Rhode Island Respiratory Therapist License
Rhode Island DOH — RT Licensure
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Completed Application Form — The official RIDOH Respiratory Care Practitioner application including the cover page. Download Form
- Application Fee — $60.00 check or money order made payable to 'RI General Treasurer'.
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the educational institution to the Board.
- NBRC Score Report — Official verification of CRT or RRT status sent directly from the NBRC.
- Birth Certificate — An original or notarized copy of your birth certificate.
How to Apply
-
Complete Education ▾Graduate from a respiratory therapy program accredited by CoARC or CAAHEP.
Find Accredited Programs -
Pass NBRC Examination ▾Successfully pass the CRT or RRT examination provided by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
NBRC Website -
Submit Application ▾Complete the Respiratory Care Practitioner application form and mail it to the Rhode Island Department of Health with the $60 fee.
Download Application PDF -
Request Transcripts ▾Have your official college transcripts sent directly from your school to the Rhode Island Board of Respiratory Care.
-
Verify NBRC Credentials ▾Request that the NBRC send your official test scores and certification directly to the Board.
Request NBRC Verification -
Background Check ▾Obtain a state and/or national background check (BCI) through the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office.
BCI Information
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Respiratory Therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current certification.
Steps
-
Submit Endorsement Application ▾Complete the standard application form, checking the 'Endorsement' box.
Download Application -
License Verification ▾Submit an Interstate Verification Form for every state where you hold or have held a license.
-
Provide NBRC and Education Proof ▾Ensure NBRC scores and official transcripts are sent directly to the Board.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Rhode Island DOH — RT Licensure
Keeping Your License Active
Rhode Island Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Rhode Island DOH — RT Licensure for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Endorsement application | $100 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Missing Transcripts
▾
Transcripts must be sent directly from the school; student copies are not accepted.
Incomplete Background Check
▾
Failure to complete the BCI process or provide the required fingerprinting can stall the application.
Out-of-State Verification
▾
Waiting for other state boards to return the Interstate Verification Form often causes delays.
Questions
How many CE hours are required for renewal?
▾
12 hours of continuing education are required every two years, with at least 2 hours in ethics.
When does my license expire?
▾
All respiratory therapist licenses in Rhode Island expire biennially on September 1st.
Is there a limit on online CE hours?
▾
Yes, a maximum of 6 hours of continuing education may be obtained through online or home-study courses.
Can I practice while my application is pending?
▾
New graduates may apply for 'Graduate Status' which allows practice under supervision for up to 90 days while awaiting exam results.