Army 68V Respiratory Specialist to Civilian: Complete Career Transition Guide (RRT Certification & $80K+ Salaries)

Bottom Line Up Front

Army 68V Respiratory Specialists—you're stepping into one of healthcare's fastest-growing and highest-paying allied health careers. Your advanced airway management, mechanical ventilation experience, arterial blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, critical care expertise, and ability to manage life-threatening respiratory emergencies make you exceptionally qualified for civilian respiratory therapy positions. Realistic first-year salaries as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) range from $61,900-$75,000 for entry-level positions, scaling to $75,000-$95,000 with 3-5 years experience, and reaching $85,000-$108,820+ for senior respiratory therapists, specialists, or those in management roles. Travel respiratory therapists can earn $85,000-$120,000+ on contract assignments.

The respiratory therapy field projects 12% job growth from 2024 to 2034—much faster than average for all occupations—with approximately 139,600 jobs nationwide and growing demand driven by aging populations, increased chronic respiratory diseases, and expanding critical care capabilities. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical importance of respiratory therapists, leading to expanded roles, increased salaries, and greater professional recognition. You're entering a profession with excellent job security, competitive pay, and meaningful clinical impact.

Your military training already covers 70-80% of civilian respiratory therapy competencies. You've managed ventilators in combat hospitals, performed emergency airway interventions, analyzed blood gases, administered respiratory medications, and treated everything from traumatic lung injuries to ARDS. What you need is the credential—Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)—and you're employable immediately. Most 68V transitions complete the credential pathway within 6-12 months and start earning $70,000-$85,000 within their first year.

What Does a 68V Respiratory Specialist Do?

Army 68V Respiratory Specialists provide specialized respiratory care across the full spectrum of military medical operations. You performed diagnostic testing including pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas analysis, and bronchoscopy assistance. You managed mechanical ventilators for patients from neonates to adults, adjusting settings based on patient condition and physician orders. You administered respiratory medications via nebulizer, metered-dose inhaler, and endotracheal tube. You conducted airway clearance therapy, oxygen therapy management, and emergency airway interventions. You assisted with advanced procedures including intubation, extubation, and bronchoscopy. You educated patients on respiratory conditions, proper inhaler technique, and home oxygen use.

Your 68V training at Fort Sam Houston Medical Education and Training Campus (METC) lasted 35 weeks—among the longest AIT programs in the Army—covering anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology of cardiopulmonary disease, pharmacology, radiography interpretation, mechanical ventilation, arterial blood gas interpretation, pulmonary function testing, and critical care respiratory management. This exceeds many civilian respiratory therapy associate degree programs in clinical depth, particularly in critical care and trauma management.

The critical difference between you and civilian respiratory therapy students: You managed real patients with life-threatening conditions in high-acuity military treatment facilities and combat support hospitals. You made ventilator adjustments on critically ill patients, responded to respiratory emergencies including rapid response and code blue situations, and managed airways under pressure. That clinical experience gives you a massive advantage over new civilian respiratory therapy graduates who may have limited hands-on critical care exposure during training.

Skills You've Developed (Military to Civilian Translation)

Technical Respiratory Skills

Mechanical Ventilation Management: You operated and managed ventilators for adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients, adjusting modes (volume control, pressure control, SIMV, CPAP, BiPAP), tidal volumes, respiratory rates, PEEP, FiO2, and alarms based on patient response. Civilian equivalent: This is the core competency of critical care respiratory therapy—skills that take civilian RRTs years to master at your proficiency level.

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Analysis and Interpretation: You performed arterial punctures, obtained ABG samples, analyzed results, and recommended ventilator or therapy changes based on pH, PaCO2, PaO2, HCO3, and oxygenation status. Civilian equivalent: Advanced clinical judgment that distinguishes experienced respiratory therapists in ICU and emergency settings.

Airway Management: Assisted with or performed endotracheal intubation, maintained artificial airways, suctioned endotracheal tubes, managed difficult airways, and performed emergency airway interventions. Civilian equivalent: Critical care airway skills required in ICU, emergency departments, and transport medicine.

Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT): Conducted spirometry, lung volume measurements, diffusion capacity testing, and interpreted results for diagnosis of restrictive and obstructive lung diseases. Civilian equivalent: Specialized outpatient respiratory therapy role requiring additional certification (CPFT).

Respiratory Pharmacology: Administered bronchodilators (albuterol, ipratropium), corticosteroids, mucolytics, and surfactant via nebulizer, MDI, and endotracheal routes. Civilian equivalent: Medication administration expertise central to respiratory therapy practice.

Oxygen Therapy: Managed oxygen delivery systems including nasal cannula, simple masks, non-rebreather masks, Venturi masks, high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), and titrated oxygen to maintain appropriate saturation. Civilian equivalent: Fundamental respiratory therapy skill across all care settings.

Chest Physiotherapy and Airway Clearance: Performed percussion, vibration, postural drainage, positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy, and high-frequency chest wall oscillation for secretion management. Civilian equivalent: Specialized therapy for cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, and chronic lung disease patients.

Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV): Managed BiPAP and CPAP for patients with respiratory failure, sleep apnea, or chronic respiratory insufficiency. Civilian equivalent: Growing area of respiratory therapy reducing need for intubation in many patients.

Hemodynamic Monitoring: Interpreted vital signs, capnography, pulse oximetry, and hemodynamic parameters to assess patient response to respiratory therapy. Civilian equivalent: Critical care monitoring skills essential for ICU respiratory therapists.

Equipment Maintenance and Quality Control: Maintained, troubleshot, and performed quality control on ventilators, nebulizers, oxygen delivery devices, and monitoring equipment. Civilian equivalent: Equipment management responsibility in hospital respiratory therapy departments.

Clinical Leadership and Professional Skills

Emergency Response: Responded to rapid response and code blue situations, managed airways during resuscitation, provided ventilatory support, and collaborated with emergency teams. Civilian equivalent: Emergency competency valued in hospitals and transport medicine.

Patient Education: Taught patients about COPD management, asthma control, inhaler technique, oxygen safety, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Civilian equivalent: Outpatient respiratory therapy and patient education roles.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Worked with physicians, nurses, physician assistants, and other healthcare professionals to optimize patient respiratory care. Civilian equivalent: Team-based care essential in all healthcare settings.

Documentation and Compliance: Maintained detailed respiratory therapy records, documented ventilator settings and patient responses, and ensured compliance with quality and safety standards. Civilian equivalent: Medical record documentation required for legal, billing, and quality assurance.

Clinical Decision-Making: Made independent decisions about therapy modifications, recognized deteriorating respiratory status, and escalated care appropriately. Civilian equivalent: Clinical judgment developed through experience that distinguishes senior respiratory therapists.

Top Civilian Career Paths for 68V Respiratory Specialists

1. Hospital Staff Respiratory Therapist (Most Common Entry Point)

Civilian job titles: Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), Staff Respiratory Therapist, Clinical Respiratory Therapist, Respiratory Care Practitioner

Salary ranges:

• Entry-level RRT (0-2 years): $61,900-$75,000
• Experienced RRT (3-5 years): $75,000-$90,000
• Senior RRT (5-10 years): $85,000-$100,000
• High-cost markets (CA, MA, NY): $90,000-$115,000

Work settings: Intensive care units (ICU, MICU, SICU, CVICU), emergency departments, neonatal intensive care units (NICU), medical-surgical floors, operating rooms, post-anesthesia care units (PACU)

What translates directly: Everything. Your 68V training maps almost perfectly to hospital staff respiratory therapist responsibilities. You'll manage ventilators, perform arterial blood gas analysis, administer respiratory medications, respond to emergencies, and provide critical care—exactly what you did in the military.

Certifications needed:

• RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) certification through NBRC - $565 total (CRT exam $200 + RRT exam $365) This is your priority certification
• BLS (Basic Life Support) - $60-$120 (required by all hospitals)
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - $250-$350 (often required for ICU positions)
• NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) - $200-$300 (required for NICU positions)
• State respiratory therapist license - $100-$300 (required in most states, automatic with RRT certification)

Top employers actively hiring 68V veterans:

• Major hospital systems: HCA Healthcare (180+ hospitals), Kaiser Permanente, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins, Mass General, UCLA Health, UCSF Medical Center, NewYork-Presbyterian, Emory Healthcare
• Veterans Affairs hospitals: All 171 VA medical centers hire respiratory therapists with veterans preference
• Academic medical centers: Teaching hospitals affiliated with medical schools (often hire for NICU, critical care specialties)
• Community hospitals: Regional hospitals in all markets need respiratory therapists
• Critical access hospitals: Rural hospitals often offer sign-on bonuses and competitive pay to attract respiratory therapists

Growth potential: Advance to senior respiratory therapist, lead respiratory therapist, shift supervisor, or department manager roles earning $90,000-$120,000+.

