Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NC
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina
To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina, individuals must obtain an Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program and pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) examination. The total initial fees, including application, background check, and initial license, amount to $213. Licenses must be renewed annually, requiring 12 hours of continuing education, with at least six hours from live, interactive courses. North Carolina also offers reciprocity for licensees from other states with substantially similar requirements.
Respiratory Therapist Requirements in North Carolina
| Detail | North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | North Carolina Respiratory Care Board |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($315) |
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing Education | 12.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Applicants must pass a state jurisprudence exam. A background check fee of $38 is also required. At least 6 of the 12 required CE hours must be obtained from live, interactive courses. A current BLS card is required if audited. Provisional licenses are available for up to 12 months for those who have completed education but not the exam, requiring direct supervision. |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in North Carolina
The median respiratory therapist salary in North Carolina is $77,050 per year, which is 4.2% below the national median of $80,450.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $61,370 |
| 25th | $65,240 |
| 50th (median) | $77,050 |
| 75th | $82,750 |
| 90th (experienced) | $90,910 |
North Carolina employs approximately 4,440 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 North Carolina Worth It?
Factors to consider: North Carolina's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.