Respiratory Therapist in Utah
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for UT
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Utah
To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Utah, individuals must apply through the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). Key steps include graduating from a CoARC-accredited respiratory care educational program, passing either the NBRC CRT or RRT examination, and submitting an application with a $90 fee. Additionally, applicants must pass the Respiratory Care Practitioner Law and Rule Examination and complete a fingerprint background check. While Utah does not require continuing education for state license renewal, maintaining NBRC credentials, often required by employers, does have CE requirements.
Respiratory Therapist Requirements in Utah
| Detail | Utah |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC CRT or RRT exam |
| Application Fee | $90 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must pass the Respiratory Care Practitioner Law and Rule Examination. A fingerprint background check through IdentoGO (IDEMIA) is required. Applicants must possess a high school education or its equivalent. While Utah does not require CEUs for license renewal, most employers require maintaining NBRC credentials, which do have CE requirements. |
Source: Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL)
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Utah
The median respiratory therapist salary in Utah is $78,990 per year, which is 1.8% below the national median of $80,450.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $65,270 |
| 25th | $68,390 |
| 50th (median) | $78,990 |
| 75th | $86,690 |
| 90th (experienced) | $96,820 |
Utah employs approximately 1,020 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 Utah Worth It?
Factors to consider: Utah's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.