Tennessee Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide

Tennessee Respiratory Therapist License Overview

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

How to Get a Tennessee Respiratory Therapist License by Endorsement

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.

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

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

Tennessee Respiratory Therapist License Fees

Endorsement application: from our records; confirm with the board.

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Tennessee Temporary Respiratory Therapist 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)

Issuance timeline:

• Complete endorsement application received and verified by Tennessee board
• Initial eligibility screening passed (license status confirmed, NBRC credential validated)
• The result of a criminal background check, sent to the Board directly from the vendor named in the licensure application materials

Denial risks:

• Application found to be incomplete or containing false information after initial screening

Important for travelers: A temporary license always becomes invalid when a permanent license is issued. If the endorsement application is withdrawn or abandoned, the temporary license expires immediately. Failure to maintain continuing education requirements (if imposed as a condition of temporary practice) may trigger revocation.

Tennessee Respiratory Therapist License Processing Time

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

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: the board meets four times a year, and an application that needs Board review must reach the board office at least 14 days before a scheduled meeting or it is set over to the next one
• 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 offers an expedited processing option: only for military members and military spouses, who file the board's expedited licensure declaration (military member) or form (military spouse) with the application.

Tennessee Respiratory Therapist Continuing Education

Contact the Tennessee Board of Respiratory Care for current continuing education requirements.

Tennessee Respiratory Therapist License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring on the last day of the month of the licensee's birthday month — $75

Tennessee Licensing Board and Resources

Tennessee Board of Respiratory Care

Board Website · Application Portal