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

How to Become a Licensed Respiratory Therapist in Nevada

Nevada requires state licensure for all practicing respiratory therapists. Licensing is administered through the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners (RT section). Nevada's two major markets — Las Vegas and Reno — both have strong and growing demand for RTs, driven by the state's rapidly expanding population. This 2026 guide walks you through every step of the process.

Step 1: Complete a CoARC-Accredited Respiratory Therapy Program

Nevada's CoARC-accredited programs include the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) in Las Vegas and Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) in Reno. CSN offers one of the larger RT programs in the Southwest, benefiting from clinical partnerships with major Las Vegas health systems.

Both programs award an Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Care. Nevada's fast-growing healthcare sector means clinical rotation sites have expanded significantly in recent years. Students in Las Vegas benefit from access to high-acuity trauma and cardiac rotations; Reno students have strong affiliations with Renown Health, northern Nevada's dominant health system.

Step 2: Pass the NBRC Examinations

The NBRC credentialing pathway is required before applying for the Nevada state license:

• TMC Exam — Pearson VUE-administered. A CRT cut score earns the CRT; the higher RRT cut score plus CSE passage earns the RRT.
• Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) — Required for the RRT pathway.

Nevada requires the RRT credential for licensure. Pearson VUE testing centers in Las Vegas and Reno administer both exams. Allow several weeks between exam registration and your preferred test date, as popular sittings fill quickly.

Step 3: Apply for Your Nevada License

Submit your application to the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners through their online licensing portal. Required materials include:

• Official CoARC program transcript
• NBRC credential verification confirming active RRT
• Completed Nevada application with background disclosure
• Application fee of approximately $100–$150 — higher than many states, reflecting Nevada's fee structure (confirm current amount at medboard.nv.gov)

Processing typically takes two to four weeks. Nevada accepts endorsement applications from RTs licensed in states with comparable requirements; contact the Board to confirm documentation needed for your specific situation.

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

Nevada requires the RRT credential for licensure. Las Vegas's high-volume hospitals — many of which operate busy Level I trauma centers and large cardiac surgery programs — rely heavily on advanced-practice RT skills, making the RRT not only a legal requirement but a practical baseline for the clinical demands of Nevada practice. The CRT credential alone does not satisfy Nevada's licensing statute.

Continuing Education Requirements

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

• AARC-approved programs and online modules
• Nevada Society for Respiratory Care chapter events
• Hospital-based in-service education (verify acceptance with the Board)
• NBRC Continuing Competency activities

Nevada's large travel RT population means many RTs maintain CE portfolios that satisfy multiple state requirements simultaneously. Retain all completion certificates for at least four years.

Nevada Respiratory Therapist Salary Ranges

Nevada — particularly Las Vegas — pays above national median for RTs, driven by strong demand and the cost of living in Clark County:

• Entry-level (0–2 years): $56,000–$68,000/year
• Mid-career (3–8 years): $68,000–$82,000/year
• Senior/specialty RTs: $82,000–$96,000/year
• Travel RT (13-week contracts in NV): $2,200–$3,100/week all-in

Las Vegas pays at the top of the state range. Reno/Sparks is close behind. Rural Nevada counties (Elko, Carson City area hospitals) offer competitive packages relative to local cost of living.

Top Employers

• Valley Health System (Las Vegas) — Operates several Las Vegas hospitals including Valley Hospital Medical Center and Spring Valley; one of the largest RT employers in southern Nevada.
• Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center (Las Vegas) — HCA-affiliated Level II trauma center and major cardiac program; high RT utilization in ICU and OR support.
• University Medical Center of Southern Nevada (UMC) — Clark County's Level I trauma center and academic medical center; complex-care RT scope including ECMO and advanced ventilator weaning.
• Renown Health (Reno) — Northern Nevada's dominant integrated health system; Level II regional trauma center and the region's cardiac surgery program.
• Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center (Reno) — Dignity Health-affiliated facility with strong cardiac and pulmonary programs.