Respiratory Therapist in Oklahoma

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for OK. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$76,080

trending_down -5.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Oklahoma.

engineering

1,700

Jobs (OK)

monitoring Surging

+12.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$100

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a respiratory therapist in Oklahoma

To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Oklahoma, individuals must graduate from a CoARC-accredited associate degree program and pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination and the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE). Licensure is granted by the Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision. Licenses are renewed every two years, requiring 12 hours of continuing education, with at least half directly related to clinical practice. A criminal history background check is also required for licensure.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $61,460

25th percentile $64,820

50th (median) $76,080

75th percentile $81,050

90th (experienced) $89,460

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Oklahoma. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Oklahoma requirements

Licensing body	Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
Exam	NBRC Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination and Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE)
Application fee	$100
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	12.0 hours per cycle
Notes	A criminal history background check is required. Provisional licenses are available for those licensed in another state or graduates who have applied to take the exam, issued for 6 months under supervision. At least half of the required continuing education hours must be directly related to clinical practice.

Source: Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+12.1%

Much faster than average

Annual openings

8,800

Nationwide per year

Total employment

139,600

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.19/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleOklahoma license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+12.1%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a respiratory therapist career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a respiratory therapist in Oklahoma? expand_more

Oklahoma requires respiratory therapists to complete the required education (Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program), pass the NBRC Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination and Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE), and submit your application ($100 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a respiratory therapist in Oklahoma? expand_more

A state license is required in Oklahoma. Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision handles respiratory therapist licensing — the NBRC Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination and Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) is part of the process.

What is the average respiratory therapist salary in Oklahoma? expand_more

Oklahoma respiratory therapists bring home a median salary of $76,080. — 5% under the $80,450 national average. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $61,460, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $89,460.

How long does it take to become a respiratory therapist in Oklahoma? expand_more

In Oklahoma, becoming a respiratory therapist generally takes 2-4 years, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

What are the continuing education requirements for respiratory therapists in Oklahoma? expand_more

Oklahoma requires 12.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your respiratory therapist license.