Arizona Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide

Arizona Respiratory Therapist License Overview

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

How to Get an Arizona Respiratory Therapist License by Endorsement

Arizona uses an online portal endorsement process for Respiratory Therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $120 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application via Arizona board portal
2. Request license verification from current state (via NBRC or direct) (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 NBRC or direct board verification. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Confirm the current fingerprinting and background check steps with the Arizona State Board of Respiratory Care Examiners. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

Check the Arizona State Board of Respiratory Care Examiners website for status updates on your application.

Arizona Respiratory Therapist License Fees

Endorsement application and renewal: from our records; confirm with the board.

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Arizona Temporary Respiratory Therapist License

Arizona issues temporary respiratory therapy licenses, allowing Respiratory Therapists to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed.

Eligibility requirements:

• Hold active, unrestricted Respiratory Therapist license in another U.S. state
• Submit complete initial Arizona endorsement application with required documentation
• Pass Arizona jurisprudence exam or have exam scheduled
• Clear state background check requirements

Issuance timeline:

• Complete endorsement application received and submitted via Arizona board portal
• Verification of active unrestricted license from original state received by Arizona board
• Background check clearance confirmed
• Jurisprudence exam passed or completed

Denial risks:

• License in original state is restricted, on probation, or has unresolved disciplinary action
• Outstanding criminal background issues identified in Arizona background check
• Application is incomplete and applicant does not remediate within 30 days
• Failure to pass jurisprudence exam

Important for travelers: Temporary license automatically expires and is revoked if permanent license is not issued within 30-day period. If permanent license is denied during review, temporary license is immediately revoked. Temporary license is revoked if applicant's original state license lapses or is suspended while temporary is active. Working outside scope of practice or disciplinary action during temporary license period triggers immediate revocation.

Arizona Respiratory Therapist License Processing Time

Arizona Respiratory Therapist endorsement applications typically take 6-8 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 4 weeks if application is complete, background check clears immediately, and submission aligns with board meeting schedule.

Common sources of delay:

• Board meets monthly to review applications; submit after cutoff means 4-6 week wait for next review cycle
• Verification from current state board or NBRC can take 2-3 weeks if requesting board takes time processing verification requests
• Incomplete background check information or missing jurisprudence exam completion delays final board review by 1-2 weeks

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Arizona State Board of Respiratory Care Examiners' 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.

Arizona Respiratory Therapist Continuing Education

Arizona requires 20 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Respiratory Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

Arizona Respiratory Therapist License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring on license holder's birth date — $150 via Arizona State Board of Respiratory Care Examiners portal

Arizona Licensing Board and Resources

Arizona State Board of Respiratory Care Examiners

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: (602) 542-5995

Email: [email protected]