Virginia Respiratory Therapist License
Virginia Board of Medicine — RT
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- NBRC Credential Verification — Official verification of CRT or RRT status sent directly from the NBRC. NBRC Website
- Official Transcripts — Transcripts from an accredited respiratory therapy program showing degree conferral.
- Form B (Employment Activity Questionnaire) — Verification of professional activity for the 2 years immediately preceding the application.
- NPDB Self-Query Report — Required only for applicants who have been licensed in another jurisdiction. Start NPDB Query
How to Apply
-
Obtain NBRC Credential ▾Pass the entry-level examination administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) to earn your CRT or RRT credential.
Visit NBRC -
Submit Online Application ▾Complete the online application for initial licensure through the Virginia Department of Health Professions (DHP) portal.
Apply Online -
Pay Application Fee ▾Pay the non-refundable application fee of $130 using a credit or debit card during the online application process.
-
Request NBRC Verification ▾Request that the NBRC send official verification of your CRT or RRT credential directly to the Virginia Board of Medicine.
Request NBRC Verification -
Submit Official Transcripts ▾Have your accredited respiratory therapy educational program send official transcripts directly to the Board.
-
Submit Form B (Employment Verification) ▾Forward 'Form B' to all places of professional employment or volunteer service for the past 2 years to verify your practice history.
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
-
Online Application ▾Select the 'Initial Application' path in the DHP portal; Virginia does not have a separate reciprocity application.
Start Application -
NPDB Self-Query ▾Order a self-query report from the National Practitioner Data Bank and submit the original results to the Board.
Order NPDB Report -
License Verification ▾Request official verification from every jurisdiction where you have ever held a healthcare license.
-
Active Practice Requirement ▾If you have not practiced for 3+ years, you must show at least 160 hours of professional practice in the 24 months preceding application.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Virginia Board of Medicine — RT
Keeping Your License Active
Virginia Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Virginia Board of Medicine — RT for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Visit 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
Application Expiration
▾
Incomplete applications expire 180 days after submission. If expired, you must re-apply and pay the fee again.
Third-Party Document Delays
▾
Waiting for NBRC verifications or out-of-state license verifications is the most common cause of delay.
NPDB Report Processing
▾
For endorsement applicants, failing to provide the original NPDB report or waiting for its delivery can stall the process.
Questions
Does Virginia issue temporary licenses for Respiratory Therapists?
▾
No. Virginia does not issue temporary licenses; you must wait for full licensure approval before beginning practice.
How often must I renew my Virginia RT license?
▾
Licenses are renewed biennially (every two years) during your birth month in odd-numbered years.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements?
▾
Licensees must complete 20 hours of CE every two years, approved by the AARC or AMA Category 1 CME.
Is there a fingerprinting requirement for RTs in Virginia?
▾
No, the Virginia Board of Medicine does not currently require fingerprints for Respiratory Therapist licensure.
Does Virginia have reciprocity with other states?
▾
No. All applicants must meet Virginia's specific education and examination requirements regardless of out-of-state licensure.