Get Started as a Respiratory Therapist in Nebraska
If you are hoping to become a respiratory therapist in Nebraska (NE) then you will be pleased to learn that the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of respiratory therapists will grow nationwide by 19% from 2019 to 2029.
To become a respiratory therapist in Nebraska you will need to graduate from an accredited school and obtain a license before you can begin working there.
Certification is optional but provides assurances as to an individuals skills and competencies.
Jump to:
Top Respiratory Therapist Schools in Nebraska
| School | Area | Degree | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Community College | Omaha | AAS Degree | * |
| Southeast Community College-Lincoln | Lincoln | AS Degree | Learn More |
| Nebraska Methodist College | Omaha | AS Degree | Learn More |
Respiratory therapist schools in Nebraska are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC). There are 3 accredited schools offering respiratory therapy programs in Nebraska.
Most schools in Nebraska will offer a choice between an associates degree (2 years) or a bachelors degree (4 years). An associates degree will get you started in your career whilst a bachelors degree will open up more career doors such as supervisory and management roles.
Respiratory therapist certification is optional in Nebraska.
Learn more: Respiratory therapist program requirements
Nebraska Respiratory Therapist License
Once you have graduated from an accredited program it is required by Nebraska law that you obtain a license to work as a respiratory therapist there. The NE Board Of Respiratory Care governs the licensing of respiratory therapists in Nebraska.
You can contact the Board directly using the details below:
Phone: 402-471-2299
Website: dhhs.ne.gov
Learn more: Steps to become a respiratory therapist
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Nebraska
| Average Salary | $57,450 |
| Hourly Wage | $27.62 |
| Top 10% | $74,690 |
| Bottom 10% | $43,800 |
| Employed | 1060 |
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2019), the average respiratory therapist salary in Nebraska is $57,450. This is 10% lower than the national average.
This equates to an average hourly wage of $27.62.
Salary levels for respiratory therapists in Nebraska have grown by 12%, or $6,150, between 2015 and 2019.
Salary Range
- The top 10% of earners in the profession in Nebraska had an average salary of $74,690
- The lower 10% and entry level respiratory therapists earned an average salary of $43,800
The table below further breaks down salary across the larger metro areas in the state.
| Metro Area | Salary | Top 10% | Bottom 10% | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln | $58,340 | $75,290 | $45,020 | 220 |
| Omaha-Council Bluffs | $57,240 | $74,040 | $43,710 | 590 |
Respiratory Therapist Employment in Nebraska
There are currently 1060 people employed as respiratory therapists in Nebraska. This number has increased by 5%, or 50 respiratory therapy jobs, between 2015 and 2019.
The table below compares respiratory therapy salary and employment with similar healthcare careers in Nebraska;
| Career | Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory Therapist | $57,450 | 1,060 |
| Speech & Language Therapist | $74,070 | 1,020 |
| Occupational Therapist | $77,450 | 940 |
| Physical Therapist | $85,100 | 1,660 |
What next?
We hope this guide helps you get started on your path towards becoming a respiratory therapist in Nebraska. You might also be interested in the following related pages:
- Online classes