How to Get Your Ohio Respiratory Therapist License in 2026

## How to Become a Licensed Respiratory Therapist in Ohio Ohio is one of the nation's strongest markets for respiratory therapists, anchored by world-class academic medical centers in Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. The **Ohio Respiratory Care Board** oversees RT licensure under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4761, maintaining standards that align with NBRC credentialing requirements. Ohio's strong hospital density and growing home health sector make licensure here a reliable launchpad for a long-term RT career. ### Step 1: Complete a CoARC-Accredited Respiratory Therapy Program You must graduate from a program accredited by the **Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)**. Ohio hosts several respected CoARC-accredited programs, including those at Columbus State Community College, Cuyahoga Community College, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, and Owens Community College. Programs span two years for an AAS degree or four years for a BSRT. Curriculum covers mechanical ventilation, arterial blood gas interpretation, neonatal and pediatric care, pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopy assistance, and cardiopulmonary pharmacology. Clinical rotations in Ohio's large academic medical centers provide exposure to complex cases that prepare graduates well for the NBRC exams. ### Step 2: Pass the NBRC Examinations The NBRC's two-part credentialing pathway is the gateway to Ohio licensure: - **TMC (Therapist Multiple Choice) Examination** — 160-question exam covering entry-level and advanced respiratory practice competencies. A high-cut score earns the **Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)** credential; a low-cut score earns the **Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)**. - **CSE (Clinical Simulation Examination)** — 22 patient management scenarios required to achieve full RRT designation. Ohio requires the **RRT credential** for licensure. The CRT is not accepted as a pathway to licensure on its own. Exams are administered at Pearson VUE test centers, with several locations throughout Ohio. ### Step 3: Apply for Your Ohio License After earning the RRT, submit your application to the Ohio Respiratory Care Board: 1. Complete the application through the Board's online eLicense Ohio portal. 2. Pay the licensure fee (approximately **$50–$75**; verify current amounts on the Board's fee schedule). 3. Provide NBRC credential verification (the NBRC sends this directly to the Board upon request). 4. Submit official transcripts from your CoARC program. 5. Authorize a criminal background check through BCI and/or FBI as required. 6. If you hold an active license in another state, provide verification of good standing. Most complete applications are processed within two to four weeks. Ohio does not currently participate in the RT Licensure Compact, requiring full licensure rather than endorsement for out-of-state practitioners. ### CRT vs. RRT: Which Do You Need in Ohio? Ohio mandates the **RRT** credential. The Board takes the position that Ohio's large acute care hospital network — which includes numerous ICUs, level I trauma centers, and neonatal intensive care units — requires the full advanced-practice credentialing that the RRT represents. CRT holders who intend to practice in Ohio must pass the CSE before applying. The NBRC's specialty credentials (ACCS, NPS, SDS, CPFT, RPFT) do not substitute for the base RRT requirement but are valued by employers. ### Continuing Education Requirements Ohio RTs must complete **30 continuing education hours per two-year renewal cycle**. Requirements include: - A minimum of 20 hours in respiratory care topics approved by the AARC or the Board - Up to 10 hours of related healthcare education may apply (CPR, pharmacology, anatomy) - Documentation must be retained for at least three years following the renewal period The Board conducts random CE audits. Ohio does not impose specific mandatory topic requirements (such as opioid or child abuse training) unlike some neighboring states, but individual employers may have additional in-service requirements. ### Ohio Respiratory Therapist Salary Ranges Ohio's competitive academic medical center market drives strong RT compensation: - **Entry-level RRT (0–2 years):** $56,000–$68,000/year - **Mid-career (3–7 years):** $64,000–$78,000/year - **Senior/Lead RT (8+ years):** $75,000–$90,000/year - **NICU/PICU specialist premium:** add $4,000–$8,000/year - **Travel RT contracts in Ohio:** $1,900–$2,600/week Cleveland and Columbus are the highest-paying metro markets; Cincinnati is close behind. Dayton, Toledo, and Akron typically run 5–10% below the major metros. ### Top Employers Ohio's RT job market is among the most diverse in the Midwest: - **Cleveland Clinic** — One of the top-ranked hospitals in the nation; the Cleveland Clinic system employs hundreds of RTs across its main campus, community hospitals, and regional facilities. Known for strong compensation and specialty training opportunities. - **OhioHealth** — Columbus-based system with nine hospitals and dozens of outpatient locations. A major entry-level employer and known for internal advancement programs. - **Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center** — A top-five pediatric hospital nationally; seeks RTs with NICU/PICU experience and offers competitive pediatric specialty differentials. - **University Hospitals (Cleveland)** — Level I trauma center and major teaching hospital; strong demand for RTs in cardiac surgery, transplant, and pulmonary rehabilitation. - **Nationwide Children's Hospital** — Columbus-based pediatric system; one of the largest children's hospitals in the country and a major recruiter of neonatal RTs. Ohio's combination of high hospital density, world-renowned medical centers, and consistent COPD/asthma patient population driven by the state's industrial heritage makes it one of the most stable RT employment markets in the United States.