Licensing
How to Get Your Respiratory Therapist License in Kansas (2026)
In brief
Complete guide to Kansas RT licensure. Covers CoARC program requirements, NBRC exam pathway, Kansas Board application, CE requirements, and University of Kansas Health System salary ranges.
In this article
- How to Become a Licensed Respiratory Therapist in Kansas
- Step 1: Complete a CoARC-Accredited Respiratory Therapy Program
- Step 2: Pass the NBRC Examinations
- Step 3: Apply for Your Kansas License
- CRT vs. RRT: Which Do You Need in Kansas?
- Continuing Education Requirements
- Kansas Respiratory Therapist Salary Ranges
- Top Employers
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:
- Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Exam, Passing at the CRT cut score earns the CRT credential (~$190 fee)
- 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:
- Access the KSBHA online licensing portal (ksbha.ks.gov)
- Complete the Respiratory Therapist application form
- Submit NBRC credential verification
- Provide official CoARC program transcripts
- 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
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