Respiratory Therapist in Kentucky
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for KY
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Kentucky
To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Kentucky, individuals must obtain a state license from the Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care. Key steps include graduating from a CoARC-accredited program, passing the NBRC CRT or RRT exam, and submitting an application with a $150 fee. The license renews every two years, requiring 24 hours of continuing education, including a mandatory 1-hour medical ethics course. Kentucky offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees who meet equivalent qualifications and hold an NBRC credential.
Respiratory Therapist Requirements in Kentucky
| Detail | Kentucky |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($200) |
| Application Fee | $150 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | CE must include a 1-hour course on medical ethics. A temporary permit may be issued to graduates waiting to take the NBRC exam, valid for 6 months or until exam failure. Active duty military personnel and their spouses may have the application fee waived for initial licensure based on reciprocity. There is no specified minimum age requirement. |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Kentucky
The median respiratory therapist salary in Kentucky is $65,670 per year, which is 18.4% below the national median of $80,450.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $52,060 |
| 25th | $60,660 |
| 50th (median) | $65,670 |
| 75th | $75,690 |
| 90th (experienced) | $81,110 |
Kentucky employs approximately 2,860 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 Kentucky Worth It?
Factors to consider: Kentucky's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.