Arkansas Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide

Arkansas Respiratory Therapist License Overview

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

How to Get an Arkansas Respiratory Therapist License by Endorsement

How Respiratory Therapists already licensed in another state apply in Arkansas: Paper application by mail (original signature with Notary seal required); Applicant Portal is for post-submission status/communication only. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $4 application fee.

1. Mail the completed paper application, signed and notarized with a passport-style photo attached, to the Arkansas State Medical Board
2. Request NBRC credential verification sent directly to the Board; board staff get your other state license verifications online, unless a state charges a fee or has no online verification (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.

Background check: State and federal criminal history check; in-state residents fingerprint electronically via Arkansas LiveScan after acknowledgement email, out-of-state residents receive a mailed CBC packet; applicant pays CBC fee by money order; previously-obtained CBCs are not accepted. Submit your fingerprinting authorization as early as possible.

Check the Arkansas State Medical Board website for status updates on your application.

Arkansas Respiratory Therapist License Fees

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Arkansas Temporary Respiratory Therapist License

We have not found a temporary license option on the Arkansas State Medical Board's site. Confirm with the board before planning a start date.

Arkansas Respiratory Therapist License Processing Time

Arkansas Respiratory Therapist endorsement applications typically take 4-8 weeks (+ up to 6 weeks for background check) to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 6 weeks (assuming clean background and NBRC verification completed within 1 week).

Common sources of delay:

• The federal portion of the background check can take several weeks or more, so complete and return the background check forms as soon as you get them
• Your application goes on the Board meeting agenda only when it is complete and all required documentation, including staff investigations, is in the office
• Processing delays almost always come from lengthy work histories and from waiting on the verification documents you request

Arkansas does not offer an expedited processing track. 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.

Arkansas Respiratory Therapist Continuing Education

Arkansas requires 12 contact hours of continuing education every year for Respiratory Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

Arkansas Respiratory Therapist License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every year, expiring on or before the last day of the licensee's birth month (no grace period; license auto-expires at midnight on the last day of the birth month if not renewed) — $2 via Arkansas State Medical Board portal
• Late penalty: $10.00 late fee to reinstate, and must also submit CE certificates of completion, and no grace period after midnight on the last day of birth month

Arkansas Licensing Board and Resources

Arkansas State Medical Board

Board Website · Application Portal

Phone: (501) 296-1802

Email: [email protected]