New Jersey Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide

New Jersey Respiratory Therapist License Overview

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

How to Get a New Jersey Respiratory Therapist License by Endorsement

How Respiratory Therapists already licensed in another state apply in New Jersey: Online via newjersey.mylicense.com (MyLicense / eGov portal); applicants must also submit fingerprint-based criminal history background check per Board notice. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $285 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application via New Jersey 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.

Background check: Mandatory fingerprint-based criminal history background check; applicant receives fingerprinting instructions after submitting the online application; results may take several weeks. Submit your fingerprinting authorization as early as possible.

Check the New Jersey Respiratory Therapy Board website for status updates on your application.

New Jersey 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.

New Jersey Temporary Respiratory Therapist License

New Jersey issues temporary respiratory therapy licenses valid for 1 year, renewable for one additional 1-year period (six-month temporary license also available), allowing Respiratory Therapists to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed.

New Jersey Respiratory Therapist License Processing Time

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

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 3-4 weeks if application is complete, prior state verification arrives immediately, and no background issues exist.

Common sources of delay:

• Board processes applications in batches; applications submitted mid-cycle wait longer within the 4-6 week window
• Missing or incomplete license verification from prior state prolongs board review — NBRC verification can take 1-2 weeks alone
• Failure to submit complete CE documentation or CE transcripts from prior state triggers request for clarification, adding 1-2 weeks
• Background check delays at state level (not board-specific) can extend processing beyond 6 weeks if flagged for review

We have not found an expedited processing option on the New Jersey Respiratory Therapy Board'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.

New Jersey Respiratory Therapist Continuing Education

New Jersey requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Respiratory Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

• First renewal: New licensees may qualify for reduced CE requirements during their first renewal cycle

New Jersey Respiratory Therapist License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $160 via the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs MyLicense portal (newjersey.mylicense.com)
• Renewal timing: Every 2 years from date of initial licensure.
• Late penalty: $100 late fee within 30 days of expiration, and license auto-suspended without hearing after 30 days, and reinstatement fee $175 after the 30-day grace period

New Jersey Licensing Board and Resources

New Jersey Respiratory Therapy Board

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: (973) 504-6485

Email: [email protected]