Respiratory Therapist in Montana
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MT. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Montana.
Jobs (MT)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a respiratory therapist in Montana
To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Montana, applicants must graduate from a CoARC-accredited associate degree program and pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam (TMC & CSE Exams). The Montana Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners requires an application fee of $100.00. Licenses must be renewed annually, with 12 continuing education hours required per cycle. A temporary permit is available for eligible applicants, and a background check is required for all applicants.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Montana. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Montana requirements
| Licensing body | Montana Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC CRT or RRT exam (TMC & CSE Exams) |
| Application fee | $100 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing education | 12.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Montana requires license verification; retesting is needed only if away from practice over three years.Reciprocal states: Montana requires official license verification from all current and previous states of licensure. Previously licensed Respiratory Therapists applying to Montana who have been away from practice for more than three years must provide evidence of competency by retesting or passing a new NBRC credentialing exam. |
| Notes | Minimum age 18. Requires a background investigation. Montana offers a temporary permit for applicants who have completed an approved program and applied to take the exam, valid until the applicant fails or passes the exam and is granted a license. Previously licensed Respiratory Therapists applying to Montana who have been away from practice for more than three years must provide evidence of competency by retesting or passing a new NBRC credentialing exam. The CE requirement does not apply until a licensee's first full year of licensure. |
Source: Montana Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Montana? See whether Montana recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Respiratory Therapist license reciprocity guide.
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_circleMontana license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+12.1%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
Compare Respiratory Therapist head-to-head
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