Best for: 68V specialists who want immediate employment using existing skills, prefer hospital environment, and enjoy critical care medicine.

2. Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Therapist (High Demand Specialty)

Civilian job titles: NICU Respiratory Therapist, Neonatal-Pediatric Specialist, Pediatric Respiratory Therapist

Salary ranges:

• NICU RRT: $75,000-$95,000
• Pediatric RRT: $72,000-$92,000
• Experienced neonatal specialist: $85,000-$105,000

What you'll do: Manage ventilators for premature infants and critically ill children, administer surfactant for respiratory distress syndrome, perform high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, provide CPAP for preemies, and support families during NICU stays. This is one of the most specialized and emotionally rewarding areas of respiratory therapy.

Additional certifications:

• NPS (Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist) credential through NBRC - $450
• NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) - $200-$300 (required)
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) - $200-$300

Top employers: Children's hospitals nationwide (Boston Children's, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Cincinnati Children's, Texas Children's, Nationwide Children's), Level III/IV NICU hospitals, perinatal centers

Best for: 68V specialists who want to specialize in neonatal/pediatric care, enjoy working with families, and are comfortable with high-acuity infant patients.

3. Critical Care/ICU Respiratory Therapist (Highest Acuity)

Civilian job titles: ICU Respiratory Therapist, Critical Care RRT, CVICU Respiratory Specialist, Intensive Care Respiratory Practitioner

Salary ranges:

• ICU RRT: $80,000-$100,000
• CVICU/Cardiac ICU RRT: $85,000-$105,000
• Experienced critical care RRT: $90,000-$110,000

What you'll do: Manage the sickest patients in the hospital—ARDS, multi-organ failure, post-cardiac surgery, trauma, septic shock. You'll work with advanced ventilator modes (APRV, ECMO coordination), manage complex weaning protocols, interpret hemodynamics, and collaborate intensely with intensivists.

Additional certifications:

• ACCS (Adult Critical Care Specialist) credential through NBRC - $450
• ACLS - $250-$350 (required)
• PALS (if pediatric ICU) - $200-$300

Top employers: Level I trauma centers, academic medical centers, cardiovascular ICUs, surgical ICUs, transplant centers

Best for: 68V specialists who thrive in high-acuity environments, want to work with the sickest patients, and enjoy complex critical care challenges.

4. Travel Respiratory Therapist (Highest Short-Term Pay)

Civilian job titles: Travel RRT, Contract Respiratory Therapist, Travel Critical Care Respiratory Therapist

Salary ranges:

• Travel RRT (13-week contracts): $85,000-$120,000 annually
• Crisis contracts (COVID, staffing shortages): $100,000-$150,000+ annually
• Weekly gross pay: $2,200-$3,500+ per week including tax-free stipends

What you'll do: Work 13-week contract assignments at hospitals nationwide experiencing staffing shortages. You receive base hourly rate plus tax-free housing and meal stipends (if qualifying). Contracts often renew, and you can try different cities, hospitals, and specialties while earning significantly more than permanent staff positions.

Requirements:

• RRT certification (required)
• 1-2 years clinical experience (most agencies require experience before travel assignments)
• Flexibility to relocate every 3-6 months
• Current BLS, ACLS, and specialty certifications

Top travel staffing agencies:

• AMN Healthcare (largest healthcare staffing company)
• Aya Healthcare (respiratory therapy specialty focus)
• FlexCare Medical Staffing
• Cross Country Allied
• Medical Solutions
• Trusted Health

Best for: 68V specialists with 1-2 years civilian experience who want maximum income, flexibility, and adventure trying different locations.

5. Pulmonary Rehabilitation/Outpatient Respiratory Therapist

Civilian job titles: Pulmonary Rehabilitation Therapist, Outpatient Respiratory Therapist, Pulmonary Function Technologist, COPD Educator

Salary ranges:

• Outpatient RRT: $65,000-$80,000
• Pulmonary rehab coordinator: $70,000-$90,000
• PFT lab manager: $75,000-$95,000

What you'll do: Conduct pulmonary function tests in outpatient labs, run pulmonary rehabilitation programs for COPD and chronic lung disease patients, provide patient education on inhaler techniques and disease management, and conduct home oxygen assessments. Regular weekday hours (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm), no nights/weekends/holidays—excellent work-life balance.

