Respiratory Therapist in Montana

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MT

Median Salary
$80,950
Montana (2024)
National Median
$80,450
All states
License Fees
$100
Exam + application
Time to Complete
2-4 years
From start to licensed

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Montana

To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Montana, applicants must graduate from a CoARC-accredited associate degree program and pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam (TMC & CSE Exams). The Montana Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners requires an application fee of $100.00. Licenses must be renewed annually, with 12 continuing education hours required per cycle. A temporary permit is available for eligible applicants, and a background check is required for all applicants.

Respiratory Therapist Requirements in Montana

DetailMontana
Licensing BodyMontana Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners
State License Required Yes
EducationAssociate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
Exam NBRC CRT or RRT exam (TMC & CSE Exams)
Application Fee$100
RenewalEvery 1.0 year
Continuing Education12.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age 18. Requires a background investigation. Montana offers a temporary permit for applicants who have completed an approved program and applied to take the exam, valid until the applicant fails or passes the exam and is granted a license. Previously licensed Respiratory Therapists applying to Montana who have been away from practice for more than three years must provide evidence of competency by retesting or passing a new NBRC credentialing exam. The CE requirement does not apply until a licensee's first full year of licensure.

Source: Montana Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Montana

The median respiratory therapist salary in Montana is $80,950 per year, which is 0.6% above the national median of $80,450.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$61,380
25th$66,350
50th (median)$80,950
75th$84,980
90th (experienced)$94,130

Montana employs approximately 390 respiratory therapists.

Respiratory Therapist Job Outlook

10-Year Growth
+12.1%
Much faster than average
Annual Openings
8.8
Nationwide per year
Total Employment
139.6
Nationwide

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 Montana Worth It?

Factors to consider: Montana's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps to becoming a respiratory therapist in Montana?
To become a respiratory therapist in Montana, you need to complete the required education (Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program), pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam (TMC & CSE Exams), and submit your application ($100 fee).
Is a respiratory therapist license required in Montana?
You cannot practice as a respiratory therapist in Montana without a state license from Montana Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners. The required exam is the NBRC CRT or RRT exam (TMC & CSE Exams).
What is the average respiratory therapist salary in Montana?
respiratory therapists in Montana earn a median of $80,950 annually. That's roughly in line with the $80,450 national median. Wages range from $61,380 (10th percentile) up to $94,130 (90th percentile).
How quickly can I become a respiratory therapist in Montana?
In Montana, becoming a respiratory therapist generally takes 2-4 years, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.
How many CE hours do respiratory therapists need in Montana?
Yes — respiratory therapists in Montana must complete 12.0 CE hours every 1.0 year to stay licensed.

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