Respiratory Therapist in Arkansas
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AR. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Arkansas.
Jobs (AR)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a respiratory therapist in Arkansas
To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Arkansas, individuals must complete an Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program and pass the NBRC CRT exam. The licensing body is the Arkansas State Medical Board. A state and federal criminal background check is required, and applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Arkansas offers reciprocity to licensees from other states with equivalent or higher qualifications. Licenses must be renewed annually, requiring 12 continuing education hours, including one hour on ethics/professional boundaries.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Arkansas. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Arkansas requirements
| Licensing body | Arkansas State Medical Board |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC CRT exam |
| Application fee | $4 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing education | 12.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and complete a state and federal criminal background check. One of the 12 continuing education hours per cycle must be on the subject of ethics/professional boundaries. |
Source: Arkansas State Medical Board
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?
- check_circleArkansas license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+12.1%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk