Respiratory Therapists in Alabama earn a median $66,150 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). This page lists respiratory therapy schools near Calera, sorted by distance, with program lengths, credentials, and local wage data so you can compare training options.
Key Facts
Alabama median wage: $66,150/yr
National job outlook: +12.1% (2024-2034), ~8,800 openings/yr
Alabama employment: 2,350 workers
Pay range (10th-90th pct): $50,250 to $81,030
Typical program length: 4-12 months (certificate/diploma)
Sources: BLS OEWS, May 2025; BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034; IPEDS / program catalogs, 2023.
Respiratory Therapy Schools near Calera
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We first gather the schools closest to the city or state page you are viewing, then rank that
local group by BOC Score, with the highest at the top. The BOC Score is computed from federal
IPEDS and College Scorecard data; schools without enough data to score appear last.
LOCAL RANK
Location / proximity to this page
Defines the local group
Graduation rate
30%
Median earnings, 10 years after entry
25%
Average net price (lower is better)
20%
Retention rate
15%
Fully online availability
10%
Schools without enough federal outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score.
Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.
Respiratory Therapists employment projection 2024 to 2034
Year
Employment
2024
139,600
2034 projected
156,400
Percent change
+12.1%
How to become a Respiratory Therapist in Alabama
Finish high school or earn a GED. Most accredited Respiratory Therapist programs require a high school diploma or GED for admission.
Complete an accredited or state-approved program. Enroll in an accredited or state-approved Respiratory Therapist certificate, diploma, or degree program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on labs.
Complete clinical or externship hours. Finish the required supervised clinical, lab, or externship hours to build real-world experience before you graduate. Confirm hour totals with each program.
Earn your credential or license. Pass the required exam and obtain the NBRC CRT or RRT credential and a state license (required in most states). Confirm the exact steps with the Alabama licensing board.
Apply for Respiratory Therapist roles. Apply to clinics, hospitals, and healthcare employers in Alabama. Keep credentials current and verify any facility-specific requirements.
Respiratory Therapist roles are regulated in many states. Confirm the current credential and any license requirements with the Alabama board before enrolling - requirements change.
Training Pathways & Clinical Hours
Most respiratory therapy workers train through a short postsecondary certificate or diploma that combines classroom instruction with supervised clinical, lab, or externship hours. A smaller number enter through registered apprenticeships or employer-sponsored training; confirm hour totals and clinical placement details with each program before enrolling.
What You Study
Respiratory Therapist programs blend healthcare fundamentals - anatomy, medical terminology, infection control, and patient safety - with the hands-on skills specific to the role, practiced in labs and a supervised clinical or externship. Coursework also prepares you for the certification or licensing exam where one applies.
Tips for Choosing a Respiratory Therapy Program
Confirm the program is accredited or state-approved for the credential you plan to earn.
Ask how clinical, lab, or externship placements are arranged and how many hours are required.
Compare day, evening, and accelerated schedules that fit your work and family commitments.
Review certification exam pass rates (if published) and ask about career support services. Individual outcomes may vary.
How long does respiratory therapy training take near Calera?
Most Respiratory Therapist programs are short certificate or diploma tracks that take roughly 4 to 12 months of full-time study; degree tracks (where they exist) run longer. Actual length depends on schedule, clinical hours, and any prerequisites.
How much do respiratory therapy workers earn in Alabama?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (BLS OEWS May 2025), Respiratory Therapists in Alabama earned a median annual wage of approximately $66,150. Pay varies with experience, certification, and employer; the 10th to 90th percentile range in Alabama was about $50,250 to $81,030 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Is respiratory therapy a growing career?
BLS Employment Projections (2024-2034) estimate national employment for Respiratory Therapists will change +12.1%, with about 8,800 openings per year, including replacements.
Do I need a license to work as a Respiratory Therapist in Alabama?
This is a regulated role: most workers need the NBRC CRT or RRT credential and a state license (required in most states). Requirements vary by state, so confirm the exact steps with the Alabama licensing board before enrolling.
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
Data
Provider
Vintage
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
