facility equipment and protocols
Build clinical proficiency
Develop patient care skills

Specialization and Growth:

After 1-2 years: Specialization options (ICU, home care, education)
Build expertise and reputation
Pursue continuing education
Consider advanced certifications (Critical Care, Neonatal, etc.)

Advancement Path:

Therapist (0-3 yrs) → Senior Therapist (3-5 yrs)
Supervisor/Manager (5-10 yrs) → Director (10+ yrs)

Top Healthcare Systems and Facilities

Major Hospital Systems:

Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins, Kaiser Permanente - RTs $70K-$95K, excellent benefits, specialty opportunities, education support

Critical Care Specialists:

Teaching hospitals, trauma centers, academic medical centers - ICU RTs $75K-$110K, advanced care, education focus

Home Care Agencies:**

Large: Visiting Angels, Amedisys, LHC Group - Home care RTs $65K-$90K
Autonomous work, patient relationships, flexibility

Government Healthcare:**

VA Medical Centers: $60K-$85K RTs, federal benefits, job security
Military hospitals: DOD civilian positions
Public health systems

Salary Progression Timeline

RRT Certification Study: $400-$600, 4-8 weeks

Entry Respiratory Therapist: $55,000-$70,000

Therapist (2-3 years): $70,000-$85,000

Senior Therapist (3-7 years): $80,000-$110,000

Supervisor/Manager (7-10 years): $90,000-$130,000

Director (10+ years): $110,000-$160,000+

Specialty premiums: ICU/critical care positions 5-10% premium over floor therapy

Real 68V Success Stories

James, 29, former 68V E-5 → Respiratory Therapist

James studied for CRT/RRT (6 weeks intensive). Passed both exams on first attempt. Hired at hospital as respiratory therapist ($68K). After 2 years, specialized in ICU ($85K). Now senior ICU therapist making $115K after 5 years.

Sarah, 32, former 68V E-6 → Clinical Manager

Sarah's military: 7 years critical care respiratory support. Obtained RRT quickly. Hired as therapist ($72K), fast-tracked to senior role ($95K). Now clinical educator/manager supervising 8 therapists ($120K) after 4 years.

Marcus, 26, former 68V E-4 → Home Care Specialist

Marcus specialized in home care after RRT certification. Works for home care agency ($65K), builds own patient panel. Flexibility allows pursuing online bachelor's degree. Senior RT role likely within 3 years ($90K+).

Jennifer, 35, former 68V E-7 Supervisor → Respiratory Director

Jennifer's military: 8 years supervising respiratory operations. Fast-tracked from therapist to manager to director role. Now respiratory director at major hospital ($145K) overseeing 25+ therapists and respiratory equipment.

Action Plan: First 90 Days

Weeks 1-2: CRT Study

Order study materials
Assess knowledge gaps
Begin structured study
Plan 4-6 week study timeline

Weeks 4-6: CRT Exam

Intensive CRT study
Take practice exams
Schedule CRT exam for week 6-8
Pass CRT exam

Weeks 7-8: RRT Study

Begin RRT exam preparation
Advanced clinical knowledge
Continue study through week 10-12
Schedule RRT exam

Month 3: Job Search and Start

Apply to 15-20+ respiratory departments
Interview with facilities
Negotiate offer
Begin employment and orientation

Common Mistakes

Mistake #1: Delaying RRT certification. Most hospitals won't hire without it. Prioritize immediately.

Mistake #2: Not specializing in ICU. ICU RTs earn 5-10% premium over floor therapists and have more advancement. Build to this quickly.

Mistake #3: Ignoring home care options. More flexible schedule, better work-life balance, good pay advancement.

Mistake #4: Not pursuing supervisor/manager track early. Identify management interest and build toward it within 5-7 years for $100K+ roles.

Mistake #5: Staying at small facilities. Large hospitals and hospital systems pay 15-20% premium over small clinics. Target major employers.

Bottom Line for 68V Respiratory Specialists

Your respiratory expertise is directly valuable in clinical healthcare where respiratory therapists are in critical shortage.

Transition is straightforward: RRT certification (4-8 weeks, $400-$600), apply for therapist positions, start earning $60K-$75K immediately.

