Respiratory Therapist in Rhode Island

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

Median annual salary

$83,600

trending_up +3.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Rhode Island.

engineering

250

Jobs (RI)

monitoring Surging

+12.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$250

Licensing fees

schedule

2 years (Associate degree)

Time to complete

route How to become a respiratory therapist in Rhode Island

To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Rhode Island, individuals must complete an Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program and pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam. The licensing body is the Rhode Island Department of Health - Board of Respiratory Care. A criminal history background check is required, and applicants must submit a birth certificate and two letters of reference. Licenses are renewed every two years, requiring 12 continuing education hours, with specific limitations on online courses and a mandatory ethics component.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $66,690

25th percentile $76,440

50th (median) $83,600

75th percentile $93,720

90th (experienced) $104,010

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

checklist Rhode Island requirements

Licensing body	Rhode Island Department of Health - Board of Respiratory Care
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
Exam	NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($190)
Application fee	$60
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	12.0 hours per cycle
Notes	A criminal history background check is required. Applicants must submit an original or notarized copy of their birth certificate and two letters of reference. A temporary license may be available for graduates of an approved program who have filed an application for licensure, allowing them to practice under supervision for 90 days. No more than 6 hours of continuing education can be obtained through online courses, and 2 hours must be in ethics. Licenses expire on September 1st every two years.

Source: Rhode Island Department of Health - Board of Respiratory Care

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_circleRhode Island 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 Rhode Island? expand_more

The path to respiratory therapist licensure in Rhode Island: complete the required education (Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program), pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam, and submit your application ($60 fee).

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

Yes, Rhode Island requires a state license to practice as a respiratory therapist. The licensing body is Rhode Island Department of Health - Board of Respiratory Care. You must pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam.

What do respiratory therapists earn in Rhode Island? expand_more

respiratory therapists in Rhode Island earn a median of $83,600 annually. That's roughly in line with the $80,450 national median. The range spans from $66,690 at the entry level to $104,010 for top earners.

How expensive is respiratory therapist licensing in Rhode Island? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($190) and application fee ($60) and required training.

What's the timeline to become a respiratory therapist in Rhode Island? expand_more

Expect to spend 2 years (Associate degree) from start to finish in Rhode Island — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

What's required to renew a respiratory therapist license in Rhode Island? expand_more

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

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