Alabama Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide

Alabama Respiratory Therapist License Overview

We have not found an interstate compact that covers Respiratory Therapists in Alabama. Plan on meeting Alabama's own requirements before you practice there.

How to Get an Alabama Respiratory Therapist License by Endorsement

How Respiratory Therapists already licensed in another state apply in Alabama: Online portal — 'License by Reciprocity' application at asbrt.igovsolution.net. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $25 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application via Alabama board portal
2. Ask each state where you hold a license to send a letter of verification directly to the ASBRT (can run concurrently)
3. Complete any state-specific requirements (background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

License verification is handled through official written verification of your current license, sent directly to the Board by the state where you hold it. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Background check: Third-party background screening (KnowMyHire) plus Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center / NCIC; applicant signs disclosure and authorization during online application. Start it as early as possible.

Check the Alabama State Board of Respiratory Therapy website for status updates on your application.

Alabama Respiratory Therapist License Fees

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Alabama Temporary Respiratory Therapist License

Alabama issues temporary respiratory therapy licenses, but they are only for recent graduates of a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program who have not yet earned the CRT or RRT credential. Otherwise, plan your start date around the full processing time.

Alabama Respiratory Therapist License Processing Time

Alabama Respiratory Therapist endorsement applications typically take 2-4 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 10-12 business days (assuming same-state NBRC verification available, application submitted before board review cutoff, and no background check delays).

Common sources of delay:

• Board processes endorsement applications sequentially; applications received after monthly review cutoff wait 3-4 weeks for next board meeting
• Verification from current state license board can take 1-2 weeks if NBRC verification not available; some states slow to respond
• The Board may run a third-party background screening through Know My Hire

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Alabama State Board of Respiratory Therapy's site. The best way to minimize your wait time is to ensure all application components — fingerprints, verification, and any required exams — are completed before or immediately after submitting your application.

Alabama Respiratory Therapist Continuing Education

Alabama requires 24 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Respiratory Therapist license renewal.

Alabama Respiratory Therapist License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring on November 1 of odd-numbered years — $100 via Alabama State Board of Respiratory Therapy portal

Alabama Licensing Board and Resources

Alabama State Board of Respiratory Therapy

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: (334) 265-7125

Email: [email protected]