Respiratory Therapist in Alaska
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AK. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Alaska.
Jobs (AK)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a respiratory therapist in Alaska
To become a Respiratory Therapist in Alaska, individuals do not need a state license, as Alaska is currently the only state without one. However, employers typically require national certification through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Prospective RTs must complete an Associate or Bachelor's degree from a CoARC-accredited program and pass the NBRC's CRT or RRT exam. While there are no state-mandated continuing education requirements, a bill to establish licensure was introduced in March 2026.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Alaska. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Alaska requirements
| Licensing body | No state licensing body; National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) for certification |
| State license | Not required |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($200) |
| Notes | Alaska does not have a state licensing board for respiratory therapists. Certification through the NBRC (CRT or RRT) is the standard for practice and is typically required by employers. A bill to establish licensure was introduced in the Alaska Senate Labor and Commerce Committee as of March 2026. Minimum age for NBRC CRT exam is 18. |
Source: No state licensing body; National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) for certification
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+12.1%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk