Respiratory Therapist in Rhode Island
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for RI
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Rhode Island
To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Rhode Island, individuals must complete an Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program and pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam. The licensing body is the Rhode Island Department of Health - Board of Respiratory Care. A criminal history background check is required, and applicants must submit a birth certificate and two letters of reference. Licenses are renewed every two years, requiring 12 continuing education hours, with specific limitations on online courses and a mandatory ethics component.
Respiratory Therapist Requirements in Rhode Island
| Detail | Rhode Island |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Rhode Island Department of Health - Board of Respiratory Care |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($190) |
| Application Fee | $60 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 12.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | A criminal history background check is required. Applicants must submit an original or notarized copy of their birth certificate and two letters of reference. A temporary license may be available for graduates of an approved program who have filed an application for licensure, allowing them to practice under supervision for 90 days. No more than 6 hours of continuing education can be obtained through online courses, and 2 hours must be in ethics. Licenses expire on September 1st every two years. |
Source: Rhode Island Department of Health - Board of Respiratory Care
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Rhode Island
The median respiratory therapist salary in Rhode Island is $83,600 per year, which is 3.9% above the national median of $80,450.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $66,690 |
| 25th | $76,440 |
| 50th (median) | $83,600 |
| 75th | $93,720 |
| 90th (experienced) | $104,010 |
Rhode Island employs approximately 250 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 Rhode Island Worth It?
Factors to consider: Rhode Island's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.