Respiratory Therapist in Nebraska
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NE
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Nebraska
To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Nebraska, individuals must obtain a state license from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Key steps include graduating from a CoARC-accredited respiratory care educational program, passing the NBRC CRT or RRT exam, and submitting a complete application with a $118 fee. A criminal background check is required, and applicants must be at least 19 years old. Nebraska offers reciprocity for applicants with an active license in another state, though additional continuing education may be required if not actively practicing.
Respiratory Therapist Requirements in Nebraska
| Detail | Nebraska |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($200) |
| Application Fee | $118 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 20.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | A criminal background check is required. Applicants must be at least 19 years old and demonstrate U.S. Citizenship or lawful presence. If the NBRC examination was passed more than three years prior to application and the applicant is not actively practicing or licensed in another state, additional continuing education hours (60 hours) are required. Military spouses may be eligible for a temporary license. |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Nebraska
The median respiratory therapist salary in Nebraska is $78,880 per year, which is 2.0% below the national median of $80,450.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $61,660 |
| 25th | $65,970 |
| 50th (median) | $78,880 |
| 75th | $80,390 |
| 90th (experienced) | $85,870 |
Nebraska employs approximately 820 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 Nebraska Worth It?
Factors to consider: Nebraska's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.