Respiratory Therapist in Mississippi
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MS
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Mississippi
To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Mississippi, individuals must obtain an Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program and pass the NBRC CRT exam. A fingerprint-based criminal history background check is also required. The licensing body is the Mississippi State Department of Health, and licenses must be renewed every two years with 20 hours of continuing education.
Respiratory Therapist Requirements in Mississippi
| Detail | Mississippi |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Mississippi State Department of Health |
| 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 | 20.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | A fingerprint-based criminal history background check is required. Temporary permits are available for up to one year after graduation and are good for six months, provided the applicant is within 30 days of graduation and eligible for the certification exam. |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Mississippi
The median respiratory therapist salary in Mississippi is $61,320 per year, which is 23.8% below the national median of $80,450.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $49,920 |
| 25th | $53,100 |
| 50th (median) | $61,320 |
| 75th | $70,500 |
| 90th (experienced) | $90,240 |
Mississippi employs approximately 1,690 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 Mississippi Worth It?
Factors to consider: Mississippi's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.