Mississippi Respiratory Therapist License 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Become a Licensed Respiratory Therapist in Mississippi

Mississippi respiratory therapists must hold a state-issued license before providing clinical care. Licensure is administered through the Mississippi State Board of Health (RT licensure section) and requires an accredited education, NBRC credentials, and a completed application. This 2026 guide covers every step of the process, including what to expect in Mississippi's healthcare landscape.

Step 1: Complete a CoARC-Accredited Respiratory Therapy Program

All Mississippi license applicants must graduate from a Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)-accredited program. Mississippi programs include those at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Jones College, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). Most award an Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Care, though UMMC's program includes options for bachelor's-level completion.

The curriculum covers pulmonary anatomy, ventilator management, ABG interpretation, bronchopulmonary hygiene, neonatal care, and extensive clinical rotations. Given Mississippi's high burden of COPD, asthma, and obesity-related respiratory disease — consistently among the highest prevalence rates in the nation — clinical training here provides strong real-world preparation.

Step 2: Pass the NBRC Examinations

The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) administers the standardized credentialing exams recognized by Mississippi:

• TMC Exam — Taken after program graduation. A passing score at the CRT cut score earns the Certified Respiratory Therapist credential; the higher RRT cut score on the TMC plus passing the CSE earns the RRT.
• Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) — Required to complete the RRT pathway.

Mississippi requires the RRT credential for licensure. Pearson VUE testing centers in Jackson and other cities administer both exams. NBRC verifies credentials electronically, which you will need for the state application.

Step 3: Apply for Your Mississippi License

Submit your application to the Mississippi State Board of Health RT licensure section. Required materials typically include:

• Official transcript from your CoARC-accredited program
• NBRC verification of your RRT credential
• Completed application form with criminal background disclosure
• Application fee of approximately $75–$100 (verify on the MSBOH website before submitting)

Allow three to six weeks for processing. If you hold an active license in another state with equivalent requirements, ask about endorsement to potentially streamline the process.

CRT vs. RRT: Which Do You Need in Mississippi?

Mississippi requires the RRT credential for state licensure. Employers across the state — from major academic centers in Jackson to rural critical-access hospitals in the Delta — consistently list RRT as the hiring standard. A CRT alone is not sufficient for Mississippi licensure.

For RTs considering Mississippi's rural markets, an RRT opens access to travel assignments that cover the state's underserved counties, many of which face chronic RT staffing shortages due to their distance from major metros.

Continuing Education Requirements

Mississippi RT license holders must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years for renewal. Acceptable CE includes:

• AARC-approved continuing education modules
• Mississippi Society for Respiratory Care (MSRC) chapter events
• Hospital-based in-service education (check board rules for approved formats)
• Online CE platforms such as the AARC University or NBRC Continuing Competency program

Document all CE hours carefully. Mississippi's rural geography means many RTs rely heavily on online CE rather than in-person conferences — both formats are typically accepted.

Mississippi Respiratory Therapist Salary Ranges

Mississippi salaries are lower than national averages but reflect the state's cost of living:

• Entry-level (0–2 years): $44,000–$54,000/year
• Mid-career (3–8 years): $54,000–$65,000/year
• Senior/specialty RTs: $65,000–$76,000/year
• Travel RT (contracts in MS): $1,800–$2,600/week all-in

The Jackson metro (Hinds County) pays the highest rates. Rural Delta hospitals often offer sign-on bonuses and loan-repayment programs to attract qualified RTs willing to work in underserved communities.

Top Employers

• University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) — The state's only academic medical center and Level I trauma center; offers advanced subspecialty RT roles and a robust career ladder.
• Baptist Health Systems (Mississippi Baptist Medical Center) — Major Jackson-area system with consistent RT hiring and competitive benefits.
• Merit Health (multiple campuses) — Community hospital network operating across Mississippi including Vicksburg, Natchez, and the Gulf Coast; large collective RT workforce.
• Singing River Health System — Gulf Coast-based system in Pascagoula and Ocean Springs; serves a coastal population with high pulmonary disease burden.
• Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) statewide — Dozens of rural CAHs across the Delta and hill country regions actively recruit RTs; many offer loan forgiveness tied to federal NHSC or state programs.