Respiratory Therapist in South Dakota
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for SD. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, South Dakota.
Jobs (SD)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a respiratory therapist in South Dakota
To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in South Dakota, individuals must graduate from a CoARC-accredited program and pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam. The licensing body is the South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners. A criminal background check is required, and licenses must be renewed every two years with 20 hours of continuing education. South Dakota participates in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, which facilitates reciprocity for practitioners from other compact states.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for South Dakota. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist South Dakota requirements
| Licensing body | South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC CRT or RRT exam |
| Application fee | $75 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 20.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | South Dakota adopted the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact for practice via compact privilege.Reciprocal states: South Dakota has adopted the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, allowing licensed respiratory therapists from other compact member states to practice in South Dakota by obtaining a compact privilege. |
| Notes | A criminal background check is required. Licenses expire on December 31st of even-numbered years. Temporary permits are available for new graduates and are nonrenewable, terminating three months from eligibility for the exam or upon exam failure. |
Source: South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to South Dakota? See whether South Dakota 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_circleSouth Dakota license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+12.1%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
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