Respiratory Therapist in Massachusetts
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MA
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Massachusetts
To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Massachusetts, individuals must graduate from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program and pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) CRT or RRT examination. The licensing body is the Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care. The application fee is $260.00, and licenses must be renewed every two years, requiring 20 hours of continuing education per cycle. Massachusetts also offers licensure by reciprocity for those already licensed in other jurisdictions with substantially similar requirements and holding an NBRC credential.
Respiratory Therapist Requirements in Massachusetts
| Detail | Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Board of Respiratory Care |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($190) |
| Application Fee | $260 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 20.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and of good moral character. A one-time training on Domestic and Sexual Violence is required for all health professionals in Massachusetts as a condition of licensure/renewal. New licensees are exempt from CE requirements for their first renewal. Up to 4 hours of CE credit can be applied from NBRC recredentialing examinations. BLS courses do not count for CE credit. |
Source: Board of Respiratory Care
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Massachusetts
The median respiratory therapist salary in Massachusetts is $96,940 per year, which is 20.5% above the national median of $80,450.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $74,200 |
| 25th | $82,000 |
| 50th (median) | $96,940 |
| 75th | $104,660 |
| 90th (experienced) | $118,950 |
Massachusetts employs approximately 2,140 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 Massachusetts Worth It?
Factors to consider: Massachusetts's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.