Within 3-5 years: $85K-$110K as senior therapist or specialist (ICU premium).

With management progression: $110K-$160K+ within 10-15 years as director.

Healthcare sector faces critical shortage. 12,000+ respiratory therapy positions opening annually. Your 68V expertise in extreme demand.

Benefits: Healthcare benefits excellent (all facilities provide), flexible scheduling, tuition assistance, pension/401k, overtime availability.

Your 68V expertise isn't just military skill - it's foundation for 20-30 year respiratory therapy career earning $80K-$160K+.

Ready to transition to respiratory therapy? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to study for RRT, research facilities, and track applications.

Bottom Line Up Front

Why 68V Specialists Excel in Respiratory Therapy

Healthcare facilities desperately need respiratory therapists who understand ventilator management, airway procedures, and critical care at operational level.

You didn't just "manage airways." You:

Operated and troubleshot ventilators
Performed airway procedures (intubation, tracheostomy care)
Assessed respiratory status
Managed oxygen therapy and delivery systems
Understood respiratory physiology and pharmacology
Communicated with medical teams
Documented procedures accurately
Responded to respiratory emergencies
Demonstrated clinical judgment
Maintained patient safety consistently

Respiratory Therapy Career Paths

Position 1: Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Civilian job titles:

Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory Care Practitioner
Clinical Respiratory Therapist

Salary ranges:

Entry respiratory therapist: $55,000-$70,000
Therapist (2-5 years): $70,000-$85,000
Senior therapist: $80,000-$110,000

What translates directly:

Ventilator operation and management
Airway procedures and intubation
Oxygen therapy management
Patient assessment and monitoring
Respiratory physiology understanding
Equipment troubleshooting
Clinical decision-making
Patient and team communication

Certifications needed:

RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) Certification - Required for credentialed positions
- Two-step exam: CRT (Certified Respiratory Technician) → RRT
- CRT Exam: $200, 120 questions, 2 hours
- RRT Exam: $200, 80 questions, 2 hours
- Total study time: 4-8 weeks typical
- 68V background significantly helps pass rate
- Can often challenge portions of exam using military training

Reality check: Respiratory therapists work in hospitals, ICUs, ERs, pulmonary rehab centers, home care. Manage patients on ventilators, deliver oxygen therapy, perform diagnostic testing.

Entry: $58K-$72K depending on facility and location. Large hospitals/urban areas: $65K-$85K entry.

Your 68V background means you understand respiratory care deeply. RRT certification should be achievable with dedicated study.

Work environment: Healthcare setting, shift work including 24-hour operations common. Patient care focus, physical and emotional demands.

Best for: 68V veterans wanting direct transition to respiratory therapy with solid income and excellent benefits.

Position 2: Critical Care / ICU Respiratory Therapist

Civilian job titles:

ICU Respiratory Therapist
Critical Care Respiratory Therapist
Acute Care Specialist

Salary ranges:

Entry ICU RT: $65,000-$80,000
ICU RT (3-5 years): $80,000-$100,000
Senior ICU RT: $95,000-$130,000

What translates directly:

Ventilator management in critical cases
Hemodynamically unstable patient care
Airway emergency procedures
ECMO and advanced life support
Complex patient assessment
High-acuity care decision-making
Team coordination in crises

Certifications needed:

RRT certification - Required
ACLS/BLS certifications - Required
ICU or ventilator-specific training - Company provides, 2-4 weeks
Experience - 1-2 years general respiratory therapy typical before ICU

Reality check: ICU respiratory therapists manage mechanically ventilated, critically ill patients. Most complex and demanding respiratory therapy work.

Pay: $70K-$95K entry ICU positions (premium over floor therapy), advancement to $100K-$140K+ senior roles.

Hours: Shift work mandatory, some on-call for emergencies. Physically and emotionally demanding work.

Your 68V critical care background fits perfectly for this specialty.

Best for: 68V veterans wanting to leverage critical care expertise, willing to work ICU environment.

