Kentucky Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$150
Renewal: $90 · Temp license available
Credential
NBRC
Required national certification
CE Required
24 hours
Every 2 years
Overview
Kentucky does not participate in an interstate compact for respiratory therapy. Travelers must obtain an individual Kentucky license through the endorsement process before practicing in the state, regardless of what licenses they hold elsewhere.
Endorsement Process
Kentucky 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 $150 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application via Kentucky board portal
- Request license verification from current state (via NBRC or direct) (can run concurrently)
- Complete any state-specific requirements (background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
- Await board review and license issuance
License verification is handled through NBRC or direct board verification. Kentucky 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 Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible, since background check processing is one of the most common sources of delay.
After all components are received, the Board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Check the Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $150 |
| Renewal | $90 (every 2 years) |
| Temporary License | $102 |
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
Kentucky issues temporary respiratory therapy licenses valid for 6 months from graduation date or until NBRC credentialing exam is passed (whichever comes first), allowing respiratory therapists to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed. For travelers, this is often the fastest path to starting an assignment.
Processing Time
Kentucky respiratory therapist endorsement applications typically take 4-6 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 3 weeks.
Common sources of delay:
- Board processes applications on a rolling basis; no expedited track means all applications queue equally
- Verification from NBRC or prior state board can take 2-3 weeks if prior state is slow to respond
- Background check and state-specific requirements (if any) must complete sequentially before board review begins
Kentucky 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
Kentucky requires 24 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for respiratory therapist license renewal.
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Kentucky may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $90 via Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care portal
- Renewal timing: Prior to January 30th.
- Traveler tip: Track your Kentucky license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care
Board Website·Application Portal
Phone: (859) 246-2747
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Last verified: April 15, 2026. 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 Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care's official website.
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Breathe in through your nose, hold, and exhale through your mouth. Repeat at least twice a day, as needed.
