Get Started as a Respiratory Therapist in Kansas
A career as a respiratory therapist in Kansas 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% between 2019 to 2029.
To become a respiratory therapist in Kansas 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 Kansas
- Kansas Certification and Licensing Requirements
- How much do Respiratory Therapists make in Kansas?
- Respiratory Therapist Employment Outlook Kansas
Respiratory Therapist Schools in Kansas
| School | Area | Degree | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hutchison Community College | Hutchison | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Johnson County Community College | Overland Park | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Kansas City Kansas Community College | Kansas City | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Labette Community College | Parsons | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Newman University | Wichita | AS Degree | Learn More |
| Northwest Kansas Technical College | Goodland | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Seward County Community College | Liberal | AAS Degree | * |
| Washburn University | Topeka | AS Degree | Learn More |
The Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC) is the organization in charge of accreditation for respiratory therapist schools.
There are 8 accredited respiratory therapy schools in Kansas.
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
Kansas Respiratory License and Certification Requirements
Respiratory therapist certification is optional in Kansas. However licensing is an important prerequisite to securing employment as a respiratory therapist in the state.
The Kansas State Board Of Healing Arts governs the licensing of respiratory therapists in Kansas. You can contact the Board directly using the details below:
Phone: 785-296-7413
Website: ksbha.org
Learn more: Steps to become a respiratory therapist
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Kansas
| Average Salary | $56,600 |
|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $27.21 |
| Top 10% | $74,540 |
| Bottom 10% | $42,440 |
| Employed | 1,210 |
The average respiratory therapist salary in Kansas is $56,600 – 11% less than the national average.*
*Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (2019).
This equates to an average hourly wage of $27.21.
Salary levels for respiratory therapists in Kansas have grown by 12%, or $5,880, between 2015 and 2019.
Salary Range
- The top 10% of earners in the profession in Kansas had an average salary of $74,540
- The lower 10% and entry level respiratory therapists earned an average salary of $42,440
| Metro Area | Salary | Employed | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topeka | $57,250 | 100 | $71,560 | $44,910 |
| Wichita | $55,530 | 310 | $72,660 | $42,280 |
Respiratory Therapist Employment in Kansas
There are currently 1,210 people employed as respiratory therapists in Kansas. This number has increased by 10%, or 110 respiratory therapy jobs, between 2015 and 2019.
The table below compares respiratory therapy salary and employment with similar healthcare careers in Kansas;
| Career | Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory Therapist | $56,600 | 1,210 |
| Physical Therapist | $88,310 | 2,340 |
| Occupational Therapist | $81,830 | 1,480 |
| Speech & Language Therapist | $74,100 | 1,490 |
Related Content
We hope this guide helps you get started on your path towards becoming a respiratory therapist in Kansas. You might also be interested in the following related content:
- Online classes