Additional certifications:

• CPFT (Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist) through NBRC - $450
• CPFT-NPS (specialized pediatric PFT) - $450

Best for: 68V specialists who want regular daytime hours, prefer outpatient setting, and enjoy patient education and rehabilitation work.

6. Transport/Flight Respiratory Therapist (Adventure + High Pay)

Civilian job titles: Flight Respiratory Therapist, Critical Care Transport RRT, Air Medical Respiratory Specialist, Ground Critical Care Transport Therapist

Salary ranges:

• Ground critical care transport RRT: $75,000-$95,000
• Flight respiratory therapist: $85,000-$110,000
• Experienced flight RRT: $95,000-$120,000

What you'll do: Provide respiratory care during critical patient transports via helicopter, fixed-wing aircraft, or ground ambulance. You'll manage ventilated patients during inter-facility transfers, transport ECMO patients, perform emergency airway interventions in flight, and work in teams with flight nurses and paramedics.

Requirements:

• RRT certification (required)
• 3-5 years critical care experience (ICU, ED, or NICU)
• ACLS, PALS, NRP certifications
• FP-C (Flight Paramedic Certification) or CFRN (Certified Flight Registered Nurse) equivalent for respiratory (some programs)
• Physical fitness for helicopter operations

Top employers: Air Methods, PHI Air Medical, hospital-based flight programs (Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, regional trauma systems)

Best for: 68V specialists with critical care experience who want high-acuity transport medicine, adventure, and premium compensation.

7. Respiratory Therapy Educator/Clinical Coordinator

Civilian job titles: Clinical Respiratory Educator, RT Program Director, Clinical Coordinator, Simulation Lab Instructor

Salary ranges:

• Clinical educator: $75,000-$95,000
• RT program instructor: $70,000-$90,000
• Program director: $85,000-$110,000

What you'll do: Teach in respiratory therapy degree programs at community colleges or universities, develop curricula, supervise clinical students, run simulation labs, and train new respiratory therapists. This role combines clinical expertise with education and has excellent work-life balance (academic calendar).

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in respiratory therapy or related field
• RRT certification (required)
• 3-5 years clinical experience
• Teaching experience (clinical preceptor roles count)

Best for: 68V specialists passionate about teaching, who want to shape the next generation of respiratory therapists, and prefer academic schedules.

Required Certifications & Training (Priority Order)

Highest Priority: Get RRT Certification

Step 1: Become CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist)

• Exam: TMC (Therapist Multiple-Choice) Examination through NBRC
• Cost: $200
• Format: 160 multiple-choice questions, computer-based
• Passing score: High-cut score qualifies you to advance directly to RRT; low-cut score grants CRT credential but requires clinical experience before RRT eligibility
• Study time: 2-4 months preparation recommended
• Resources: NBRC self-assessment exams ($50-$125), Kettering National Seminars review course ($600-$1,200), Egan's Fundamentals textbook

Step 2: Become RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist)

• Exam: CSE (Clinical Simulation Examination) through NBRC
• Cost: $365
• Format: 20 clinical simulations testing decision-making, problem-solving, and clinical judgment
• Prerequisites: Pass TMC exam at high-cut score OR pass TMC at low-cut score + complete accredited respiratory therapy program OR equivalent military training (68V qualifies with documentation)
• Study time: 1-3 months after CRT
• Resources: Kettering seminars, NBRC practice exams, clinical review books

Total investment for RRT: $565 in exam fees + $600-$1,500 study materials/courses = $1,165-$2,065 total ROI: RRT credential increases earning potential by $10,000-$20,000 annually over non-credentialed positions Timeline: Most 68V specialists complete CRT and RRT within 6-12 months of separation

68V Advantage: Your military training covers most exam content. You've performed the procedures, managed the ventilators, and treated the patients that exam questions are based on. You need to learn civilian terminology and exam strategy, but the clinical foundation is solid.

State Licensure (Required in Most States)

State Respiratory Therapist License

• Cost: $100-$300 depending on state
• Requirement: Most states grant licensure automatically upon RRT certification
• States with additional requirements: California (additional state exam), Texas (jurisprudence exam)
• Timeline: Apply immediately after receiving RRT credential
• Renewal: Every 1-2 years depending on state, requires continuing education

Check your state's requirements: Each state board of respiratory care has different requirements. Google "[your state] respiratory care board" for specifics.

