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

How to Become a Licensed Respiratory Therapist in Nebraska

Nebraska requires state licensure for all practicing respiratory therapists. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), through its Licensure Unit, administers the RT licensing program. The pathway follows the national standard: CoARC-accredited education, NBRC credentialing, and a state application. Here is the full 2026 process.

Step 1: Complete a CoARC-Accredited Respiratory Therapy Program

Nebraska programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) include Metropolitan Community College in Omaha and Southeast Community College in Lincoln. Both award the Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Care as the entry-level degree.

Nebraska's programs benefit from strong clinical partnerships with the Omaha and Lincoln health systems. Students can expect rotations through adult ICUs, cardiac care units, NICUs, and pulmonary function labs during their clinical training. Bachelor's completion options are available through online programs from universities such as Missouri State University or Northeastern University for RTs seeking upward mobility.

Step 2: Pass the NBRC Examinations

Nebraska requires NBRC credentials for licensure:

• TMC Exam, A CRT cut score earns the CRT; the higher RRT cut score plus passing the CSE earns the RRT.
• Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE), Required for the RRT pathway.

Nebraska requires the RRT credential for licensure. Pearson VUE testing centers in Omaha and Lincoln administer both exams. Schedule your exams through the NBRC website (nbrc.org) and request official credential verification for your state application after passing.

Step 3: Apply for Your Nebraska License

Submit your application to the Nebraska DHHS Licensure Unit online at dhhs.ne.gov. Required documentation includes:

• Official transcript from your CoARC-accredited program
• NBRC official credential verification confirming active RRT
• Completed state application form with background disclosure
• Application fee of approximately $50-$75 (confirm current fee at dhhs.ne.gov)

Processing typically takes two to four weeks. Nebraska participates in endorsement for applicants with active licenses in other states, contact DHHS for specific documentation requirements if transferring from out of state.

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

Nebraska requires the RRT credential for state licensure. Nebraska's largest employers, Nebraska Medicine, CHI Health, and Bryan Health, all list RRT as the standard hiring credential, meaning the regulatory requirement and market expectation are fully aligned. The CRT alone will not satisfy Nebraska's licensing statute.

Continuing Education Requirements

Nebraska requires 30 hours of continuing education every two years for license renewal. Acceptable CE includes:

• AARC-approved programs and modules
• Nebraska Society for Respiratory Care (NSRC) chapter events
• Hospital-based in-service education
• NBRC Continuing Competency activities

Document all CE completions with certificates or attendance records. Nebraska DHHS may audit CE documentation during renewal; retain records for a minimum of four years.

Nebraska Respiratory Therapist Salary Ranges

Nebraska offers competitive salaries relative to its cost of living:

• Entry-level (0-2 years): $47,000-$57,000/year
• Mid-career (3-8 years): $57,000-$70,000/year
• Senior/specialty RTs: $70,000-$83,000/year
• Travel RT (13-week contracts in NE): $1,900-$2,700/week all-in

Omaha consistently pays above the state median; Lincoln is close behind. Rural Nebraska hospitals offer sign-on bonuses and competitive wages to attract RTs to lower-population markets.

Top Employers

• Nebraska Medicine (Omaha), University of Nebraska Medical Center's clinical partner and the state's flagship academic medical center; Level I trauma, transplant, and quaternary subspecialty programs drive significant RT demand.
• CHI Health (Omaha/Lincoln/multi-city), Large Catholic health system operating Creighton University Medical Center and multiple regional hospitals; one of Nebraska's largest RT employers.
• Bryan Health (Lincoln), Bryan Medical Center East and West campuses; community-focused system with strong cardiac and pulmonary programs.
• Boys Town National Research Hospital (Omaha), Pediatric-specialty hospital; neonatal and pediatric RT roles.
• Critical-Access Hospitals (rural Nebraska), Hospitals across the Sandhills, Panhandle, and southeast Nebraska regularly recruit RTs; some offer student loan repayment through federal programs.