Respiratory Therapist in Georgia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for GA
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Georgia
To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Georgia, applicants must obtain a state license from the Georgia Composite Medical Board. This requires graduating from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program and passing the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) exam. The application process typically takes four to six weeks, and a temporary permit may be available for those licensed in other states or recent graduates awaiting full licensure.
Respiratory Therapist Requirements in Georgia
| Detail | Georgia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Georgia Composite Medical Board |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC RRT exam (or CRT prior to March 15, 2020) ($360) |
| Application Fee | $150 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Applicants must undergo a background check. It is strongly recommended not to accept employment until a Georgia license number has been issued. As of March 15, 2020, the RRT credential is required for licensure in Georgia, with exceptions for those holding a CRT prior to March 15, 2020, or a CRTT prior to July 1, 1999. |
Source: Georgia Composite Medical Board
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Georgia
The median respiratory therapist salary in Georgia is $81,890 per year, which is 1.8% above the national median of $80,450.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $63,510 |
| 25th | $70,670 |
| 50th (median) | $81,890 |
| 75th | $97,540 |
| 90th (experienced) | $108,380 |
Georgia employs approximately 5,030 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 Georgia Worth It?
Factors to consider: Georgia's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.