Respiratory Therapist in Oklahoma
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for OK
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Oklahoma
To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Oklahoma, individuals must graduate from a CoARC-accredited associate degree program and pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination and the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE). Licensure is granted by the Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision. Licenses are renewed every two years, requiring 12 hours of continuing education, with at least half directly related to clinical practice. A criminal history background check is also required for licensure.
Respiratory Therapist Requirements in Oklahoma
| Detail | Oklahoma |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination and Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) |
| Application Fee | $100 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 12.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | A criminal history background check is required. Provisional licenses are available for those licensed in another state or graduates who have applied to take the exam, issued for 6 months under supervision. At least half of the required continuing education hours must be directly related to clinical practice. |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Oklahoma
The median respiratory therapist salary in Oklahoma is $76,080 per year, which is 5.4% below the national median of $80,450.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $61,460 |
| 25th | $64,820 |
| 50th (median) | $76,080 |
| 75th | $81,050 |
| 90th (experienced) | $89,460 |
Oklahoma employs approximately 1,700 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 Oklahoma Worth It?
Factors to consider: Oklahoma's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.