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Tennessee Respiratory Therapist License

Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners — RT

Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the accredited respiratory care program to the Board.
  • NBRC Verification — Official proof of RRT credential sent directly from NBRC.
  • Declaration of Citizenship (PH-4183) — A notarized form confirming citizenship or legal residency status. Download PH-4183
  • Practitioner Profile Questionnaire (PH-3585) — Mandatory profile for health care providers in Tennessee. Download PH-3585
  • Passport-Style Photo — A recent color photograph taken within the last 12 months.

How to Apply

  1. Obtain NBRC Credentials ▾
    Successfully pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination and the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
    Visit NBRC
  2. Create a LARS Account ▾
    Register for an account on the Tennessee Licensure and Regulatory System (LARS) portal to begin your online application.
    Register on LARS
  3. Submit Initial Application ▾
    Complete the online application for Respiratory Care Therapist (Registered) and pay the non-refundable fee (approximately $160).
    Start Application
  4. Request Official Transcripts ▾
    Contact your educational institution to have official transcripts sent directly to the Board of Respiratory Care office.
  5. Verify NBRC Credentials ▾
    Request that the NBRC send official verification of your RRT credential directly to the Tennessee Board.
    Request Verification
  6. Complete Criminal Background Check ▾
    Register with IdentoGO for digital fingerprinting. Use the specific service code provided in the application instructions for the Department of Health.
    Schedule Fingerprinting
  7. Submit Mandatory Documents ▾
    Upload or mail the Declaration of Citizenship (PH-4183) and the Mandatory Practitioner Profile Questionnaire (PH-3585).
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.
Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Verify Out-of-State License ▾
    Request official verification of licensure from every state where you have ever held a license, to be sent directly to the Tennessee Board.
  2. Provide Proof of Continuing Education ▾
    Endorsement applicants must provide proof of completing 12 hours of continuing education in the previous calendar year.
  3. Submit Endorsement Application ▾
    Apply via the LARS portal or use the paper application PH-3117, selecting the 'Reciprocity' or 'Endorsement' option.
    Apply via LARS
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners — RT

Keeping Your License Active

Tennessee Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners — RT for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$100
Endorsement application$100
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal50.0

Slow Downs

Third-Party Document Delays ▾
Waiting for transcripts or NBRC verifications to be sent directly from the source is the most common cause of delay.
Incomplete Background Checks ▾
Failure to use the correct service code or complete the fingerprinting process promptly can stall the application for weeks.
Missing Citizenship Documentation ▾
The Declaration of Citizenship must be notarized and accompanied by copies of required identification (e.g., Driver's License or Passport).

Questions

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Board Info

Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners — RT
Phone(615) 532-3204
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25