How to Get Your Oregon Respiratory Therapist License in 2026

## How to Become a Licensed Respiratory Therapist in Oregon Oregon licenses respiratory therapists under the authority of the **Oregon Medical Board**, which oversees RT practice pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 688 (Respiratory Therapists). Oregon's healthcare market is dominated by the Portland metro but includes substantial demand across the Willamette Valley, southern Oregon, and the coast — where access to qualified RTs remains a challenge and travel RT contracts are common. The state's higher licensure fee reflects its comprehensive regulatory oversight. ### Step 1: Complete a CoARC-Accredited Respiratory Therapy Program Oregon requires a degree from a program accredited by the **Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)**. Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and Lane Community College (Eugene) are among the in-state CoARC-accredited options. Both offer AAS-level programs; OHSU additionally provides pathways for RT-to-BSRT completion. Coursework must include mechanical ventilation, neonatal/pediatric respiratory care, pulmonary function testing, critical care pharmacology, and hemodynamic monitoring. Oregon's large health systems offer clinical rotation placements that expose students to high-complexity cases including lung transplant and ECMO support. ### Step 2: Pass the NBRC Examinations Oregon's licensure framework is built on NBRC credentialing standards: - **TMC (Therapist Multiple Choice) Examination** — 160 questions across the full scope of respiratory practice. 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 advanced patient management scenarios required for full RRT designation. Oregon requires the **RRT** for licensure. CRT status alone does not qualify an applicant for an Oregon license. Pearson VUE test centers in Portland, Eugene, and Medford serve Oregon candidates. ### Step 3: Apply for Your Oregon License With your RRT credential, complete the following with the Oregon Medical Board: 1. Submit the respiratory care practitioner application online through the Oregon Medical Board's licensing portal. 2. Pay the licensure fee (approximately **$100–$150**; verify exact current fees on the Board's website — Oregon's fees are among the higher-end in the region). 3. Provide NBRC credential verification (request directly from NBRC to be sent to the Oregon Medical Board). 4. Submit official transcripts from your CoARC-accredited program. 5. Authorize a criminal background check. 6. If currently licensed in another state, submit a certificate of good standing from that board. Processing typically takes three to six weeks. Oregon does not participate in the RT Licensure Compact, so full licensure is required for all applicants regardless of existing credentials in other states. ### CRT vs. RRT: Which Do You Need in Oregon? Oregon requires the **RRT credential** for licensure. CRT holders must pass the CSE before the Oregon Medical Board will process their application. Oregon's requirement reflects the state's expectation that licensed RTs be fully prepared for independent practice in critical care environments, including the state's rural and critical-access hospitals where RTs often function with limited physician backup. The NBRC specialty credentials (ACCS, NPS, SDS) are not required but are valued by Portland-area tertiary centers for subspecialty positions. ### Continuing Education Requirements Oregon RTs must complete **30 continuing education hours per two-year renewal cycle**. Accepted activities include: - AARC-approved seminars, conferences, and online self-study modules - NBRC specialty certification examinations - Accredited college courses in respiratory care or a related clinical science - Oregon Medical Board-approved continuing education activities Oregon does not currently mandate specific topics (such as opioid training or domestic violence) for RT renewal specifically, though some employer credentialing bodies may impose additional requirements. The Oregon Society for Respiratory Care (OSRC) is the state AARC chapter and hosts annual CE events in Portland and Eugene. ### Oregon Respiratory Therapist Salary Ranges Oregon, particularly the Portland market, offers among the higher RT salaries in the Pacific Northwest: - **Entry-level RRT (0–2 years):** $62,000–$72,000/year - **Mid-career (3–7 years):** $70,000–$82,000/year - **Senior/Lead RT (8+ years):** $80,000–$92,000/year - **NICU/ECMO specialist:** $85,000–$95,000/year - **Travel RT contracts in Oregon:** $2,000–$2,800/week Portland is the highest-paying market; Salem and Eugene run 8–12% lower. Rural coastal and eastern Oregon positions often carry significant sign-on bonuses and housing assistance to attract qualified candidates. ### Top Employers Oregon's RT employment landscape is led by several major health systems: - **OHSU (Oregon Health & Science University)** — Oregon's only academic medical center, located in Portland. OHSU operates a level I trauma center, a nationally recognized pediatric hospital, and lung transplant and ECMO programs. One of the most sought-after employers for new RT graduates seeking advanced clinical experience. - **Providence Health & Services** — The largest health system in Oregon, with hospitals in Portland, Medford, Seaside, and Newberg. Providence offers stable employment with strong benefits and consistent RT staffing. - **PeaceHealth** — Operates hospitals in Eugene (Sacred Heart) and Florence; major employer in the Willamette Valley and southern Oregon coast markets. - **Legacy Health** — Portland-based system with six hospitals; strong presence in critical care and pediatrics. - **Asante Health** — Medford-based system serving southern Oregon and northern California; recruits RTs for their Rogue Valley Medical Center and Three Rivers Medical Center campuses. Oregon's combination of a strong Portland market, rural travel opportunities, and higher-than-average compensation makes it an attractive destination for RT professionals at all career stages.