Crossing state lines: a guide to state respiratory therapy licensure

A temporary respiratory therapy license is a short-term authorization granted by a state licensing board that allows you to practice respiratory therapy while your permanent license application is being processed. These temporary licenses are commonly used by travel respiratory therapists who need to start an assignment before full licensure is complete.

Temporary licenses typically require that you've met the educational and examination requirements (holding your RRT or CRT credential through the NBRC) and have submitted a complete application. The duration and availability of temporary licenses vary by state — some states offer them for 60-90 days, while others don't offer temporary licenses at all. Check each state's specific guide for details.

Currently, there is no interstate compact for respiratory therapists. Unlike nursing (NLC) and physical therapy (PT Compact), respiratory therapy does not yet have a multi-state licensure agreement. This means you'll need to obtain a separate license in each state where you want to practice.

However, having your national credential (RRT or CRT) through the NBRC streamlines the process in most states, as states generally require NBRC credentialing as a prerequisite for state licensure. Our state-by-state guides can help you understand the specific requirements for each state you're interested in.

Continuing education units (CEUs) are educational credits that licensed respiratory therapists must complete to maintain and renew their licensure. These requirements ensure you stay current with advances in respiratory care, ventilator management, and evidence-based practices.

CEU requirements vary significantly by state — both in the number of hours required and the renewal cycle length (typically every 1-2 years). Common topics include clinical skills, patient safety, ethics, and emerging respiratory care modalities. Activities can take the form of workshops, conferences, online courses, and self-study modules.

Note that maintaining your NBRC credential also requires continuing education. Many states accept NBRC-approved CEUs toward state renewal requirements, but this varies by jurisdiction. Our state-by-state guides detail the exact CEU requirements, approved providers, and renewal deadlines for each state.

Plan in advance

Getting licensed in a new state can take time, depending on the state's processing times and requirements. Planning ahead gives you the best chance of starting your assignment on time.

Here are some suggestions:

• Talk to your recruiter about which states have strong demand for RTs and get licensed in those states proactively
• Keep a list of your preferred travel destinations so you can prioritize license applications
• Maintain two or three active state licenses for more assignment flexibility
• Keep your NBRC credential (RRT/CRT) current — it's required for licensure in most states

Stay organized

License applications require various documents — NBRC credentials, school transcripts, verification from other state boards, and background check results. Gather and organize these documents in advance so you can quickly submit applications when new opportunities arise.

Be prepared

Some states require a jurisprudence exam or have unique requirements beyond NBRC credentialing. If your target state has special requirements, review the state practice act and board rules using our guides before starting your application.

Also stay on top of renewal requirements — most states require a combination of CEUs and a renewal fee. It's up to you to decide which licenses to renew versus which ones to let lapse based on where you plan to travel next.