West Virginia Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide

West Virginia Respiratory Therapist License Overview

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

How to Get a West Virginia Respiratory Therapist License by Endorsement

West 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 $200 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application via West 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.

Background check: State and national criminal history record check required for all NEW applicants effective June 12, 2026 (HB 5015). Start it as early as possible.

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

West Virginia Respiratory Therapist License Fees

Fingerprinting: from our records; confirm with the board.

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

West Virginia Temporary Respiratory Therapist License

West Virginia issues temporary respiratory therapy licenses, but they are only for students enrolled in an approved respiratory care program (the Student Temporary Permit). Otherwise, plan your start date around the full processing time.

West Virginia Respiratory Therapist License Processing Time

West Virginia Respiratory Therapist endorsement applications typically take 1-3 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 7-10 days if application is complete, verification already on file, and board meeting is imminent.

Common sources of delay:

• Board meets monthly and applications submitted after the monthly deadline must wait 4-6 weeks for next meeting
• Verification requests to other states via NBRC can take 2-3 weeks if manual follow-up is required
• Missing or incomplete jurisprudence exam completion delays board review by 1-2 weeks

We have not found an expedited processing option on the West Virginia Board of Respiratory Care'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.

West Virginia Respiratory Therapist Continuing Education

West Virginia requires 20 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Respiratory Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

West Virginia Respiratory Therapist License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $55 early renewal rate (November 1-30); $65 from December 1-31
• Renewal timing: All licenses expire annually at midnight on December 31; renewal opens November 1.

West Virginia Licensing Board and Resources

West Virginia Board of Respiratory Care

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: 304-558-1382

Email: [email protected]