Respiratory Therapist in West Virginia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WV. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, West Virginia.
Jobs (WV)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a respiratory therapist in West Virginia
To become a Licensed Respiratory Therapist in West Virginia, individuals must obtain a state license from the West Virginia Board of Respiratory Care. Applicants need to complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory care educational program and pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination. As of July 1, 2022, new applicants must hold a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. A state and federal criminal background check will be required for new applicants effective June 12, 2026. West Virginia also participates in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, allowing for reciprocity with other compact states.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for West Virginia. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist West Virginia requirements
| Licensing body | West Virginia Board of Respiratory Care |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($360) |
| Application fee | $150 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing education | 20.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | West Virginia offers endorsement for equivalent qualifications and participates in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact.Reciprocal states: West Virginia may issue a license by endorsement to applicants licensed in another state, territory, or country if their qualifications are equivalent or greater than West Virginia's. The state also participates in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact. |
| Notes | A state and federal criminal background check will be required for new applicants effective June 12, 2026. Licenses expire annually on December 31st. Continuing education is reported every two years, with 20 CEUs required between October 1st of an even year and September 30th of the next even year. No more than 10 credit hours may be obtained through self-study. Up to 6 continuing education units may be carried over to the next accrual period. New licensees have prorated CEU requirements. The NBRC CRT or RRT exam is required. As of July 1, 2022, new applicants must hold a current Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential; prior to this date, a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or RRT credential was accepted. West Virginia has joined the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact. |
Source: West Virginia Board of Respiratory Care
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to West Virginia? See whether West Virginia 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_circleWest Virginia license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+12.1%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
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