How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Tennessee (2026)
Tennessee employs about 3,440 respiratory therapists earning a median $72,140 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Respiratory Therapist here means completing a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program, the NBRC RRT exams, and state respiratory care licensure, then applying through Department of Health - Division of Health Related Boards - Division of Health Related Boards.
Tennessee employs approximately 3,440 respiratory therapists according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $72,140 1. Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 12.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 8,800 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Respiratory Therapist in Tennessee, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program (find programs)
- Typical timeline: a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program, the NBRC RRT exams, and state respiratory care licensure
- Licensing authority: Department of Health - Division of Health Related Boards - Division of Health Related Boards
- Exam: NBRC RRT (TMC and CSE)
- Median wage (Tennessee): $72,140 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Tennessee
How to become a Respiratory Therapist in Tennessee? Complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program, the NBRC RRT exams, and state respiratory care licensure. Apply through Department of Health - Division of Health Related Boards - Division of Health Related Boards.
How long does it take? Most people finish a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program, the NBRC RRT exams, and state respiratory care licensure. Confirm current hour totals with the program and Department of Health - Division of Health Related Boards - Division of Health Related Boards.
Do I need a license in Tennessee? Yes. Tennessee typically registers this role through Department of Health - Division of Health Related Boards - Division of Health Related Boards. See the licensing section below.
What do respiratory therapists earn in Tennessee? The median annual wage for respiratory therapists in Tennessee is $72,140 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $57,860 and experienced professionals can earn $88,060 or more 1.
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Tennessee
- Meet program entry rules. Respiratory therapy programs in Tennessee typically require a high school diploma or GED and science prerequisites. Confirm current rules with the program.
- Complete a CoARC-accredited program. Enroll in a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program in Tennessee, usually an associate degree. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
- Pass the NBRC RRT exams. Pass the NBRC Therapist Multiple-Choice exam and Clinical Simulation Exam for the RRT credential. CRT-only practice is limited; confirm with Department of Health - Division of Health Related Boards - Division of Health Related Boards.
- Apply for state respiratory care licensure. Apply through Department of Health - Division of Health Related Boards - Division of Health Related Boards before you practice. Confirm any jurisprudence or ethics exam with the board.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Respiratory Therapist License Requirements in Tennessee
Respiratory therapists in Tennessee complete a CoARC-accredited program, earn NBRC RRT, and apply to Department of Health - Division of Health Related Boards - Division of Health Related Boards for an RCP or equivalent license.
Typical path
Meet program entry rules.
Complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program.
Pass the NBRC RRT exams.
Apply to Department of Health - Division of Health Related Boards - Division of Health Related Boards for state licensure.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with Department of Health - Division of Health Related Boards - Division of Health Related Boards before you enroll.
Respiratory Therapist Wages by Metro Area in Tennessee
Respiratory Therapists Wages by Metro Area in Tennessee
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), respiratory therapists wages in Tennessee vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | 1,070 | $78,700 | $79,370 | $65,040 | $97,040 |
| Memphis | 670 | $66,460 | $71,510 | $56,430 | $88,060 |
| Knoxville | 460 | $64,800 | $67,610 | $54,300 | $77,050 |
| Chattanooga | 370 | $74,350 | $72,610 | $63,480 | $81,230 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | 170 | $62,740 | $70,190 | $59,880 | $94,410 |
| Jackson | 110 | $65,310 | $64,300 | $52,400 | $74,990 |
| Clarksville | 60 | $79,150 | $76,110 | $63,270 | $86,230 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for respiratory therapists in Tennessee? Tennessee currently employs approximately 3,440 respiratory therapists 1. Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 12.1% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a respiratory therapist in Tennessee with an out-of-state license? Contact Department of Health - Division of Health Related Boards - Division of Health Related Boards for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Tennessee? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Tennessee.
How much do respiratory therapists earn in Tennessee compared to the national average? The median annual wage for respiratory therapists in Tennessee is $72,140, which is $8,310 below the national median of $80,450 according to BLS data 1.
Related guides
In Tennessee
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Citations
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/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
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) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |