Can I join the army with asthma

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I am a nurse at an ICU in Michigan, and am trying to get into the army anesthetist program. The only problem is that I have asthma. I just took a PFT, and I failed it. My asthma is very well controlled, and I barely need medication. In addition exercise actually makes it better. Can I get a waiver for this issue with a failed PFT or is this a definite disqualification?

Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Asthma is a disqualifier. Waivers are granted based on the needs of the Army at any given time. The only way to get an answer is to work with a recruiter and seek a waiver.

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Usually in the context of failing PFT is physical fitness test not pulmonary function test. So you have to pass a physical fiteness test. Whether asthma is a disqualifier is depedent on your PFTs and how well controlled.

This answer is correct. If an individual can pass the Physical Fitness Test is the issue. And then of course, all of the above mentioned aspects will play a role. Best of luck to you.

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I have known of people in the military receiving the asthma dx and have been medically dq'd.

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If you're willing to give the Air Force a try, they just started giving medical waivers to people with asthma.

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