Become a Respiratory Therapist in Arkansas
If you wish to pursue a career as a respiratory therapist in Arkansas (AR) then it will please you to know that employment for the profession will grow by nearly 20% up between 2019 and 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
To become respiratory therapist in Arkansas you will need to complete an accredited program and obtain your respiratory therapist license. Below we provide information on schools, licensing, certification requirements, and careers data.
Jump to:
Top Respiratory Therapist Schools in Arkansas
| School | Area | Degree | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Arkansas Community College | Bentonville | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Southeast Arkansas College | Bluff | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| South Arkansas Community College | El Dorado | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Black River Technical College | Pocahontas | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| National Park College | Hot Springs | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Arkansas State University Mid-South | West Memphis | AAS Degree | Learn More |
The Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC) is the organisation in charge of accreditation for respiratory therapist schools.
Listed above are the top 6 accredited respiratory therapy schools in Arkansas.
Most schools in Arkansas 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 Arkansas.
Learn more: Respiratory therapist program admissions
Arkansas Respiratory License
Once you have graduated from an accredited program it is required by Arkansas law that you obtain a license to work as a respiratory therapist there. The Arkansas State Medical Board governs the licensing of respiratory therapists in Arkansas.
You can contact the Board directly using the details below:
Phone: 501-296-1807
Website: armedicalboard.org
Learn more: How to become a respiratory therapist
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Arkansas
| Average Salary | $56,630 |
| Hourly Wage | $27.22 |
| Top 10% | $75,420 |
| Bottom 10% | $41,110 |
| Employed | - |
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2019), the average respiratory therapist salary in Arkansas is $56,630. This is 11% less than the national average.
This equates to an average hourly wage of $27.22.
Salary levels for respiratory therapists in Arkansas have increased by 13%, or $6,610, between 2015 and 2019.
Salary Range
- The top 10% of earners in the profession in Arkansas had an average salary of $75,420
- The lower 10% and entry level respiratory therapists earned an average salary of $41,110
- Respiratory therapists working in Little Rock earned the highest average salary in the state at $62,360
- Those working in Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers have the lowest average salary level at $51,900.
| Metro Area | Salary | Employed | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers | $51,900 | 140 | $64,570 | $39,380 |
| Fort Smith | $53,200 | 120 | $64,040 | $41,260 |
| Jonesboro | $52,250 | 160 | $74,390 | $35,400 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway | $62,360 | 610 | $78,460 | $46,740 |
Respiratory Therapist Employment in Arkansas
There are currently (8) – people employed as respiratory therapists in Arkansas. This number has – by -, or – respiratory therapy jobs, between 2015 and 2019.
The highest number of respiratory therapy jobs in Arkansas are in Little Rock.
The table below compares respiratory therapy salary and employment with similar healthcare careers in Arkansas;
| Career | Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory Therapist | $56,630 | - |
| Physical Therapist | $85,710 | 1,990 |
| Occupational Therapist | $85,920 | 1,200 |
| Speech & Language Therapist | $74,360 | 1,990 |
What next?
We hope this guide helps you get started on your path towards becoming a respiratory therapist in Arkansas. You might also be interested in the following related pages:
- Online classes