RESPIRATORY THERAPY LICENSURE
As a respiratory therapist, you may be wondering the licensing logistics for each state. The team at Uniti Med makes this process simple by providing all of the information you will need to know. No matter which state you’re looking to work in, we have the licensing information you’ll need. Click on any state on the interactive map below to learn about their unique licensing procedures.
Respiratory Therapy Licensure by State
Key Points to Remember
National Certification Requirement
Before obtaining a state license, you need to be nationally certified. The most common certifications for respiratory therapists in the U.S. is the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), which are awarded by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
Temporary Licenses
Many states offer temporary licenses for traveling respiratory therapists. These licenses typically allow you to work while your full application is processed. The temporary license is often valid for 30-90 days and in some cases, you may need to submit additional documentation or take a brief exam to finalize your full license. Be aware of the specific rules for each state.
Potential Compact Licensure
A compact license allows a travel healthcare professional to practice in multiple states without needing to acquire additional licenses. While respiratory therapists do not currently have this option, the American Association for Respiratory Care has recently begun discussing the potential for a compact license for respiratory therapy professionals.