Respiratory Therapist in Arkansas
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AR
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Arkansas
To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Arkansas, individuals must complete an Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program and pass the NBRC CRT exam. The licensing body is the Arkansas State Medical Board. A state and federal criminal background check is required, and applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Arkansas offers reciprocity to licensees from other states with equivalent or higher qualifications. Licenses must be renewed annually, requiring 12 continuing education hours, including one hour on ethics/professional boundaries.
Respiratory Therapist Requirements in Arkansas
| Detail | Arkansas |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Arkansas State Medical Board |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC CRT exam |
| Application Fee | $4 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing Education | 12.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and complete a state and federal criminal background check. One of the 12 continuing education hours per cycle must be on the subject of ethics/professional boundaries. |
Source: Arkansas State Medical Board
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Arkansas
The median respiratory therapist salary in Arkansas is $67,960 per year, which is 15.5% below the national median of $80,450.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $52,470 |
| 25th | $59,630 |
| 50th (median) | $67,960 |
| 75th | $75,280 |
| 90th (experienced) | $82,850 |
Arkansas employs approximately 1,470 respiratory therapists.
Respiratory Therapist Job Outlook
AI Impact on Respiratory Therapists
Low AI Exposure (Score: -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.
Is Becoming a Respiratory Therapist in Arkansas Worth It?
Factors to consider: Arkansas's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.