Virginia Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide

Virginia Respiratory Therapist License Overview

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

How to Get a Virginia Respiratory Therapist License by Endorsement

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.

1. Submit endorsement application via Virginia 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 Virginia Board of Medicine. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

Check the Virginia Board of Medicine website for status updates on your application.

Virginia Respiratory Therapist License Fees

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Virginia Temporary Respiratory Therapist License

Virginia offers a temporary authorization to practice valid for 90 days, 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:

• Your employer must be a licensed hospital, nursing home, assisted living facility, dialysis facility, the Virginia Department of Health or a local health department that has contracted with you or offered you a job
• You hold an active, unencumbered license in another state or the District of Columbia, which your employer verifies
• Your employer or contractor obtains a report from the National Practitioner Data Bank if you are subject to reporting

Issuance timeline:

• Before your first day, your employer notifies the board that you are employed or under contract and will practice under the temporary authorization
• If you have applied for your Virginia license, the board must expedite it while you practice under the authorization

Denial risks:

• Your employer or contractor cannot verify that you hold an active and unencumbered license in another state or the District of Columbia

Important for travelers: If your Virginia license is still pending after 90 days, the authorization can be extended once, for 60 more days, when your employer notifies the board. While you practice under the temporary authorization you are subject to Virginia's laws and regulations and to disciplinary action by the board.

Virginia Respiratory Therapist License Processing Time

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

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 offers an expedited processing option: the board must expedite your application while you practice under the 90-day temporary authorization.

Virginia Respiratory Therapist Continuing Education

Virginia requires 20 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Respiratory Therapist license renewal.

Virginia Respiratory Therapist License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $135
• Renewal timing: During your birth month in each odd-numbered year.

Virginia Licensing Board and Resources

Virginia Board of Medicine

Board Website · License Verification