Essential Clinical Certifications

BLS (Basic Life Support) - American Heart Association

• Cost: $60-$120
• Timeline: 4-hour course, same-day certification
• Renewal: Every 2 years
• Requirement: ALL respiratory therapy positions require current BLS

ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - American Heart Association

• Cost: $250-$350
• Timeline: 2-day course
• Requirement: Required for ICU, critical care, and most hospital respiratory therapist positions
• Renewal: Every 2 years

PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) - American Heart Association (if working pediatrics)

• Cost: $200-$300
• Timeline: 2-day course
• Requirement: Required for NICU, PICU, and pediatric respiratory positions
• Renewal: Every 2 years

NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) - American Academy of Pediatrics (if working NICU)

• Cost: $200-$300
• Timeline: 1-day course
• Requirement: Required for all NICU respiratory therapist positions
• Renewal: Every 2 years

Specialty Credentials (Career Enhancement)

ACCS (Adult Critical Care Specialist) - NBRC

• Cost: $450 exam
• Requirements: RRT + 2 years critical care experience
• Value: Demonstrates ICU expertise, increases salary $5,000-$10,000 in some markets

NPS (Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist) - NBRC

• Cost: $450 exam
• Requirements: RRT + experience with neonatal/pediatric patients
• Value: Required for advanced NICU positions, increases specialty credibility

CPFT (Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist) - NBRC

• Cost: $450 exam
• Requirements: High school diploma + pulmonary function testing experience (can pursue without RRT)
• Value: Specialized credential for PFT lab positions

SDS (Sleep Disorders Specialist) - NBRC

• Cost: $450 exam
• Requirements: RRT + sleep lab experience
• Value: Credential for sleep medicine and polysomnography roles

Companies & Organizations Actively Hiring Respiratory Therapists

Major Hospital Systems (Largest Employers)

HCA Healthcare - 180+ hospitals, 2,000+ sites of care

• Locations: Nationwide, strongest in South and Southeast (Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia)
• Positions: Staff RRT, ICU RRT, NICU RRT, transport RRT
• Benefits: Tuition reimbursement, shift differentials, career advancement programs

Kaiser Permanente - 39 hospitals, 700+ medical offices

• Locations: California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Virginia, D.C.
• Positions: Respiratory care practitioner positions across all specialties
• Benefits: Excellent union contracts, defined benefit pension, comprehensive health coverage

Ascension Health - 140+ hospitals, 22 states

• Veterans hiring initiatives, respiratory therapy positions across care continuum
• Benefits: Faith-based mission, comprehensive benefits, career development

CommonSpirit Health - 137 hospitals, 1,000+ care sites, 21 states

• Major respiratory therapy employer across West, Southwest, and Midwest
• Benefits: Mission-driven organization, strong respiratory therapy departments

Tenet Healthcare - 60+ hospitals, 500+ outpatient centers

• Locations: Concentrated in California, Texas, Florida, Arizona
• Positions: Critical care, emergency, medical-surgical respiratory therapy roles

Universal Health Services (UHS) - 350+ facilities

• Mix of acute care and behavioral health facilities
• Benefits: Large organization with transfer opportunities nationwide

Veterans Affairs (VA) - 171 VA medical centers

• Veterans preference hiring - your military service gives significant advantage
• GS pay scale: GS-9 to GS-12 for respiratory therapists ($60,000-$100,000 depending on location and experience)
• Benefits: Federal retirement, comprehensive health insurance, pension, job security
• Locations: VA hospitals in every state

Academic Medical Centers (Teaching Hospitals):

• Mayo Clinic (Rochester MN, Phoenix AZ, Jacksonville FL)
• Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland OH, Florida locations)
• Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore MD)
• Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston MA)
• UCSF Medical Center (San Francisco CA)
• UCLA Health (Los Angeles CA)
• NewYork-Presbyterian (New York NY)
• Stanford Health Care (Palo Alto CA)
• Duke University Hospital (Durham NC)
• Emory Healthcare (Atlanta GA)

Children's Hospitals (Specialized Pediatric/Neonatal Employers)

