Get Started as a Respiratory Therapist in NM
A career as a respiratory therapist in New Mexico offers good income potential and jobs growth. In fact the Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted that demand for respiratory therapists will increase by 19% betw5
een 2019 to 2029.
To become a respiratory therapist in New Mexico it is a requirement that you graduate from an accredited respiratory therapist school. Once you have graduated you will then need to apply for a license before you can begin working. Certification is not a necessity but it does provide additional assurances as to your skills and competencies.
Browse Contents:
- Find a Respiratory Therapist School in New Mexico
- New Mexico Certification and Licensing Requirements
- How much do Respiratory Therapists make in New Mexico?
- Respiratory Therapist Employment Outlook New Mexico
Respiratory Therapist Schools in New Mexico
School | Area | Degree | Learn More |
---|---|---|---|
Central New Mexico Community College | Alburquerque | AS Degree | Learn More |
Dona Ana Community College | Las Cruces | AAS Degree | Learn More |
Eastern New Mexico University - Roswell | Roswell | AAS Degree | * |
Pima Medical Institute - Albuquerque | Alburquerque | AS Degree | Learn More |
San Juan College | Farmington | AAS Degree | Learn More |
Santa Fe Community College | Sana Fe | AAS Degree | Learn More |
The Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC) is the organization in charge of accreditation for respiratory therapist schools.
There are 6 accredited respiratory therapy schools in New Mexico.
You have the option of completing an associates degree (2 years) or a bachelors degree (4 years) in your path to becoming a respiratory therapist . 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.
Learn more: Respiratory therapist course curriculum and admissions
New Mexico Respiratory License and Certification Requirements
Respiratory therapist certification is optional in New Mexico. However licensing is an important prerequisite to securing employment as a respiratory therapist in the state.
The Respiratory Care Board governs the licensing of respiratory therapists in New Mexico. You can contact the Board directly using the details below:
Phone: 505-476-4965
Website: rld.state.nm.us
Learn more: Steps to become a respiratory therapist
Respiratory Therapist Salary in New Mexico
Average Salary | $58,420 |
Hourly Wage | $28.09 |
Top 10% | $77,080 |
Bottom 10% | $43,090 |
Employed | 630 |
The average respiratory therapist salary in New Mexico is $58,420 – 9% lower than the national average.*
*Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (2019).
This equates to an average hourly wage of $28.09.
Salary levels for respiratory therapists in New Mexico have grown by 10%, or $5,280, between 2015 and 2019.
Salary Range
- The top 10% of earners in the profession in New Mexico had an average salary of $77,080
- The lower 10% and entry level respiratory therapists earned an average salary of $43,090
Metro Area | Salary | Top 10% | Bottom 10% | Employed |
---|---|---|---|---|
Albuquerque | $59,150 | $77,480 | $43,210 | 340 |
Las Cruces | $51,040 | $62,660 | $40,590 | 40 |
Respiratory Therapist Employment in New Mexico
There are currently 630 people employed as respiratory therapists in New Mexico. This number has increased by 3%, or 20 respiratory therapy jobs, between 2015 and 2019.
The table below compares respiratory therapy salary and employment with similar healthcare careers in New Mexico;
Career | Salary | Employment |
---|---|---|
Respiratory Therapist | $58,420 | 630 |
Occupational Therapist | $84,150 | 630 |
Physical Therapist | $94,430 | 1,380 |
Speech & Language Therapist | $75,230 | 880 |
Related Content
We hope this guide helps you get started on your path towards becoming a respiratory therapist in New Mexico. You might also be interested in the following related content:
- Online school options
- Respiratory therapist school Arizona
- Respiratory therapist school Texas