Pennsylvania Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$30
Renewal: $25 · Temp license available
Credential
NBRC
Required national certification
Renewal
30 hours
Every 2 years
Overview
Pennsylvania does not participate in an interstate compact for respiratory therapy. Travelers must obtain an individual Pennsylvania license through the endorsement process before practicing in the state, regardless of what licenses they hold elsewhere.
Endorsement Process
Pennsylvania 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 $30 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application via Pennsylvania 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. Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine (Respiratory Care Program). 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: Pennsylvania requires a mandatory Respiratory Therapy Jurisprudence Examination covering Pennsylvania-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 Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine (Respiratory Care Program) website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $30 |
| Renewal | $25 (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
Pennsylvania issues temporary respiratory therapy licenses valid for 12 months (extendable at Board discretion); expires immediately if applicant fails the NBRC entry level credentialing examination, 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
Pennsylvania 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 in batches; submitting after the monthly review cutoff adds 4-6 week wait
- NBRC verification requests can take 1-2 weeks if the applicant's home state requires manual board-to-board confirmation
- Incomplete applications requiring resubmission (missing CE documentation, unclear license history) create 2-3 week delays
Pennsylvania 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
Pennsylvania 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 — Pennsylvania may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring by December 31st of even-numbered years — $25
- Late penalty: $5 per month (or part of a month) of practice beyond the renewal date, in addition to the renewal fee
- Traveler tip: Track your Pennsylvania license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine (Respiratory Care Program)
Board Website·Application Portal·License Verification
Phone: 833-367-2762
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 Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine (Respiratory Care Program)'s official website.
Resources
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