Respiratory Therapist in Tennessee
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for TN
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Tennessee
To become a Respiratory Therapist in Tennessee, individuals must obtain a state license from the Tennessee Board of Respiratory Care. Key steps include completing an associate's degree from a CoARC-accredited program, passing the NBRC CRT or RRT exam, and submitting an application with a $160 fee. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and undergo a criminal background check. Tennessee offers reciprocity for applicants licensed in other states if their qualifications are considered equivalent.
Respiratory Therapist Requirements in Tennessee
| Detail | Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Tennessee Board of Respiratory Care |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($200) |
| Application Fee | $160 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age is 18. A criminal background check is required. CE must include 1 hour in patient safety and 1 hour in professional ethics per calendar year. At least 5 hours of CE must pertain to the clinical practice of respiratory care or research relating to the cardio-pulmonary system per calendar year. Applicants must submit a passport-size photo. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the educational institution to the board. Verification of all respiratory care licenses held in other states is required. Temporary licenses are available for up to one year for those who have completed their education but not yet passed the NBRC exam. Reciprocity is granted if qualifications are deemed equivalent to Tennessee's. |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Tennessee
The median respiratory therapist salary in Tennessee is $65,000 per year, which is 19.2% below the national median of $80,450.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $51,840 |
| 25th | $61,410 |
| 50th (median) | $65,000 |
| 75th | $77,480 |
| 90th (experienced) | $80,940 |
Tennessee employs approximately 3,070 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 Tennessee Worth It?
Factors to consider: Tennessee's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.