• Boston Children's Hospital (Boston MA)
• Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) (Philadelphia PA)
• Texas Children's Hospital (Houston TX)
• Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (Cincinnati OH)
• Nationwide Children's Hospital (Columbus OH)
• Children's National Hospital (Washington D.C.)
• Children's Hospital Los Angeles (Los Angeles CA)
• Seattle Children's Hospital (Seattle WA)
• UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh PA)
• Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford (Palo Alto CA)

Travel Staffing Agencies (Highest Pay, Contract Work)

AMN Healthcare - Largest healthcare staffing, respiratory therapy specialty division Aya Healthcare - Respiratory therapy focused, excellent benefits, app-based platform FlexCare Medical Staffing - Emergency and critical care specialists Cross Country Allied - Nationwide respiratory therapy contracts Medical Solutions - Comprehensive travel healthcare staffing Trusted Health - Tech-enabled platform for travel positions Aureus Medical Group - Allied health travel staffing CompHealth - Large healthcare staffing with respiratory positions

Air Medical Services (Flight Respiratory Therapist Employers)

Air Methods - 300+ air medical bases nationwide, largest air ambulance provider PHI Air Medical - 70+ bases across U.S. REACH Air Medical - Western U.S. coverage LifeFlight / MedFlight - Hospital-based flight programs in major cities Boston MedFlight - Massachusetts critical care transport University of Michigan Survival Flight - Michigan air medical program CareFlite - Dallas-Fort Worth air ambulance PHI Health - Louisiana and Gulf Coast

Salary Expectations (Real Data 2024-2025)

National Salary Overview

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - May 2024:

• Median annual wage: $80,450 ($38.68/hour)
• Lowest 10%: $61,900
• Highest 10%: $108,820
• Employment: 139,600 respiratory therapists nationwide

Entry-Level Respiratory Therapist (0-2 Years Experience)

General staff RRT: $61,900-$75,000 ICU/critical care RRT: $68,000-$80,000 NICU RRT: $70,000-$82,000 Emergency department RRT: $65,000-$78,000

Geographic variations:

• California: $85,000-$100,000 (highest-paying state)
• Massachusetts: $75,000-$90,000
• New York: $70,000-$85,000
• Texas: $60,000-$72,000
• Florida: $58,000-$70,000
• Rural/low-cost areas: $55,000-$68,000

Mid-Career Respiratory Therapist (3-7 Years Experience)

Staff RRT: $75,000-$90,000 Senior ICU RRT: $85,000-$100,000 NICU specialist: $88,000-$105,000 Pulmonary rehab coordinator: $78,000-$92,000 PFT lab manager: $80,000-$95,000

Senior/Specialized Positions (7+ Years Experience)

Lead/charge respiratory therapist: $90,000-$110,000 Department manager: $95,000-$125,000 Flight respiratory therapist: $95,000-$120,000 Clinical educator: $85,000-$105,000 Program director: $100,000-$130,000

Travel Respiratory Therapist Salaries

Travel RRT (13-week contracts):

• Weekly gross: $2,200-$3,500+
• Annual projection: $85,000-$120,000
• Crisis/high-need contracts: $3,000-$4,500/week ($115,000-$175,000 annually)

Breakdown: Base hourly rate ($30-$45/hour) + tax-free housing stipend ($1,500-$2,500/month) + meal stipend ($200-$500/month) + travel reimbursement

Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas for Respiratory Therapists

1. San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA: $110,000-$135,000
2. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA: $115,000-$140,000
3. Vallejo-Fairfield, CA: $105,000-$130,000
4. Sacramento-Roseville, CA: $100,000-$125,000
5. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA: $95,000-$120,000
6. Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH: $85,000-$105,000
7. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA: $85,000-$105,000
8. New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA: $80,000-$100,000
9. Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA: $80,000-$98,000
10. Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO: $75,000-$92,000

Best Value Markets (Good Pay + Lower Cost of Living)

1. Houston, TX: $70,000-$88,000, low cost of living, no state income tax
2. Phoenix, AZ: $72,000-$90,000, moderate cost, growing market
3. San Antonio, TX: $65,000-$80,000, very affordable, no income tax
4. Tampa, FL: $65,000-$82,000, no state income tax
5. Charlotte, NC: $68,000-$85,000, affordable
6. Austin, TX: $72,000-$90,000, no income tax
7. Columbus, OH: $68,000-$82,000, low cost of living
8. Nashville, TN: $68,000-$84,000, growing healthcare market
9. Las Vegas, NV: $72,000-$90,000, no state income tax
10. Raleigh-Durham, NC: $68,000-$85,000, Research Triangle healthcare hub

