How to Get Your Respiratory Therapist License in Arizona (2026)

## How to Become a Licensed Respiratory Therapist in Arizona Arizona's healthcare industry has expanded rapidly alongside its growing population, making it one of the stronger job markets for respiratory therapists in the Sun Belt. RTs here work across large Phoenix metro health systems, Tucson academic medical centers, and rural critical access hospitals—treating patients in ICUs, NICUs, ERs, and pulmonology clinics. Here is the full path to Arizona licensure in 2026. ### Step 1: Complete an Accredited Respiratory Therapy Program Graduation from a **Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)** accredited program is the entry requirement. Most candidates complete an **Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Respiratory Therapy** in two years. Arizona has CoARC-accredited programs at institutions including Pima Community College (Tucson) and Gateway Community College (Phoenix). **Bachelor's programs (BSRT)** are available at some Arizona universities and are increasingly preferred by Banner Health, Dignity Health, and other major systems for lead RT and management roles. If you're early in your career, a BSRT positions you for faster advancement. ### Step 2: Pass the NBRC Examinations The **National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)** credentials are required for Arizona licensure. **TMC (Therapist Multiple Choice) Exam** - 160 questions, 3 hours - Passing earns the **CRT** credential - Fee: approximately $190 **CSE (Clinical Simulation Exam)** - 22 simulated cases, 4 hours - High-cut TMC score required to sit - Passing earns the **RRT** credential - Fee: approximately $200 Arizona requires the **RRT** for full licensure. CRT holders cannot obtain an unrestricted Arizona RT license. Most Arizona hospital systems also require RRT for ICU-level and NICU positions regardless of state minimums. ### Step 3: Apply for Your Arizona License The **Arizona Board of Respiratory Care Examiners (ABRCE)** governs RT licensure in the state. Your application will include: - Completed ABRCE application form - License fee of approximately **$75–$100** - Official NBRC credential verification - Criminal background check - Documentation of CoARC program completion Licensure is by credential—you demonstrate your NBRC credential rather than retaking a state exam. The Board's website provides current fee schedules and application packet requirements; confirm fees before submitting as they are adjusted periodically. ### Continuing Education Requirements Arizona requires **30 CE hours every two years** for license renewal. CE must come from AARC-approved sources, NBRC specialty exam preparation programs, or other Arizona Board-approved providers. Pharmacology, critical care updates, and neonatal/pediatric content are common CE topics. Keep your certificates—audits occur. ### CRT vs. RRT: Which Do You Need in Arizona? Arizona requires the **RRT** for an unrestricted license. CRT alone is insufficient. Across the Phoenix and Tucson markets, where Banner, Dignity, Valleywise, and the major academic medical centers set the hiring standard, RRT is essentially a prerequisite for all clinical RT roles. ### Arizona Respiratory Therapist Salary Ranges Arizona RTs earn approximately **$60,000–$85,000 per year** at staff level. The Phoenix metro pays modestly above Tucson given cost of living and competition for experienced staff. ICU and NICU specialists, as well as RTs with ECMO or CRRT credentials, earn toward the top of the range. **Travel RT contracts** in Arizona typically pay **$42–$58 per hour** all-in, with Phoenix among the more active travel markets during winter surge. ### Top Employers for Respiratory Therapists in Arizona - **Banner Health** — the dominant system in Arizona with multiple Phoenix and Tucson hospitals - **Dignity Health (CommonSpirit)** — St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center and others - **Valleywise Health (formerly Maricopa Medical Center)** — Phoenix safety-net hospital with high-acuity RT volume - **University of Arizona Health Network (Tucson)** — academic medical center with neonatal and pulmonary specialization - **Phoenix Children's Hospital** — high NICU/PICU RT demand - **VA Medical Centers** (Phoenix, Tucson) - **Home health oxygen** — Lincare, Apria, and regional providers serve Arizona's large retired population - **Sleep labs** — Arizona's demographic profile generates strong PSG technologist demand