Respiratory Therapist in Louisiana
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for LA
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Louisiana
To become a Licensed Respiratory Therapist (LRT) in Louisiana, individuals must graduate from a CoARC-accredited respiratory care education program and hold current credentials as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). The application process involves submitting an application and a fee of $125 to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME), along with undergoing a criminal background check. Licenses must be renewed annually, requiring 10 hours of continuing education. Louisiana also offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees who meet equivalent requirements.
Respiratory Therapist Requirements in Louisiana
| Detail | Louisiana |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($190) |
| Application Fee | $125 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing Education | 10.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 18 years old and of good moral character. A criminal background check is required. Temporary licenses are available for those awaiting their NBRC exam results. |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Louisiana
The median respiratory therapist salary in Louisiana is $70,140 per year, which is 12.8% below the national median of $80,450.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $59,760 |
| 25th | $63,860 |
| 50th (median) | $70,140 |
| 75th | $78,590 |
| 90th (experienced) | $84,540 |
Louisiana employs approximately 2,280 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 Louisiana Worth It?
Factors to consider: Louisiana's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.