North Carolina Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide

North Carolina Respiratory Therapist License Overview

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

How to Get a North Carolina Respiratory Therapist License by Endorsement

North Carolina 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 $175 application fee.

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

Check the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board website for status updates on your application.

North Carolina 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.

North Carolina Temporary Respiratory Therapist License

We have not found a temporary license option on the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board's site. Confirm with the board before planning a start date.

North Carolina Respiratory Therapist License Processing Time

North Carolina Respiratory Therapist endorsement applications typically take as little as 1 hour to process. The board says a license by reciprocity (its endorsement route) can be issued in as little as one hour during the work week, though it can take longer in rare cases. An initial license for new graduates may take a week or more.

Common sources of delay:

• Board applications submitted after monthly cutoff date must wait for next board meeting; typical delay 2-3 weeks
• Incomplete NBRC verification records require manual board follow-up and can add 1-2 weeks to processing
• Background check delays from NC state system; board does not accept FBI fingerprinting alternatives
• Missing or illegible documentation of CE hours from previous state slows verification phase by 1-2 weeks

We have not found an expedited processing option on the North Carolina Respiratory Care 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.

North Carolina Respiratory Therapist Continuing Education

North Carolina requires 12 contact hours of continuing education every year for Respiratory Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

North Carolina Respiratory Therapist License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every year — $75 via North Carolina Respiratory Care Board portal
• Renewal timing: Prior to the last day of the month in which initial licensure was granted.

North Carolina Licensing Board and Resources

North Carolina Respiratory Care Board

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: (919) 878-5595

Email: [email protected]