How Much Does It Cost to Become a Respiratory Therapist?
Understanding how much does it cost to become a respiratory therapist requires analyzing associate vs. bachelor's degree tuition, clinical lab equipment, National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) licensing exams, and medical onboarding expenses. On average, becoming a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) costs between $8,000 and $35,000. An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree at a public community college ranges from $7,500 to $16,000, while a Bachelor of Science (BS) at a university costs $25,000 to $65,000+.
Degree Levels: Associate (AAS) vs. Bachelor of Science (BS)
To practice as a respiratory therapist in the United States, candidates must graduate from an educational program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). The minimum educational threshold is a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Respiratory Care. Public community colleges offer the most economical pathway, charging $7,500 to $15,000 for in-district tuition, lab fees, and textbooks across 70 to 76 credit hours.
A four-year Bachelor of Science (BSRT) degree—offered by public state universities and academic medical centers—costs $25,000 to $65,000 in tuition. While an associate degree qualifies graduates for full RRT licensing and hospital ICU employment, earning a bachelor's degree provides a competitive advantage for leadership positions, neonatal-pediatric flight transport teams, and clinical medical device sales.
Compare educational institution types, degree credentials, tuition rates, and total program expenses:
| Educational Institution Type | Degree Credential Awarded | Program Duration | Average In-State Tuition | Total Completed Program Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Community College | Associate of Applied Science (AAS) | 2 Years (5 Semesters) | $7,500 to $14,000 | $10,500 to $18,500 |
| Public State University | Bachelor of Science in RT (BSRT) | 4 Years (8 Semesters) | $24,000 to $45,000 | $32,000 to $58,000 |
| Private Non-Profit University | Bachelor of Science in RT (BSRT) | 4 Years | $50,000 to $95,000 | $65,000 to $115,000 |
| Private For-Profit Vocational College | Associate Degree (Accelerated) | 18 to 20 Months | $28,000 to $48,000 | $35,000 to $55,000 |
| Post-Graduate Online Degree Bridge | AAS-to-BSRT Completion Degree | 12 to 18 Months | $8,000 to $16,000 | $9,500 to $18,500 |
National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Licensing Exam Fees
Graduating from a CoARC-accredited program makes students eligible for credentialing through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). The credentialing process requires passing two rigorous examinations. The first is the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination, which costs $190. The TMC exam has two cut scores: achieving the low-cut score earns the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) entry-level credential, while achieving the high-cut score qualifies the candidate to sit for the clinical simulation exam.
To earn the premier Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential—which is mandatory for employment in most major trauma centers and intensive care units—the candidate must pass the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE). The CSE costs $200 per attempt. Following national board certification, state medical board licensing fees add $100 to $250 depending on the state.
Review itemized professional licensing, exam, and clinical onboarding expenses:
| Credentialing / Clinical Expense Item | Average Cost Range | Payable Entity | Necessity Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| TMC National Multiple-Choice Exam | $190 (First attempt) | NBRC (National Board) | Mandatory for CRT / RRT eligibility |
| CSE Clinical Simulation Exam | $200 (First attempt) | NBRC (National Board) | Mandatory for RRT credential |
| State Respiratory Care License Application | $100 to $250 | State Medical / Professional Board | Mandatory to practice legally |
| NBRC Credential Maintenance (Annual) | $25 to $60 / yr | NBRC | Mandatory to keep RRT active |
| ACLS, BLS, PALS, NRP Certifications | $250 to $500 total | American Heart Association (AHA) | Mandatory hospital ICU credentials |
| Diagnostic Medical Clearance & 10-Panel Drug | $150 to $350 | Occupational Health Clinic | Mandatory before hospital clinicals |
| Clinical Uniform Scrubs & Littmann Stethoscope | $150 to $300 | Medical Supply Retailer | Mandatory (Diagnostic cardiology scope) |
Career Earnings, Return on Investment, and ICU Specialties
Becoming a respiratory therapist provides an exceptional return on educational investment. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Registered Respiratory Therapists earn an average annual salary of $75,000 to $92,000 ($36 to $45 per hour), with experienced therapists in California, New York, and Washington earning over $105,000 annually. Earning an associate degree for $15,000 and stepping into a $75,000 career yields rapid debt payoff.
Furthermore, respiratory therapists have diverse advancement pathways into specialized high-paying clinical niches. Therapists can pursue specialty credentials through the NBRC, such as Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist (NPS, $250), Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS, $250), or Sleep Disorders Specialist (SDS). Many RRTs transition into travel therapy contracts, earning $2,000 to $3,200 weekly.
How to Become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
Follow these five academic and licensing steps to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist.
Complete Science Prerequisite College Courses
Complete foundational college prerequisites including Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Microbiology, Chemistry, and College Algebra.
Enroll in a CoARC-Accredited Respiratory Therapy Program
Verify that the associate or bachelor's program is accredited by CoARC to ensure national board exam eligibility.
Complete 600+ Hospital ICU Clinical Rotation Hours
Gain hands-on clinical experience managing mechanical ventilators, arterial blood gas (ABG) draws, and intubation in ICUs.
Pass the NBRC TMC and Clinical Simulation Exams
Achieve the high cut-score on the TMC exam and pass the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) to earn your RRT credential.
Apply for Your State Respiratory Care Practitioner License
Submit your official graduation transcripts and NBRC certification verification to your state licensing board.
Frequently Asked Questions (8 Questions Answered)
Q1: How much does it cost to become a respiratory therapist?
Becoming an RRT typically costs between $10,000 and $20,000 at a community college, or $30,000 to $60,000 at a 4-year university.
Q2: How long is respiratory therapy school?
An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) takes 2 years (typically 5 semesters including clinicals); a bachelor's degree takes 4 years.
Q3: How much do respiratory therapists make?
Registered Respiratory Therapists earn an average of $75,000 to $92,000 annually ($36 to $45/hr), with travel therapists earning $100k-$130k+.
Q4: Is an associate degree enough to be a respiratory therapist?
Yes, an associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program qualifies graduates to earn the RRT credential and practice in hospitals and ICUs.
Q5: What is the difference between CRT and RRT?
CRT is the entry-level credential earned by passing the TMC exam; RRT is the advanced gold-standard credential earned after passing the Clinical Simulation Exam.
Q6: How much do the NBRC licensing exams cost?
The Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam costs $190; the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) costs $200.
Q7: Is respiratory therapy school harder than nursing school?
Respiratory therapy is intensely focused on complex cardiopulmonary physiology, mechanical ventilator physics, and blood gas chemistry, rivaling nursing rigor.
Q8: Are respiratory therapists in high demand?
Yes, the BLS projects 13% job growth through 2032, driven by aging populations, COPD, asthma, and cardiopulmonary critical care needs.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, understanding how much does it cost to become a respiratory therapist? provides essential clarity, practical strategies, and actionable advice. By incorporating these foundational insights, adhering to verified safety guidelines, and following structured best practices, you ensure reliable, long-term outcomes while preventing common mistakes. Stay informed, consult certified professionals when needed, and maintain consistent quality care.