Pennsylvania requires a state-level respiratory therapist license. The licensing authority is State Board of Respiratory Care. The median salary is $76,400 per year.
Last updated 2026-05-08
Pennsylvania requires a respiratory therapist to hold a state license. Evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders and cardiopulmonary diseases. Licensing is administered by the State Board of Respiratory Care.
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | Associate or bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy from CoARC-accredited program |
| Experience Details | Associate or bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy from CoARC-accredited program |
Pennsylvania requires passing the Pennsylvania TMC + Clinical Simulation Exam (NBRC) with a minimum score of 70%. The application fee is $190.
| Exam Name | Pennsylvania TMC + Clinical Simulation Exam (NBRC) |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Code Edition | TMC + Clinical Simulation Exam (NBRC) |
| Application Fee | $190 |
Getting licensed as a respiratory therapist in Pennsylvania takes 24 months on the typical path. Here are the steps.
The total cost includes an exam application fee of $190 and renewal fees of $190 every 2 years. Continuing education of 30 hours is required per renewal cycle.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Application | $190 |
| License Renewal | $190 every 2 years |
| Continuing Education | 30 hours |
Respiratory Therapists in Pennsylvania earn a median salary of $76,400, which is less than the national average. Data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
| Mean (average) | — / year |
| Entry level (10th pct) | — |
| Top earners (90th pct) | — |
| Total employed | — in Pennsylvania |
| National average | $77,960 |
Yes — Pennsylvania requires a state-level respiratory therapist license. Evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders and cardiopulmonary diseases.
The required exam is the Pennsylvania TMC + Clinical Simulation Exam (NBRC). You need a score of 70% to pass. The exam fee is $190.
The median annual salary for respiratory therapists in Pennsylvania is $76,400. The national median is $77,960.
Pennsylvania requires 30 hours of continuing education for license renewal every 2 years.
The fastest path takes approximately 6 months. The typical path takes 24 months including experience requirements.