Georgia Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
4-12 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$150
Renewal: $105
Credential
NBRC
Required national certification
Renewal
30 hours
Every 2 years
Overview
Georgia does not participate in an interstate compact for respiratory therapy. Travelers must obtain an individual Georgia license through the endorsement process before practicing in the state, regardless of what licenses they hold elsewhere.
Endorsement Process
Georgia uses an online portal (Georgia rules use the term 'reciprocity', not 'endorsement') endorsement process for respiratory therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $150 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application via Georgia board portal
- Request license verification from current state (via NBRC or direct) (can run concurrently)
- Complete any state-specific requirements (jurisprudence exam, background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
- Await board review and license issuance
License verification is handled through NBRC or direct board verification. Georgia requires verification from every state where you hold or have held a respiratory therapist license, so request verification early to avoid delays.
Background check requirements vary by applicant — confirm the current fingerprinting and screening steps with the Georgia Composite Medical Board. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible, since background check processing is one of the most common sources of delay.
Jurisprudence Exam Required: Georgia requires a mandatory Respiratory Therapy Jurisprudence Examination covering Georgia-specific law. This cannot be waived regardless of your experience level or compact status. Schedule this early — no license (temporary or permanent) will issue until you've passed it.
After all components are received, the Board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Check the Georgia Composite Medical Board website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $150 |
| Renewal | $105 (every 2 years) |
Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting. Many staffing agencies, including Fusion Medical Staffing, offer licensure reimbursement programs to help offset these expenses.
Temporary License
Georgia does not issue temporary respiratory therapy licenses. Your permanent license must be fully issued before you can begin working on assignment. Travelers should plan their start dates accordingly and allow the full processing window before their expected first day.
Processing Time
Georgia respiratory therapist endorsement applications typically take 4-12 weeks to process. The timeline is subject to moderate variability depending on the completeness of your application and external factors.
In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 4 weeks (application received complete, verification obtained within 1 week, background clear, board review immediate).
Common sources of delay:
- Board processes applications on rolling basis; no published expedited track means standard 4-12 week timeline applies regardless of urgency
- License verification from previous state (via NBRC or direct) can take 2-4 weeks; delays here cascade to Georgia board review
- Incomplete applications are returned for resubmission, resetting the clock; common errors include missing CE documentation or unclear license history
- Background check completion is required before board review; any discrepancies or delays in fingerprinting extend overall timeline by 2-3 weeks
Georgia 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.
Continuing Education
Georgia requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for respiratory therapist license renewal.
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Georgia may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $105 via Georgia Composite Medical Board portal
- Renewal timing: Prior to the last day of the licensee's birth month.
- Traveler tip: Track your Georgia license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Georgia Composite Medical Board
Board Website·Application Portal
Phone: (404) 656-3913
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Please note that while Fusion Medical Staffing strives to provide the most current and accurate information, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Requirements and processes can change frequently. Healthcare professionals are strongly encouraged to verify details directly with Georgia Composite Medical Board's official website.
Resources
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Breathe in through your nose, hold, and exhale through your mouth. Repeat at least twice a day, as needed.
