Get Started as a Respiratory Therapist in Montana
A career as a respiratory therapist in Montana 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 Montana 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 Montana
- Montana Certification and Licensing Requirements
- How much do Respiratory Therapists make in Montana?
- Respiratory Therapist Employment Outlook Montana
Respiratory Therapist Schools in Montana
| School | Area | Degree | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Montana - Missoula College | Missoula | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Great Falls College Montana State University | Great Falls | 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 2 accredited respiratory therapy schools in Montana.
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
Montana Respiratory License and Certification Requirements
Respiratory therapist certification is optional in Montana. However licensing is an important prerequisite to securing employment as a respiratory therapist in the state.
The Board Of Respiratory Care Practitioners governs the licensing of respiratory therapists in Montana. You can contact the Board directly using the details below:
Phone: 406-841-2360
Website: respcare.mt.gov
Learn more: Steps to become a respiratory therapist
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Montana
| Average Salary | $58,670 |
|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $28.21 |
| Top 10% | $76,280 |
| Bottom 10% | $44,130 |
| Employed | 390 |
The average respiratory therapist salary in Montana is $58,670 – 8% below the national average.*
*Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (2019).
This equates to an average hourly wage of $28.21.
Salary levels for respiratory therapists in Montana have grown by 11%, or $6,010, between 2015 and 2019.
Salary Range
- The top 10% of earners in the profession in Montana had an average salary of $76,280
- The lower 10% and entry level respiratory therapists earned an average salary of $44,130
The table below further breaks down salary across the larger metro areas in the state.
| Metro Area | Salary | Top 10% | Bottom 10% | Number Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Falls | $50,340 | $64,220 | $38,740 | 40 |
| Missoula | $57,520 | $74,950 | $44,370 | 50 |
Respiratory Therapist Employment in Montana
There are currently 390 people employed as respiratory therapists in Montana. This number has increased by 8%, or 30 respiratory therapy jobs, between 2015 and 2019.
The table below compares respiratory therapy salary and employment with similar healthcare careers in Montana;
| Career | Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory Therapist | $58,670 | 390 |
| Physical Therapist | $82,130 | 1,150 |
| Occupational Therapist | $76,670 | 370 |
| Speech & Language Therapist | $72,500 | 380 |
Related Content
We hope this guide helps you get started on your path towards becoming a respiratory therapist in Montana. You might also be interested in the following related content:
- Online classes