Respiratory Therapist in Delaware
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for DE. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Delaware.
Jobs (DE)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a respiratory therapist in Delaware
To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Delaware, applicants must graduate from a CoARC-accredited program and pass either the NBRC CRT or RRT exam, which includes the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) and Clinical Simulation (CSE) Exams. A state license is required, issued by the Delaware Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and undergo state and federal criminal background checks, as well as complete a Delaware Child Protection Registry Request form. Licenses are renewed every two years, requiring 20 continuing education hours, with at least 10 hours from traditional (live) programs and 1 hour of mandatory training in Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Reporting. Reciprocity is not explicitly defined by a list of states; instead, applicants must provide letters of good standing from any other states where they hold a license.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Delaware. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Delaware requirements
| Licensing body | Delaware Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC CRT or RRT exam (TMC & CSE Exams) ($200) |
| Application fee | $153 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 20.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age of 18. Requires a state and federal criminal background check and a Delaware Child Protection Registry Request form. 10 of the 20 CE hours must be from traditional (live) programs. 1 hour of mandatory training in Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Reporting is required every renewal cycle. Individuals not licensed in any jurisdiction within three years of initially passing the NBRC entry-level exam must re-take the NBRC examination. |
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_circleDelaware license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+12.1%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk