Kentucky Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide

Kentucky Respiratory Therapist License Overview

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

How to Get a Kentucky Respiratory Therapist License by Endorsement

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.

1. Submit endorsement application via Kentucky 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 Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

Check the Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care website for status updates on your application.

Kentucky Respiratory Therapist License Fees

Renewal: from our records; confirm with the board.

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Kentucky Temporary Respiratory Therapist 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.

Kentucky Respiratory Therapist License Processing Time

Kentucky Respiratory Therapist endorsement applications typically take 4-6 weeks to process.

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

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

Kentucky Respiratory Therapist Continuing Education

Kentucky requires 24 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Respiratory Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

Kentucky Respiratory Therapist License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $90 via Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care portal
• Renewal timing: Prior to January 30th.

Kentucky Licensing Board and Resources

Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care

Board Website · Application Portal

Phone: (859) 246-2747

Email: [email protected]