Rhode Island Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide

Rhode Island Respiratory Therapist License Overview

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

How to Get a Rhode Island Respiratory Therapist License by Endorsement

Rhode Island 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 $60 application fee.

1. Submit the endorsement application to the Board on the forms the Department of Health provides
2. Request verification of licensure in good standing from every state where you hold or have held a respiratory care practitioner license (can run concurrently)
3. Complete any state-specific requirements (background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

License verification: Verification of licensure in good standing from all states where the applicant holds or has held a respiratory care practitioner license (submitted directly to RI Department of Health). Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Confirm the current fingerprinting and background check steps with the Rhode Island Board of Respiratory Care. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

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

Rhode Island Respiratory Therapist License Fees

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Rhode Island Temporary Respiratory Therapist License

Rhode Island issues temporary respiratory therapy licenses, 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.

The permit lasts until you are licensed; if the Board does not grant the license when it reviews your application, the permit ends when you are notified.

Eligibility requirements:

• Be licensed or otherwise regulated in another state, territory or the District of Columbia and have applied for a Rhode Island license; with the Division's authorization you then practice under the supervision of a qualified, licensed respiratory care practitioner

Issuance timeline:

• The Division sends an authorization after you have applied for a Rhode Island license

Denial risks:

• Temporary license may be denied if supervision requirement cannot be met at assignment site
• Not available unless you are licensed or otherwise regulated in another state, territory or the District of Columbia and have applied for a Rhode Island license

Important for travelers: Temporary license revocation risk is high if supervision is not maintained at work site, as rules explicitly reference supervision requirement. Temporary license may be revoked if full endorsement application is denied during processing.

Rhode Island Respiratory Therapist License Processing Time

Rhode Island Respiratory Therapist endorsement applications typically take 6-8 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 10-12 days (application submitted at start of board review cycle, prior state verification immediate via NBRC, no background delays).

Common sources of delay:

• Board meets monthly; applications submitted after cutoff date wait until next month's review cycle, adding 2-4 weeks to processing
• Verification from prior state via NBRC can take 1-2 weeks; if direct board verification is required instead, it extends timeline unpredictably
• Background check and any jurisprudence exam requirements must clear sequentially, not in parallel, despite steps 2-3 nominally running concurrent

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Rhode Island 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.

Rhode Island Respiratory Therapist Continuing Education

Rhode Island requires 12 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Respiratory Therapist license renewal.

Rhode Island Respiratory Therapist License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring by September 1st — $60

Rhode Island Licensing Board and Resources

Rhode Island Board of Respiratory Care

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: 401-222-5960

Email: [email protected]