Become a Respiratory Therapist in New Jersey
If you wish to pursue a career as a respiratory therapist in New Jersey (NJ) then it will please you to know that employment for the profession will grow by nearly 20% between 2019 and 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
To become a respiratory therapist in New Jersey you will need to complete an accredited program and obtain your respiratory therapist license. Below we provide information on schools, licensing, certification requirements, and career data.
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- Accredited Respiratory Therapist Schools New Jersey
- New Jersey Certification and Licensing Requirements
- Respiratory Therapist Salary in New Jersey
- Respiratory Therapist Employment Outlook New Jersey
Top Respiratory Therapist Schools NJ
| School | Area | Degree | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bergen Community College | Paramus | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| County College of Morris | Randolph | AS Degree | Learn More |
| Brookdale Community College | Lincroft | AS Degree | Learn More |
| Union County College | Plainfield | AAS Degree | * |
The Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC) is responsible for accrediting respiratory therapist schools in the USA.
Listed above are the top 4 accredited schools for a respiratory therapist in New Jersey.
Typically, in your studies to become a respiratory therapist. you can select between completing an associate’s degree (2 years) or a bachelor’s degree (4 years). An associate’s degree will get you started in your career whilst a bachelor’s degree will open up more career doors such as supervisory and management roles.
Learn more: Respiratory therapist program requirements
New Jersey Respiratory License and Certification Requirements
Respiratory therapist certification is optional in New Jersey however certification provides an extra layer of assurance as to your skills and competencies and may create further career advancement opportunities.
Licensing is essential. Once you have graduated from an accredited program it is required by New Jersey law that you obtain a license to work as a respiratory therapist there. The Board Of Respiratory Care governs the licensing of respiratory therapists in New Jersey.
You can contact the Board directly using the details below:
Phone: 973.504.6485
Website: state.nj.us
Learn more: Steps to become a respiratory therapist
Respiratory Therapist Salary NJ
| Average Salary | $73,160 |
| Hourly Wage | $35.18 |
| Top 10% | $94,700 |
| Bottom 10% | $56,390 |
| Employed | 3870 |
The average respiratory therapist’s salary in New Jersey is $73,160 – 14% more than the national average.*
*Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (2019).
This equates to an average hourly wage of $35.18.
Salary levels for respiratory therapists in New Jersey have grown by 3%, or $2,000, between 2015 and 2019.
Salary Range
- The top 10% of earners in the profession in New Jersey had an average salary of $94,700
- The lower 10% and entry-level respiratory therapists earned an average salary of $56,390
The table below further breaks down salaries across the larger metro areas in the state.
| Metro Area | Salary | Top 10% | Bottom 10% | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City-Hammonton | $78,620 | $98,890 | $60,820 | 130 |
| Trenton | $73,630 | $92,520 | $58,090 | - |
Respiratory Therapist Employment in New Jersey
There are currently 3870 people employed as respiratory therapists in New Jersey. This number has grown significantly by 27%, or 820 respiratory therapy jobs, between 2015 and 2019.
The table below compares respiratory therapy salary and employment with similar healthcare careers in New Jersey;
| Career | Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory Therapist | $73,160 | 3,870 |
| Occupational Therapist | $96,820 | 5,100 |
| Physical Therapist | $99,060 | 7,860 |
| Speech & Language Therapist | $95,710 | 5,750 |
Related Content
We hope this guide helps you get started on your path toward becoming a respiratory therapist in New Jersey. You might also be interested in the following related content:
- Respiratory Therapy Online
- Respiratory Therapist Schools NYC