New Jersey Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$285
Renewal: $160 · Temp license available
Credential
NBRC
Required national certification
Renewal
30 hours
Every 2 years
Overview
New Jersey does not participate in an interstate compact for respiratory therapy. Travelers must obtain an individual New Jersey license through the endorsement process before practicing in the state, regardless of what licenses they hold elsewhere.
Endorsement Process
New Jersey uses an online via newjersey.mylicense.com (mylicense / egov portal); applicants must also submit fingerprint-based criminal history background check per board notice endorsement process for respiratory therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $285 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application via New Jersey 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. New Jersey 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 New Jersey Respiratory Therapy 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: New Jersey requires a mandatory Respiratory Therapy Jurisprudence Examination covering New Jersey-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 New Jersey Respiratory Therapy Board website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $285 |
| Renewal | $160 (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
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. For travelers, this is often the fastest path to starting an assignment.
Processing Time
New Jersey 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 3-4 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
New Jersey 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
New Jersey requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for respiratory therapist license renewal.
- First renewal: New licensees may qualify for reduced CE requirements during their first renewal cycle
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — New Jersey may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- 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
- Traveler tip: Track your New Jersey license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
New Jersey Respiratory Therapy Board
Board Website·Application Portal·License Verification
Phone: (973) 504-6485
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 New Jersey Respiratory Therapy Board's official website.
Resources
If you’re a respiratory therapist, you already know how special your job is. But what if you’re itching to take your skills on the road, gain experien
Ever heard of a certified respiratory therapist, aka CRT? What about a registered respiratory therapist (RRT)? Pillars to the healthcare system, these
Breathe in through your nose, hold, and exhale through your mouth. Repeat at least twice a day, as needed.
