Respiratory Therapist in Delaware
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for DE
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Delaware
To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Delaware, applicants must graduate from a CoARC-accredited program and pass either the NBRC CRT or RRT exam, which includes the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) and Clinical Simulation (CSE) Exams. A state license is required, issued by the Delaware Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and undergo state and federal criminal background checks, as well as complete a Delaware Child Protection Registry Request form. Licenses are renewed every two years, requiring 20 continuing education hours, with at least 10 hours from traditional (live) programs and 1 hour of mandatory training in Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Reporting. Reciprocity is not explicitly defined by a list of states; instead, applicants must provide letters of good standing from any other states where they hold a license.
Respiratory Therapist Requirements in Delaware
| Detail | Delaware |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Delaware Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC CRT or RRT exam (TMC & CSE Exams) ($200) |
| Application Fee | $153 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 20.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age of 18. Requires a state and federal criminal background check and a Delaware Child Protection Registry Request form. 10 of the 20 CE hours must be from traditional (live) programs. 1 hour of mandatory training in Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Reporting is required every renewal cycle. Individuals not licensed in any jurisdiction within three years of initially passing the NBRC entry-level exam must re-take the NBRC examination. |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Delaware
The median respiratory therapist salary in Delaware is $87,380 per year, which is 8.6% above the national median of $80,450.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $70,770 |
| 25th | $84,150 |
| 50th (median) | $87,380 |
| 75th | $103,610 |
| 90th (experienced) | $106,040 |
Delaware employs approximately 410 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 Delaware Worth It?
Factors to consider: Delaware's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.