Tennessee Respiratory Therapist License Requirements
- Respiratory therapists applying for an initial Tennessee CRT or RRT license
- Out-of-state RTs seeking Tennessee licensure by endorsement
- Travel respiratory therapists planning Tennessee assignments
- CRT-licensed practitioners in Tennessee seeking to upgrade to RRT
- Respiratory therapy graduates awaiting NBRC exam results who need a temporary license
Tennessee Respiratory Therapist License — At a Glance
| Credential Name | Licensed Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Licensed Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) |
| Governing Agency | Tennessee Board of Respiratory Care, Tennessee Department of Health |
| NBRC Requirement | CRT or RRT credential from NBRC — both accepted; determines license level (no separate state exam) |
| Application Fee | $50 total ($25 application fee + $25 license fee) per Rules 1330-01-.06, effective June 24, 2024 |
| Available Pathways | Initial licensure (examination); endorsement (out-of-state); temporary license (graduates awaiting exam); CRT-to-RRT upgrade |
| Application Method | Online via LARS (lars.tn.gov) or paper application |
| Processing Time | Approximately 6 weeks once complete; incomplete files closed after 60 days |
| Background Check | Fingerprint-based criminal background check required (OCA: RRT=3747, CRT=3750) |
| Education | CoARC/CAAHEP-accredited respiratory care program; transcripts mailed directly from institution to Board |
| Jurisprudence Exam | None required |
| Interstate Compact | None — Tennessee is not a member of the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact as of June 2026; verify current status at respiratorycarecompact.org |
| Governing Law | TCA Title 63, Chapter 27 (Respiratory Care Practitioner Act); Rules Chapter 1330-01 |
Tennessee licenses respiratory therapists at two distinct levels — the Licensed Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and the Licensed Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) — matching the NBRC credential structure. Which license you receive depends on which NBRC credential you hold: the CRT examination qualifies you for CRT licensure, and the RRT examination qualifies you for RRT licensure. Tennessee also issues a temporary license for graduates who have completed their education but not yet passed the NBRC exam, providing a pathway to begin supervised practice while results are pending.
Applications are processed online through Tennessee’s Licensure and Regulatory System (LARS). A fingerprint-based criminal background check is required for all initial applicants, and a Declaration of Citizenship form must be submitted alongside the application. Transcripts must be sent directly from the educational institution to the Board — the Board will not accept applicant-submitted transcripts.
What Makes Tennessee Different
Tennessee’s dual-license structure is one of its most distinctive features. Rather than issuing a single “respiratory therapist” license and treating CRT and RRT as credential designations, Tennessee issues separate licenses tied to NBRC credential level. A CRT-licensed Tennessee practitioner who later earns their RRT must apply for a formal upgrade — there’s a specific upgrade pathway in the Board rules (1330-01-.21) with its own fee.
Tennessee also stands out for its specialty endorsement system. In addition to the base license, Tennessee offers endorsements to perform arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis and to provide polysomnographic services. These endorsements require separate applications and proof of training or NBRC certification in those specialty areas.
On the compact front, Tennessee is not currently a member of the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact (RCIC). Compact privileges from other RCIC member states do not currently apply in Tennessee. Verify current RCIC membership status at respiratorycarecompact.org before making any assignment decisions that depend on compact privileges.
Tennessee Respiratory Therapist Licensure Requirements
NBRC Credential
Tennessee requires an NBRC credential as a condition of licensure. The credential level determines which Tennessee license is issued: passage of the CRT examination qualifies an applicant for licensure as a Licensed Certified Respiratory Therapist; passage of the RRT examination qualifies an applicant for licensure as a Licensed Registered Respiratory Therapist. No separate Tennessee state examination is required. Source: Tennessee Board of Respiratory Care
Education
Applicants must have graduated from a respiratory care educational program accredited by CoARC or otherwise recognized under Tennessee law (TCA §63-27-105(b) references CAAHEP in collaboration with CoARC, or their successor organizations). Official transcripts must be mailed directly from the educational institution to the Board at 665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor, Nashville, TN 37243. Source: Tennessee Board of Respiratory Care
Background Check and Citizenship
Tennessee requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check for all initial licensure applicants. The Board’s FAQ page provides specific OCA tracking codes by license type: RRT applicants use OCA code 3747, and CRT applicants use OCA code 3750. Out-of-state applicants receive a fingerprint card by mail upon receipt of their application. All applicants must also submit a signed Declaration of Citizenship form (Form PH-4183) attesting to U.S. citizenship or lawful presence. Source: Tennessee Department of Health — Criminal Background Check
Endorsement for Out-of-State Applicants
Tennessee accepts applications for licensure by endorsement from practitioners currently licensed in another state. Endorsement applicants pay a verification fee (currently $15 per 1330-01-.06) in addition to the standard application fee. Verification of the out-of-state license is sent directly from the originating state to the Board. Contact the Board at 615-532-5090 or Unit3HRB.Health@tn.gov to confirm current endorsement requirements before applying. Source: Tennessee Board of Respiratory Care
Temporary License
Tennessee issues a temporary license for graduates who have completed their respiratory care education but have not yet passed the NBRC examination. The temporary license allows supervised practice while awaiting exam results. Requirements are governed by Board Rule 1330-01-.14. Source: Tennessee Board of Respiratory Care
Specialty Endorsements
Tennessee offers two specialty endorsements beyond the base license. The ABG (Arterial Blood Gas) Endorsement, governed by Rule 1330-01-.22, authorizes endorsement holders to perform blood gas analysis. The Polysomnography Services Endorsement, governed by Rule 1330-01-.24, requires completion of a sleep facility internship (with letter from instructor or medical director) or NBRC sleep disorder certification, or NBRPT certification as a registered polysomnographic technologist, along with a completed endorsement application (Form 4110). Source: Tennessee Board of Respiratory Care
CRT to RRT Upgrade
Tennessee CRT licensees who subsequently earn the RRT credential may apply for an upgrade to RRT licensure through a formal upgrade process under Rule 1330-01-.21. An upgrade fee applies (currently $20 upgrade fee + $10 state regulatory fee per the November 2025 rules). Contact the Board to confirm current upgrade requirements and fee before applying.
