Respiratory Therapist in West Virginia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WV
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in West Virginia
To become a Licensed Respiratory Therapist in West Virginia, individuals must obtain a state license from the West Virginia Board of Respiratory Care. Applicants need to complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory care educational program and pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination. As of July 1, 2022, new applicants must hold a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. A state and federal criminal background check will be required for new applicants effective June 12, 2026. West Virginia also participates in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, allowing for reciprocity with other compact states.
Respiratory Therapist Requirements in West Virginia
| Detail | West Virginia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | West Virginia Board of Respiratory Care |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($360) |
| Application Fee | $150 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing Education | 20.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | A state and federal criminal background check will be required for new applicants effective June 12, 2026. Licenses expire annually on December 31st. Continuing education is reported every two years, with 20 CEUs required between October 1st of an even year and September 30th of the next even year. No more than 10 credit hours may be obtained through self-study. Up to 6 continuing education units may be carried over to the next accrual period. New licensees have prorated CEU requirements. The NBRC CRT or RRT exam is required. As of July 1, 2022, new applicants must hold a current Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential; prior to this date, a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or RRT credential was accepted. West Virginia has joined the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact. |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in West Virginia
The median respiratory therapist salary in West Virginia is $66,370 per year, which is 17.5% below the national median of $80,450.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $51,200 |
| 25th | $61,140 |
| 50th (median) | $66,370 |
| 75th | $76,730 |
| 90th (experienced) | $84,670 |
West Virginia employs approximately 1,340 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 West Virginia Worth It?
Factors to consider: West Virginia's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.