West Virginia Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
1-3 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$200
Renewal: $55
Credential
NBRC
Required national certification
CE Required
20 hours
Every 1 year
Overview
West Virginia does not participate in an interstate compact for respiratory therapy. Travelers must obtain an individual West Virginia license through the endorsement process before practicing in the state, regardless of what licenses they hold elsewhere.
Endorsement Process
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.
- Submit endorsement application via West 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. West 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 West 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 West Virginia Respiratory Therapy Board website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $200 |
| Renewal | $55 (every 1 year) |
| Fingerprinting | Background check required for new applicants effective June 12, 2026 (HB 5015); fingerprinting/background-check vendor fee not disclosed in published board materials — verify with board |
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
West 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
West Virginia respiratory therapist endorsement applications typically take 1-3 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 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
West 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
West 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 — West Virginia may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $55
- Renewal timing: All licenses expire annually at midnight on December 31; renewal opens November 1.
- Traveler tip: Track your West Virginia license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
West Virginia Respiratory Therapy Board
Board Website·Application Portal·License Verification
Phone: 304-558-1382
Email: [email protected]
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 West 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.