Position 3: Home Care / Pulmonary Rehabilitation Therapist

Civilian job titles:

Home Care Respiratory Therapist
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist
Outpatient Respiratory Therapist

Salary ranges:

Entry home care RT: $55,000-$70,000
Home care RT (3-5 years): $70,000-$85,000
Senior RT/Case Manager: $85,000-$110,000

What translates directly:

Patient education and compliance
Equipment setup and troubleshooting (home ventilators, oxygen)
Patient assessment and monitoring
Communication and relationship building
Self-directed work capability
Clinical decision-making
Quality of life focus

Certifications needed:

RRT certification - Required
Home care specific training - Company provides
Driver's license - Essential for home visits
Flexibility and communication - Critical skills

Reality check: Home care RTs visit patients in homes, manage home oxygen, home ventilators, help with pulmonary rehab. Less hospital environment stress, more autonomous work.

Pay: $60K-$80K entry, $80K-$105K experienced. Mileage/time flexibility.

Hours: Day work typically, occasionally evening/weekend calls. More work-life balance than hospital ICU.

Travel component: Using personal vehicle, company covers mileage.

Best for: 68V veterans wanting less hospital environment stress, more patient relationship focus, flexible scheduling.

Position 4: Respiratory Therapy Supervisor / Manager / Educator

Civilian job titles:

Respiratory Therapy Supervisor
Manager, Respiratory Services
Clinical Educator
Director of Respiratory Care

Salary ranges:

Entry supervisor: $75,000-$95,000
Manager/supervisor (5-7 years): $90,000-$125,000
Director: $110,000-$160,000

What translates directly:

Clinical respiratory therapy knowledge
Team leadership and mentoring
Quality assurance and standards
Equipment and supply management
Safety program oversight
Training and education
Staff scheduling and evaluation
Regulatory compliance

Certifications needed:

RRT certification - Required
Leadership training - Company provides
Clinical experience - 3-5+ years before management
Bachelor's degree - Preferred but not always required

Reality check: Respiratory supervisors oversee therapy teams, ensure quality, manage budgets, provide training, handle equipment issues.

Supervisor: $85K-$115K. Director: $120K-$160K+.

Path: Therapist (2-3 yrs) → Senior Therapist (3-5 yrs) → Supervisor (5-10 yrs) → Director.

Your military supervisory background accelerates management track.

Best for: 68V veterans with leadership experience seeking management roles after clinical foundation.

Skills Translation Table

Military Experience	Civilian Translation
68V Respiratory Specialist	Respiratory therapist with critical care and airway expertise
Ventilator operation and troubleshooting	Mechanical ventilation management, equipment operation, troubleshooting
Airway procedures	Intubation, tracheostomy, suction, airway clearance procedures
Respiratory assessment	Patient monitoring, lung auscultation, SpO2/blood gas interpretation
Oxygen therapy management	O2 delivery systems, FiO2 titration, oxygen safety
Patient monitoring and communication	Vital signs assessment, patient updates, team communication
Equipment knowledge	Ventilator systems, oxygen delivery, monitoring equipment operation
Documentation and records	Medical record accuracy, procedure documentation, compliance reporting
Emergency response	Rapid assessment, emergency procedures, crisis management

Use active verbs: Managed, Performed, Assessed, Monitored, Troubleshot, Titrated, Responded, Coordinated, Trained, Supervised.

Use numbers: "Managed care for 500+ ventilated patients," "Performed 1,000+ airway procedures," "Trained 20+ therapists," "Zero patient safety incidents."

Pathway to Respiratory Therapy for 68V Veterans

Phase 1: RRT Certification Study (4-8 weeks, Cost: $400-$600)

CRT Exam Study:

Study materials cost: $100-$200
Study time: 30-50 hours typical
68V background helps significantly
Review ventilator management, oxygen therapy, procedures

CRT Exam:

$200 exam fee
120 questions, 2 hours
Schedule at testing center
Pass rate for military: 75-85%+ (versus 60% civilian average)

RRT Exam:

Study for RRT exam (additional 2-4 weeks)
$200 exam fee
80 questions, 2 hours
Advanced clinical knowledge questions
Your 68V experience valuable preparation

Phase 2: Job Search and Entry (1-2 months)

Target Employers:

Hospitals (all have respiratory departments)
Critical care centers and ICUs
Home care agencies
Pulmonary rehabilitation centers
Clinics and urgent care

Applications:

Apply to 15-20+ facilities
Emphasize 68V respiratory expertise
Highlight critical care experience
Show patient safety focus

Interviews:

Technical questions about respiratory care
Scenario-based clinical decisions
Equipment knowledge discussion
2-3 week hiring process typical

Phase 3: Clinical Practice (Years 1-5)

Entry Role:

Respiratory Therapist: $60K-$75K
Learn facility equipment and protocols
Build clinical proficiency
Develop patient care skills

Specialization and Growth:

After 1-2 years: Specialization options (ICU, home care, education)
Build expertise and reputation
Pursue continuing education
Consider advanced certifications (Critical Care, Neonatal, etc.)

