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

## How to Become a Licensed Respiratory Therapist in Kansas Kansas requires all practicing respiratory therapists to hold a state license. Respiratory therapy licensure in Kansas is administered through the **Kansas State Board of Healing Arts (KSBHA)**, which handles multiple allied health professions including respiratory care. Kansas is an RRT-dominant market — while the CRT may satisfy the statutory minimum in some scopes, the University of Kansas Health System and other major employers require RRT across virtually all clinical roles. ### Step 1: Complete a CoARC-Accredited Respiratory Therapy Program Kansas requires graduation from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Kansas-based programs include: - **Johnson County Community College** (Overland Park) — primary AAS pathway serving the Kansas City metro; strong placement into KU Health System - **Labette Community College** (Parsons) — serves southeast Kansas - **Washburn University** (Topeka) — AAS in Respiratory Therapy; feeds into Stormont-Vail Health - **Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC)** — AAS program in the metro area Out-of-state graduates from CoARC-accredited programs are eligible. Confirm active accreditation before enrolling. ### Step 2: Pass the NBRC Examinations KSBHA licensure requires NBRC credentials: 1. **Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Exam** — Passing at the CRT cut score earns the **CRT** credential (~$190 fee) 2. **Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE)** — Passing the TMC at the RRT cut score plus the CSE earns the **RRT** credential (~$200 fee) Kansas's major hospital systems require RRT for acute care employment. ### Step 3: Apply for Your Kansas License After obtaining NBRC credentials, apply to KSBHA: **Application steps:** 1. Access the KSBHA online licensing portal (ksbha.ks.gov) 2. Complete the Respiratory Therapist application form 3. Submit NBRC credential verification 4. Provide official CoARC program transcripts 5. Pay the initial fee: approximately **$50–$75** **License term:** Kansas RT licenses renew on a 2-year cycle. Renewal fees are in a similar range. **Endorsement:** Kansas accepts out-of-state endorsements for practitioners with current, unencumbered licenses in other states. Submit your existing license verification, NBRC credentials, and the endorsement fee. ### CRT vs. RRT: Which Do You Need in Kansas? Kansas statute permits licensure for CRT holders, but employer requirements drive the practical standard: | Setting | Typical Requirement | |---|---| | Academic medical center (KU Health System) | RRT required | | Community hospital ICU/ED | RRT required | | General inpatient floor | CRT minimum, RRT preferred | | LTAC / rehabilitation | CRT accepted | | Home health / DME | CRT accepted | | Sleep diagnostics | CRT accepted | University of Kansas Health System — the state's flagship academic center — consistently requires RRT for all inpatient and critical care positions. Stormont-Vail Health (Topeka) similarly lists RRT as a hiring requirement. ### Continuing Education Requirements Kansas requires **30 CE hours every 2-year renewal cycle**: - CE must be from AARC-approved or NBRC-recognized sources - No specific subject distribution required by Kansas statute - Kansas Society for Respiratory Care (KSRC) conference credits qualify - Documentation must be retained for potential KSBHA audit ### Kansas Respiratory Therapist Salary Ranges Kansas salaries reflect a mid-range Midwest market with the Kansas City metro at the top: | Role | Salary Range | |---|---| | CRT (entry-level) | $51,000 – $64,000 | | RRT (general floor) | $59,000 – $74,000 | | RRT (ICU/neonatal specialist) | $68,000 – $83,000 | | Travel RT (Kansas assignments) | $37 – $53/hr all-in | Kansas City metro (Johnson County, Overland Park, Shawnee) commands the highest rates. Wichita is the second-largest market. Rural western Kansas markets (Dodge City, Liberal, Garden City) often come with rural incentive stipends due to shortage. ### Top Employers Kansas's respiratory therapy market is served by these major employers: - **University of Kansas Health System** — flagship academic medical center in Kansas City, KS; Level I trauma center; research-focused RT roles - **Stormont-Vail Health** — Topeka's major health system; 5 facilities; steady RT demand - **Via Christi Health** (Ascension) — Wichita-based multi-hospital system; largest private employer in Wichita - **Wesley Medical Center** — Wichita Level I trauma center; strong ER and ICU RT demand - **Overland Park Regional Medical Center** (HCA) — large suburban Kansas City hospital - **Kansas City VA Medical Center** — federal employment pathway; competitive GS-scale salaries - **Lincare / Apria** — Home health and DME respiratory coverage statewide