Tennessee Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
6-8 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$160
Renewal: $75 · Temp license available
Credential
NBRC
Required national certification
Renewal
See details
Every 2 years
Overview
Tennessee does not participate in an interstate compact for respiratory therapy. Travelers must obtain an individual Tennessee license through the endorsement process before practicing in the state, regardless of what licenses they hold elsewhere.
Endorsement Process
Tennessee 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 $160 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application via Tennessee 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. Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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: Tennessee requires a mandatory Respiratory Therapy Jurisprudence Examination covering Tennessee-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 Tennessee Respiratory Therapy Board website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $160 |
| Renewal | $75 (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
Tennessee 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.
Eligibility requirements:
- Current unrestricted respiratory therapist license in good standing from another U.S. state or territory
- Completed endorsement application submitted to Tennessee board portal
- Valid NBRC certification (Certified Respiratory Therapist or Registered Respiratory Therapist credential)
- No pending disciplinary actions or license restrictions in the original state
Issuance timeline:
- Complete endorsement application received and verified by Tennessee board
- Initial eligibility screening passed (license status confirmed, NBRC credential validated)
- Background check initiated or cleared (if required)
- Applicant has no disqualifying disciplinary history flagged during preliminary review
Denial risks:
- Active disciplinary action or license restriction in original state
- NBRC credential has expired or is suspended
- Background check reveals disqualifying criminal history
- Application found to be incomplete or containing false information after initial screening
Important for travelers: Temporary license is automatically revoked upon issuance of permanent license or final denial of permanent application. If the endorsement application is withdrawn or abandoned, the temporary license expires immediately. Any disciplinary action initiated during the temporary license period can result in suspension or revocation pending board investigation. Failure to maintain continuing education requirements (if imposed as a condition of temporary practice) may trigger revocation.
Processing Time
Tennessee respiratory therapist endorsement applications typically take 6-8 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 4 weeks (if application is complete, NBRC verification is expedited, and no board review backlog exists).
Common sources of delay:
- Board review cycle: Tennessee board meets monthly; applications submitted after the monthly cutoff may wait 4-6 weeks before review
- Verification delays: NBRC verification or direct board-to-board communication can add 2-3 weeks if the original state is slow to respond
- Missing or incomplete documentation: Endorsement applications missing transcripts, exam scores, or proof of current licensure are rejected and must be resubmitted, adding 3-4 weeks per cycle
- State-specific requirements clarification: Applicants sometimes fail to complete required jurisprudence review or background check components upfront, causing back-and-forth delays
Tennessee 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
Contact the Tennessee Respiratory Therapy Board for current continuing education requirements.
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring on the last day of the month of the licensee's birthday month — $75
- Traveler tip: Track your Tennessee license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
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 Tennessee Respiratory Therapy Board's official website.
Resources
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Breathe in through your nose, hold, and exhale through your mouth. Repeat at least twice a day, as needed.
