Virginia Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
6-8 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$130
Renewal: $135
Credential
NBRC
Required national certification
CE Required
20 hours
Every 2 years
Overview
Virginia does not participate in an interstate compact for respiratory therapy. Travelers must obtain an individual Virginia license through the endorsement process before practicing in the state, regardless of what licenses they hold elsewhere.
Endorsement Process
Virginia 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 $130 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application via Virginia board portal
- Request license verification from current state (via NBRC or direct) (can run concurrently)
- Complete any state-specific requirements (background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
- Await board review and license issuance
License verification is handled through NBRC or direct board verification. Virginia 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 Virginia 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.
After all components are received, the Board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Check the Virginia Respiratory Therapy Board website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $130 |
| Renewal | $135 (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
Virginia does not issue temporary respiratory therapy licenses. Your permanent license must be fully issued before you can begin working on assignment. Travelers should plan their start dates accordingly and allow the full processing window before their expected first day.
Processing Time
Virginia 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 5-6 weeks (if verification is expedited and application is complete on first submission).
Common sources of delay:
- Board processes applications in batches; applications submitted mid-cycle may experience 4-week delays waiting for next board review window
- License verification from NBRC can add 1-2 weeks if your original state is slow or if records are incomplete
- Missing CE documentation or incomplete application materials force applicant resubmission, adding 2-3 weeks to timeline
Virginia 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
Virginia requires 20 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for respiratory therapist license renewal.
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Virginia may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $135
- Renewal timing: Before the last day of birth month on odd numbered years.
- Traveler tip: Track your Virginia license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Frequently Asked Questions
Last verified: April 15, 2026. 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 Virginia 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.
