Respiratory Therapist in Iowa
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IA
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Iowa
To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Iowa, individuals must graduate from a CoARC-accredited respiratory care education program and pass the NBRC CRT or RRT examination. The licensing body is the Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography, which requires an application fee of $75.00, including the cost of a background check. Licenses are renewed every two years, with 24 hours of continuing education required, including mandatory reporter training if applicable. Reciprocity is available for those licensed in other states, requiring official verification of their previous licensure.
Respiratory Therapist Requirements in Iowa
| Detail | Iowa |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($200) |
| Application Fee | $75 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and of good moral character. A background check, including fingerprinting, is required. CE must include mandatory reporter training for child and/or dependent adult abuse if the licensee regularly examines, attends, counsels, or treats children or dependent adults. First-time renewals are exempt from CE requirements. A maximum of 12 hours can be non-traditional/self-study, and a maximum of 6 hours can be for supplemental topics. |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Iowa
The median respiratory therapist salary in Iowa is $68,790 per year, which is 14.5% below the national median of $80,450.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $56,260 |
| 25th | $63,070 |
| 50th (median) | $68,790 |
| 75th | $78,720 |
| 90th (experienced) | $83,480 |
Iowa employs approximately 1,050 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 Iowa Worth It?
Factors to consider: Iowa's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.