How to Apply for a Tennessee Respiratory Therapist License
- Visit LARS (lars.tn.gov) to begin the online application
- Complete all application questions truthfully and completely — incomplete files are closed after 60 days from a deficiency notice
- Pay the $50 total application fee ($25 application fee + $25 license fee) via credit card, debit card, or e-check; paper applications require check or money order made payable to the Board of Respiratory Care
- Arrange for your CoARC/CAAHEP-accredited program to mail official transcripts directly to the Board at 665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor, Nashville, TN 37243
- Arrange for NBRC to send your credential verification directly to the Board
- Complete the fingerprint-based background check using your OCA code (RRT: 3747; CRT: 3750) per the instructions at tn.gov criminal background check instructions; out-of-state applicants receive a fingerprint card by mail
- Submit the signed Declaration of Citizenship form (Form PH-4183)
- If applying by endorsement, arrange for your current licensing state to send license verification directly to the Board
- Complete and submit the Mandatory Practitioner Profile Questionnaire (Form 3585)
- Monitor your application status through LARS; contact the Board at 615-532-5090 with questions
Practical Notes
- Your license level matches your NBRC credential. Tennessee doesn’t issue a single RT license with CRT or RRT as a credential notation — it issues two distinct licenses. If you hold a CRT and later earn your RRT, you need to formally upgrade your Tennessee license. Plan for that step if career advancement is on your roadmap.
- The fingerprint background check has specific OCA codes. Use the correct code for your license type (RRT: 3747; CRT: 3750) or your background check results won’t be matched to your application. Out-of-state applicants: wait for the Board to mail you a fingerprint card rather than initiating one on your own.
- The 60-day file closure rule is strict. If the Board sends a deficiency notice and you don’t respond with all missing documents within 60 days, your application file is closed. You’d need to start over. Track every outstanding document and follow up with outside entities promptly.
- Compact membership is not yet active in Tennessee. Tennessee is not currently an RCIC member as of June 2026. If you’re planning a Tennessee assignment based on compact privileges from another state, confirm current Tennessee RCIC status at respiratorycarecompact.org before committing to a contract.
- ABG and polysomnography endorsements are real pathways. If your Tennessee practice involves blood gas analysis or sleep studies, confirm whether your employer requires the corresponding endorsement. These are separate applications with their own requirements.
Relevant Statutes and Regulations
- Tennessee Board of Respiratory Care — Board page (statutes, rules, CE policy)
- Tennessee criminal background check instructions for health professionals
- LARS — Tennessee Licensure and Regulatory System
Related Pages
- Tennessee Respiratory Therapist License Renewal Guide
- Respiratory Care Practitioner Licensing by State — Complete Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Tennessee license to practice respiratory therapy in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee law makes it unlawful to practice or offer to practice respiratory care without a license. Both the CRT and RRT levels require separate Tennessee licensure from the Board of Respiratory Care. Source: Tennessee Board of Respiratory Care
What is the difference between a Tennessee CRT and RRT license?
Tennessee issues two separate respiratory care licenses corresponding to NBRC credential level. The Licensed Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) license requires passage of the NBRC CRT examination. The Licensed Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) license requires passage of the NBRC RRT examination. If you hold a Tennessee CRT license and subsequently earn your RRT, you must apply for a formal upgrade through the Board. Source: Tennessee Board of Respiratory Care
What background check is required for Tennessee RT licensure?
Tennessee requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check for all initial licensure applicants. OCA tracking codes are assigned by license type: RRT applicants use OCA 3747 and CRT applicants use OCA 3750. Out-of-state applicants receive a fingerprint card by mail after the Board receives their application. Instructions are available at tn.gov/health/health-professionals/criminal-background-check.
Is there a temporary license available in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee issues a temporary license for graduates who have completed their respiratory care education but have not yet passed the NBRC examination. The temporary license permits supervised practice while awaiting exam results. Requirements are governed by Board Rule 1330-01-.14. Source: Tennessee Board of Respiratory Care
Does Tennessee participate in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact?
Tennessee is not currently a member of the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact (RCIC) as of June 2026. Compact privileges from other RCIC states do not apply in Tennessee. Verify current RCIC membership status at respiratorycarecompact.org before making assignment decisions based on compact privileges.
Does Tennessee require a jurisprudence exam?
No jurisprudence examination was identified in the Tennessee Board of Respiratory Care rules, statutes, or application materials reviewed as of June 2026. Source: Tennessee Board of Respiratory Care
How long does Tennessee RT license processing take?
Processing takes approximately 6 weeks once the application file is complete. Applications with missing documents are held open for 60 days from the deficiency notice — after which the file is closed and the applicant must reapply. The 6-week estimate begins only after all required documents have been received. Source: Tennessee Board of Respiratory Care