New Jersey Respiratory Therapist License 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Become a Licensed Respiratory Therapist in New Jersey

New Jersey requires state licensure for all respiratory therapists practicing in the state. The New Jersey Board of Respiratory Care (under the Division of Consumer Affairs, Department of Law and Public Safety) oversees RT licensure. New Jersey's healthcare market is heavily influenced by proximity to New York City — compensation is among the highest in the nation, and clinical acuity in major NJ systems rivals NYC hospitals. This 2026 guide covers the full process.

Step 1: Complete a CoARC-Accredited Respiratory Therapy Program

New Jersey has strong CoARC-accredited programs including those at Bergen Community College (Paramus), Brookdale Community College (Lincroft), and Union County College (Scotch Plains). These programs benefit from proximity to major NJ health systems and NYC hospitals, providing exceptional clinical rotation opportunities.

New Jersey's programs award the Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Care as the standard entry credential. Several New Jersey employers — especially academic medical centers and specialty hospitals — prefer or require bachelor's-level education for senior RT and supervisory roles. Online bachelor's completion programs are widely available for working RTs.

Step 2: Pass the NBRC Examinations

New Jersey requires NBRC credentials before issuing a state license:

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

New Jersey requires the RRT credential for licensure. Pearson VUE centers across New Jersey (Newark, Parsippany, Cherry Hill, and others) administer both exams. New York City-area testing centers are also accessible for northern NJ residents.

Step 3: Apply for Your New Jersey License

Apply through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs online portal at njconsumeraffairs.gov. Required materials include:

• Official transcript from your CoARC-accredited program
• NBRC official credential verification confirming active RRT
• Completed NJ application with background disclosure
• Application fee of approximately $75–$125 (verify current fee at njconsumeraffairs.gov)

Processing typically takes three to six weeks. New Jersey accepts endorsement for applicants currently licensed in other states; contact the Board to confirm documentation and eligibility requirements.

CRT vs. RRT: Which Do You Need in New Jersey?

New Jersey requires the RRT credential for licensure. The Garden State's major health systems — RWJBarnabas, Hackensack Meridian, and AtlantiCare — all operate at high acuity with large ICU and cardiac surgery programs. The RRT's advanced clinical scope is both a legal requirement and a practical baseline for practicing safely in New Jersey's complex healthcare environment.

Continuing Education Requirements

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

• AARC-approved programs and modules
• New Jersey Society for Respiratory Care (NJSRC) events and the annual NJSRC conference
• Hospital-based in-service education (verify Board acceptance for specific formats)
• NBRC Continuing Competency activities

New Jersey's density and proximity to Philadelphia and New York means a wide variety of high-quality in-person CE events are accessible to most NJ RTs. Document all CE completions and retain certificates for four years.

New Jersey Respiratory Therapist Salary Ranges

New Jersey is among the top-paying states for respiratory therapists, driven by the NYC metro market and cost of living:

• Entry-level (0–2 years): $62,000–$74,000/year
• Mid-career (3–8 years): $74,000–$88,000/year
• Senior/specialty RTs: $88,000–$100,000/year
• Travel RT (13-week contracts in NJ): $2,400–$3,300/week all-in

Northern New Jersey (Bergen, Essex, Hudson counties) pays at the top of the range due to NYC influence. Southern NJ and the Shore region (AtlantiCare's market) pay slightly below northern NJ but remain among the strongest compensation markets in the Mid-Atlantic.

Top Employers

• RWJBarnabas Health — New Jersey's largest health system, operating 12 hospitals across the state including Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (New Brunswick, Level I trauma) and Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center; one of the largest RT employers in the state.
• Hackensack Meridian Health — Northern NJ's dominant system anchored by Hackensack University Medical Center; strong cardiac surgery, transplant, and NICU programs with advanced RT utilization.
• AtlantiCare (Atlantic City/South Jersey) — Major southern NJ system; Level II trauma center at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, serving the shore and rural south.
• Virtua Health — South Jersey community health system with multiple hospital campuses and consistent RT hiring.
• Morristown Medical Center (Atlantic Health) — Academic affiliate and Level II trauma center serving Morris County; complex clinical scope.