Resume Translation: Military to Civilian

WRONG vs. RIGHT Resume Bullets

WRONG: "Served as 68V Respiratory Specialist" RIGHT: "Registered Respiratory Therapist providing critical care respiratory services for 300-bed military medical center, managing 15-20 ventilated patients daily across ICU, emergency, and medical-surgical departments"

WRONG: "Managed ventilators" RIGHT: "Managed mechanical ventilation for adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients utilizing volume control, pressure control, SIMV, and APRV modes; adjusted ventilator settings based on arterial blood gas analysis and clinical assessment to optimize oxygenation and ventilation"

WRONG: "Did blood gases" RIGHT: "Performed 200+ arterial blood gas punctures monthly, analyzed results, interpreted acid-base status, and recommended ventilator adjustments to physicians resulting in optimized patient outcomes and reduced ventilator days"

WRONG: "Gave breathing treatments" RIGHT: "Administered bronchodilator and corticosteroid medications via nebulizer, metered-dose inhaler, and endotracheal tube for asthma, COPD, and bronchospasm management; educated patients on proper inhaler technique improving medication compliance"

WRONG: "Worked in ICU" RIGHT: "Provided critical care respiratory therapy for 12-bed intensive care unit managing patients with ARDS, septic shock, multi-organ failure, and post-operative complications; collaborated with intensivists on ventilator weaning protocols reducing ICU length of stay"

WRONG: "Responded to codes" RIGHT: "Responded to 50+ code blue and rapid response events annually, performed emergency airway management including intubation assistance, bag-valve-mask ventilation, and post-resuscitation ventilator setup with 95% successful airway establishment rate"

WRONG: "Trained new soldiers" RIGHT: "Mentored and trained 8 junior respiratory specialists in mechanical ventilation, arterial blood gas interpretation, and emergency airway management; developed competency assessment tools improving training standardization across department"

WRONG: "Maintained equipment" RIGHT: "Managed $500,000 respiratory equipment inventory including 30+ ventilators, ensuring 99% operational readiness through preventive maintenance, quality control testing, and rapid troubleshooting; zero equipment-related patient safety events during tenure"

Quantify Everything

• "Managed mechanical ventilation for 200+ critically ill patients annually"
• "Performed 2,400+ arterial blood gas punctures with 96% first-attempt success rate"
• "Administered respiratory medications to 15-20 patients per shift"
• "Achieved 100% compliance on ventilator bundle protocols reducing VAP rates 15%"
• "Conducted 500+ pulmonary function tests with CPFT certification"
• "Responded to 60+ emergency airway situations with 98% successful intervention rate"
• "Supervised 4-person respiratory therapy team during night shift operations"
• "Maintained 100% equipment readiness across 40+ ventilators and therapy devices"

Transition Timeline: Your 12-Month Roadmap

Months 1-3: Credentialing Foundation

Week 1-2:

• Research NBRC certification requirements at NBRC.org
• Request official military training transcripts from Army (AARTS transcript)
• Gather all 68V training certificates and documentation
• Join AARC (American Association for Respiratory Care) for $89/year student rate
• Connect with 10-20 former 68Vs on LinkedIn who transitioned to civilian respiratory therapy

Week 3-4:

• Purchase NBRC study materials (Egan's Fundamentals, Kettering review books)
• Take NBRC self-assessment exam ($50-$125) to identify knowledge gaps
• Create study schedule for TMC (CRT) exam - plan 2-4 months preparation
• Research state respiratory therapy licensure requirements for your target location

Month 2-3:

• Study 10-15 hours/week for TMC exam
• Consider Kettering National Seminars review course ($600-$1,200) - many 68Vs find this helpful
• Schedule TMC exam through NBRC for Month 4
• Apply for BLS certification course (take within next 30 days)
• Begin applying for "Respiratory Therapist" positions that accept "RRT eligible" or "RRT pending" candidates

Months 4-6: Certification and Initial Employment

Month 4:

• Take TMC (CRT) examination ($200)
• If pass at high-cut score: Immediately eligible for RRT (CSE) exam
• If pass at low-cut score: Granted CRT credential, eligible for RRT after clinical experience or program completion
• Most 68Vs pass at high-cut score due to extensive military clinical experience

