Respiratory Therapist in District of Columbia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for DC
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in District of Columbia
To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in the District of Columbia, applicants must graduate from a CoARC-accredited respiratory care program and pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) examination (CRT or RRT). The licensing body is the District of Columbia Board of Respiratory Care. A criminal background check is required, and the application fee is $254. Licenses are renewed every two years, requiring 16 continuing education hours, including specific ethics and LGBTQ content.
Respiratory Therapist Requirements in District of Columbia
| Detail | District of Columbia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | District of Columbia 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 | $254 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 16.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | A criminal background check is required for licensure and renewal. The renewal fee is $169, and a $50 fee is required for the criminal background check. 16 CE hours are required biennially, including 2 hours of ethics and 2 hours of LGBTQ continuing education. First-time renewal applicants are exempt from CE requirements. Licenses expire on January 31 of odd-numbered years, but a new system will transition licenses to expire on the last day of the birth month for new applicants and those renewing after September 2024. |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in District of Columbia
The median respiratory therapist salary in District of Columbia is $104,240 per year, which is 29.6% above the national median of $80,450.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $79,630 |
| 25th | $91,580 |
| 50th (median) | $104,240 |
| 75th | $110,750 |
| 90th (experienced) | $125,470 |
District of Columbia employs approximately 360 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 District of Columbia Worth It?
Factors to consider: District of Columbia's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.