Become a Respiratory Therapist in West Virginia
If you wish to pursue a career as a respiratory therapist in West Virginia (WV) 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 West Virginia 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.
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- Respiratory Therapist Schools in West Virginia
- West Virginia Certification and Licensing Requirements
- Respiratory Therapist Salary in West Virginia
- Respiratory Therapist Employment Outlook West Virginia
Top Respiratory Therapist Schools in WV
| School | Area | Degree | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern West Virginia Community College | Williamson | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Pierpont Community & Technical College | Fairmont | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Carver Career Center / BridgeValley CTC | Charleston | AS Degree | Learn More |
| Southern West Virginia Community & Technical College | Mt Gay | AAS Degree | * |
The Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC) are responsible for accrediting respiratory therapist schools in the USA.
Listed above are the top 4 accredited respiratory therapy schools in West Virginia.
Typically, in your studies to become a respiratory therapist. you can select between completing 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.
Learn more: Respiratory therapist program requirements
West Virginia Respiratory License and Certification Requirements
Respiratory therapist certification is optional in West Virginia 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 West Virginia law that you obtain a license to work as a respiratory therapist there. The West Virginia Board Of Respiratory Care governs the licensing of respiratory therapists in West Virginia.
You can contact the Board directly using the details below:
Phone: 304-558-1382
Website: wvborc.org
Learn more: Steps to become a respiratory therapist
Respiratory Therapist Salary in WV
| Average Salary | $51,510 |
| Hourly Wage | $24.76 |
| Top 10% | $69,080 |
| Bottom 10% | $38,460 |
| Employed | 1130 |
The average respiratory therapist salary in West Virginia is $51,510 – 19% less than the national average.*
*Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (2019).
This equates to an average hourly wage of $24.76.
Salary levels for respiratory therapists in West Virginia have grown by 6%, or $2,740, between 2015 and 2019.
Salary Range
- The top 10% of earners in the profession in West Virginia had an average salary of $69,080
- The lower 10% and entry level respiratory therapists earned an average salary of $38,460
- Respiratory therapists working in Huntington-Ashland earned the highest average salary in the state at $57,520
- Those working in Beckley have the lowest average salary level at $46,690.
The table below breaks down salaries across the main metro areas in the state.
| Metro Area | Salary | Top 10% | Bottom 10% | Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beckley | $46,690 | $60,500 | $36,280 | 40 |
| Charleston | $49,480 | $65,260 | $37,510 | 230 |
| Huntington-Ashland | $57,520 | $76,030 | $42,800 | 250 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna | $51,260 | $62,130 | $40,740 | 70 |
| Weirton-Steubenville | $53,670 | $63,320 | $42,960 | 50 |
| Wheeling | $55,350 | $73,710 | $41,840 | 80 |
Respiratory Therapist Employment in West Virginia
There are currently 1130 people employed as respiratory therapists in West Virginia. This number has grown significantly by 33%, or 280 respiratory therapy jobs, between 2015 and 2019.
The highest number of respiratory therapy jobs in West Virginia are in Huntington-Ashland.
The table below compares respiratory therapy salary and employment with similar healthcare careers in West Virginia;
| Career | Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory Therapist | $51,510 | 1,130 |
| Physical Therapist | $92,320 | 1,260 |
| Occupational Therapist | $81,840 | 440 |
| Speech & Language Therapist | $63,290 | 800 |
Related Content
We hope this guide helps you get started on your path towards becoming a respiratory therapist in West Virginia. You might also be interested in the following related content:
- Online classes