Month 5:

• Schedule CSE (RRT) examination through NBRC ($365)
• Study for clinical simulation exam (2-4 weeks preparation)
• Continue applying to respiratory therapist positions - mention "RRT exam scheduled [date]"
• Take ACLS course ($250-$350) while waiting for RRT exam date

Month 6:

• Take CSE (RRT) examination
• Receive RRT credential (typically within 2-4 weeks)
• Apply for state respiratory therapy license ($100-$300)
• Apply to 20-30 respiratory therapist positions nationwide
• Consider travel staffing agencies if open to relocation

Months 7-12: Employment and Career Launch

Month 7-8:

• Accept respiratory therapist position (typical starting salary $65,000-$80,000)
• Begin hospital orientation (1-4 weeks)
• Complete facility-specific competencies on equipment
• Shadow experienced respiratory therapists in ICU, ER, and floors
• Join state respiratory care society ($25-$75/year)

Month 9-12:

• Complete probationary period (typically 90 days)
• Build civilian clinical experience
• Take specialty certification if applicable (PALS for NICU, NRP for neonates)
• Network with respiratory therapy colleagues
• Identify specialty interest (ICU, NICU, transport, pulmonary rehab)
• Plan for specialty credential (ACCS, NPS) in 12-24 months

Month 12 Assessment:

• Employed as RRT earning $65,000-$85,000
• RRT certification complete
• State licensure active
• BLS, ACLS certifications current
• Building civilian references and experience
• Positioned for specialty advancement or travel positions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Waiting Too Long to Get RRT Certification The problem: Some 68Vs work as uncertified respiratory therapy techs or delay certification, losing earning potential. The fix: Prioritize RRT certification immediately. The salary difference between respiratory therapy tech ($35,000-$45,000) and RRT ($65,000-$85,000) is $20,000-$40,000 annually. Get certified within first 6 months.

Mistake 2: Not Leveraging Military Clinical Experience The problem: Underselling your 68V experience on resumes and applications. The fix: You managed ventilators in combat support hospitals, treated trauma patients, and performed procedures civilian new grads never see. Emphasize this extensively in applications and interviews.

Mistake 3: Limiting Job Search to One Geographic Area The problem: Only applying locally when better opportunities exist elsewhere. The fix: Respiratory therapist jobs exist nationwide. Be flexible on location, especially initially. Work 1-2 years to build experience, then relocate to desired area.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Travel Opportunities The problem: Only pursuing permanent positions when travel pays $20,000-$40,000 more annually. The fix: After 1-2 years civilian experience, consider travel respiratory therapy. Earn more, try different locations and specialties, then settle in preferred area.

Mistake 5: Not Using Veterans Preference The problem: Not claiming veterans hiring advantage for VA and federal positions. The fix: VA hospitals actively hire veteran respiratory therapists. You get veterans preference, federal benefits, and job security. Apply to VA medical centers nationwide.

Next Steps: Action Plan

This Week:

• ☐ Visit NBRC.org and review RRT certification requirements (30 minutes)
• ☐ Request AARTS transcript showing 68V military training (online, 15 minutes)
• ☐ Join AARC at aarc.org ($89/year) (15 minutes)
• ☐ Connect with 10 former 68Vs on LinkedIn (1 hour)
• ☐ Research your state's respiratory therapy licensure requirements (30 minutes)

This Month:

• ☐ Purchase NBRC study materials ($100-$200)
• ☐ Take NBRC self-assessment exam ($50-$125)
• ☐ Create study schedule for TMC exam
• ☐ Register for BLS certification course
• ☐ Update resume using military-to-civilian translation examples
• ☐ Apply to 5-10 "RRT eligible" or "RRT pending" respiratory therapy positions

Next 3 Months:

• ☐ Study for and pass TMC (CRT) examination
• ☐ Study for and pass CSE (RRT) examination
• ☐ Obtain BLS and ACLS certifications
• ☐ Apply for state respiratory therapy license
• ☐ Apply to 30+ respiratory therapist positions
• ☐ Accept first solid job offer

Your 68V training already makes you clinically competent. Now get the credential and start earning what you're worth: $70,000-$100,000+ as a civilian respiratory therapist.

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Ready to plan your transition? Use the career resources at Military Transition Toolkit to track certifications and job applications.