Advancement Path:

Therapist (0-3 yrs) → Senior Therapist (3-5 yrs)
Supervisor/Manager (5-10 yrs) → Director (10+ yrs)

Top Healthcare Systems and Facilities

Major Hospital Systems:

Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins, Kaiser Permanente - RTs $70K-$95K, excellent benefits, specialty opportunities, education support

Critical Care Specialists:

Teaching hospitals, trauma centers, academic medical centers - ICU RTs $75K-$110K, advanced care, education focus

Home Care Agencies:**

Large: Visiting Angels, Amedisys, LHC Group - Home care RTs $65K-$90K
Autonomous work, patient relationships, flexibility

Government Healthcare:**

VA Medical Centers: $60K-$85K RTs, federal benefits, job security
Military hospitals: DOD civilian positions
Public health systems

Salary Progression Timeline

RRT Certification Study: $400-$600, 4-8 weeks

Entry Respiratory Therapist: $55,000-$70,000

Therapist (2-3 years): $70,000-$85,000

Senior Therapist (3-7 years): $80,000-$110,000

Supervisor/Manager (7-10 years): $90,000-$130,000

Director (10+ years): $110,000-$160,000+

Specialty premiums: ICU/critical care positions 5-10% premium over floor therapy

Real 68V Success Stories

James, 29, former 68V E-5 → Respiratory Therapist

Sarah, 32, former 68V E-6 → Clinical Manager

Marcus, 26, former 68V E-4 → Home Care Specialist

Jennifer, 35, former 68V E-7 Supervisor → Respiratory Director

Action Plan: First 90 Days

Weeks 1-2: CRT Study

Order study materials
Assess knowledge gaps
Begin structured study
Plan 4-6 week study timeline

Weeks 4-6: CRT Exam

Intensive CRT study
Take practice exams
Schedule CRT exam for week 6-8
Pass CRT exam

Weeks 7-8: RRT Study

Begin RRT exam preparation
Advanced clinical knowledge
Continue study through week 10-12
Schedule RRT exam

Month 3: Job Search and Start

Apply to 15-20+ respiratory departments
Interview with facilities
Negotiate offer
Begin employment and orientation

Common Mistakes

Mistake #1: Delaying RRT certification. Most hospitals won't hire without it. Prioritize immediately.

Mistake #2: Not specializing in ICU. ICU RTs earn 5-10% premium over floor therapists and have more advancement. Build to this quickly.

Mistake #3: Ignoring home care options. More flexible schedule, better work-life balance, good pay advancement.

Mistake #4: Not pursuing supervisor/manager track early. Identify management interest and build toward it within 5-7 years for $100K+ roles.

Mistake #5: Staying at small facilities. Large hospitals and hospital systems pay 15-20% premium over small clinics. Target major employers.

Bottom Line for 68V Respiratory Specialists

Your respiratory expertise is directly valuable in clinical healthcare where respiratory therapists are in critical shortage.

Transition is straightforward: RRT certification (4-8 weeks, $400-$600), apply for therapist positions, start earning $60K-$75K immediately.

Within 3-5 years: $85K-$110K as senior therapist or specialist (ICU premium).

With management progression: $110K-$160K+ within 10-15 years as director.

Healthcare sector faces critical shortage. 12,000+ respiratory therapy positions opening annually. Your 68V expertise in extreme demand.

Benefits: Healthcare benefits excellent (all facilities provide), flexible scheduling, tuition assistance, pension/401k, overtime availability.

Your 68V expertise isn't just military skill - it's foundation for 20-30 year respiratory therapy career earning $80K-$160K+.

Ready to transition to respiratory therapy? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to study for RRT, research facilities, and track applications.