Vermont Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide

Vermont Respiratory Therapist License Overview

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

How to Get a Vermont Respiratory Therapist License by Endorsement

How Respiratory Therapists already licensed in another state apply in Vermont: Online, through your OPR Online Services account. If you have held an active license in good standing in another state for at least the 3 years before you apply, you can use Vermont's Fast-Track Endorsement (3 V.S.A. § 136a). You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $115 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application via Vermont 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 Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR). Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

Check the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) website for status updates on your application.

Vermont 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.

Vermont Temporary Respiratory Therapist License

Vermont issues temporary respiratory therapy licenses valid for up to 100 days, allowing Respiratory Therapists to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed.

Eligibility requirements:

• Hold valid Respiratory Therapist license from another U.S. state or possess current NBRC certification
• Application for permanent license must be submitted concurrently with temporary license request

Issuance timeline:

• Complete endorsement application received via Vermont board portal
• Proof of valid out-of-state license or current NBRC certification provided

Denial risks:

• Failure to submit permanent endorsement application concurrently

Important for travelers: Temporary license automatically expires when permanent license is issued or application is denied. The temporary license lets you practice only until you take the next examination and your qualification is determined, or until the data for licensure without examination are collected and ruled on by the Director. Temporary license does not authorize independent practice; must work under supervision of licensed respiratory care practitioner at all times.

Vermont Respiratory Therapist License Processing Time

Vermont Respiratory Therapist endorsement applications typically take 5 business days to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 10-12 business days if application is complete, background check clears immediately, and no verification delays occur.

Common sources of delay:

• Vermont board meets monthly; applications submitted after meeting cutoff must wait for next monthly review cycle, adding 2-4 weeks to processing
• Background check processing through Vermont State Police can take 3-6 weeks independently, even after application is approved, delaying final license issuance
• NBRC verification requests sometimes encounter delays when previous state board is slow to respond; direct verification adds 1-2 weeks to timeline

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation'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.

Vermont Respiratory Therapist Continuing Education

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

Vermont Respiratory Therapist License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring by November 30th of even numbered years — $275

Vermont Licensing Board and Resources

Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR)

Board Website · Application Portal